Double strand breaks in DNA resulting from double-electron-emission events

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new mechanism for DNA double strand breaks caused by two electrons emitted during water ionization, contributing to understanding radiation damage in cancer therapy.

Contribution

It introduces a novel double-electron emission mechanism for DNA damage, integrating it into multiscale models of ion-beam therapy.

Findings

Qualitative explanation for high DSB yields

Analysis of secondary electron transport

Implications for ion-beam cancer therapy

Abstract

A mechanism of double strand breaking (DSB) in DNA due to the action of two electrons is considered. These are the electrons produced in the vicinity of DNA molecules due to ionization of water molecules with a consecutive emission of two electrons, making such a mechanism possible. This effect qualitatively solves a puzzle of large yields of DSBs following irradiation of DNA molecules. The transport of secondary electrons, including the additional electrons, is studied in relation to the assessment of radiation damage due to incident ions. This work is a stage in the inclusion of Auger mechanism and like effects into the multiscale approach to ion-beam cancer therapy.