Electron Transport Modeling in Biological Tissues: From Water to DNA

Abstract

A proper and reliable description of charged particles interactions in the biological matter remains a critical aspect of radiation research. All the more so when new and better methods for treating cancer through the use of ionizing radiation are emerging on the horizon such as targeted alpha therapy. In this context, Monte Carlo track-structure codes are extremely useful tools to study radiation-induced effects at the atomic scale. In the present work, we review the latest version of CELLDOSE, a homemade Monte Carlo track-structure code devoted to electron dosimetry in biological matter. We report here some recent results concerning the stopping power and penetration range of electrons in water and DNA for impact energies ranging from 10 eV to 10 keV.