Journal of Biomedical Physics and Engineering

Studying Effects of Gold Nanoparticle on Dose Enhancement in Megavoltage Radiation

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

M Khadem Abolfazli 1
S R Mahdavi 2
M Mahdavi 3
Gh Ataei 4

1 Babol medical university

2 Iran Medical university

3 Mazandaran university

4 Babol Medical university

Abstract
Background: Gold nanoparticles are emerging as promising agents for cancer therapy and are being investigated as drug carriers, photothermal agents, contrast agents and radiosensitisers.Objective: The aim of this study is to understand characteristics of secondary electrons generated from interaction of gold nanoparticles GNPs with x-rays as a function of nanoparticle size and beam energy and thereby further understanding of GNP-enhanced radiotherapy. Methods: Effective range, defection angle, dose deposition, energy, and interaction processes of electrons produced from the interaction of x-rays with a GNP were calculated by Monte Carlo simulations. The MCNPX code was used to simulate and track electrons generated from 30 and 50 nm diameter GNP when it is irradiated with a cobalt-60 and 6MV photon and electron beam in water. Results: When a GNP was present, depending on beam types used, secondary electron production increased by 10- to 2000-fold compared to absence of a GNP. Conclusion: GNPs with larger diameters also contributed to more doses.

Keywords

MCNPX Code
Megavoltage Radiotherapy
Gold Nanoparticle
Dose Enhancement
Journal of Biomedical Physics and Engineering
Volume 5, Issue 4 - Serial Number 4
18
November and December 2015

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