Monte Carlo Simulations in Nanoparticle-Enhanced Radiotherapy: Mechanisms, Implications, And Limitations: A Review

Abstract

Indeed, the problem of cancer is still a prominent one, hence a need for highly accurate treatment technologies remains topical. While radiotherapy is commonly known as one of the treatment methods that help control the development of tumours, the effectiveness of the therapy is constrained by the inability to deliver the desired amount of ionising radiation to the target tumour cells while minimising side effects caused by the exposure of neighbouring healthy cells to radiation. It is against such a background that new advances in nanoparticle-enhanced radiotherapy that promise more local energy delivery and increased radiosensitisation have started gaining more prominence in recent years. In this regard, Monte Carlo methods have become an irreplaceable means for modelling of radiation processes, nanoparticle interactions with ionising radiation, secondary electrons generation, and the dose enhancement factor. The present review is dedicated to the problem of nanoparticle-enhanced radiotherapy and is focused on discussing the major enhancement mechanisms, aspects influencing the dose amplification, approaches in the simulations, and the drawbacks of current models, as well as emerging trends in the field of Monte Carlo methods in radiotherapy.