Scientists have unlocked critical insights into how heavy-ion therapy – a precision-focused cancer treatment – destroys tumors at the molecular level, paving the way for more effective radiation strategies. A Physical Review X study led by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Modern Physics (IMP) reveals the cascade of energy transfer processes triggered by heavy-ion beams, resolving a decades-old mystery in radiation biology.
Heavy-ion therapy, used globally to treat over 50,000 patients since its inception, delivers 2-3 times more cancer-killing power per dose than conventional X-rays. IMP researcher Xu Shenyue explains: "Heavy ions cause irreparable DNA breaks in tumors through unique molecular interactions we've now begun to map. This clarity could redefine treatment planning."
The team conducted groundbreaking experiments at Lanzhou's heavy-ion research facility in Gansu province, collaborating with institutions from Russia, Germany, and other Chinese universities. Their discovery of proton transfer chains in irradiated biomolecules explains why heavy-ion beams cause more severe cellular damage than other radiation types.
Co-researcher Ma Xinwen highlights the implications: "Understanding these mechanisms allows us to fine-tune ion beam energy levels for maximum tumor destruction while sparing healthy tissue." The findings could accelerate next-generation radiotherapy techniques, benefiting both patients and healthcare systems.
