First Advisor

Priya Jamkhedkar

Date of Award

Spring 6-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology and University Honors

Department

Biology

Language

English

Subjects

Cancer -- Radiotherapy -- Research

DOI

10.15760/honors.1380

Abstract

This paper is a literature review on the possible mechanisms behind the FLASH effect and why such research can advance the world of radiology treatment by modifying current clinical linear accelerators to produce ultra-high doses of radiation. Radiation Therapy, also known as external Beam Radiation Therapy, is a common type of cancer treatment. Globally, cancer is the second-leading cause of death, but has seen an increase in survival rates over the past couple of years. Cancer can develop in almost any part of the body since cancer is defined as uncontrolled cell growth. The FLASH Effect is seen when treating a tumor with ultra-high dose radiation (UHDR). The sparring of healthy tissue perplexed researchers (and still does) as to why this phenomenon occurs. It is hypothesized that oxygen depletion, the role of the immune system, and interactions with the cell's mitochondria are the reasons why healthy tissue is spared via the use of UHDR. Rat studies and as of this paper, two human studies, have been conducted to analyze the FLASH effect. It has been seen that FLASH has consistently spared healthy tissue and has treated tumor cases that have not previously been treatable with standard treatment.

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In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/40283

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