In silico comparasion of 11 different radioisotopes for palliative treatment of bone metastases

Throughout the years, the palliative treatment of bone metastases using bone seeking radiotracers has been part of the therapeutic resources used in oncology. However, the choice of which bone seeking agent to use is not consensual. Computer simulation is a simple and practical solution to study and to compare a variety of radioisotopes. This study aimed to compare 11 different radioisotopes currently in use or under research. Hence, computational models were used to estimate the percentage of deoxyribonucleic acid damage, the probability of correct DNA repair, and the radiation-induced cellular effects post-irradiation. 223Ra alpha particles, 177Lu beta minus particles, and 170Tm beta minus particles induced the highest cell death of all investigated particles and radioisotopes. The cell survival fraction measured post-irradiation with beta minus particles emitted by 89Sr and 153Sm, was higher than 177Lu beta minus particles and 223Ra alpha particles. Findings reported here may prompt future in vitro and in vivo experiments comparing different radionuclides for palliative treatment of bone metastases.