New Radiation Biomarkers Promise Safer Medical Care

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently concluded a significant research project that has enhanced global knowledge regarding the health impacts of ionizing radiation exposure. The initiative centered on the clinical applications of biodosimetry, which utilizes biological indicators to measure the radiation dose an individual has received. This project generated crucial new data that expands the potential of dosimetric biomarkers for accurate patient assessment.

The coordinated research project, known as MEDBIODOSE, began in 2017 and involved 31 institutions worldwide. Participants collected and analyzed patient biodosimetric data, including cytogenetic and molecular markers, to estimate radiation exposure. Over 100 publications emerged from this effort, leading to the identification and validation of several new biomarkers that signal a biological response to radiation. These indicators are vital for predicting how normal tissues respond to radiation procedures and for ensuring patient safety.

Further outcomes include the demonstration that standard biodosimetric methods can detect chromosomal breaks in lymphocytes after a single computed tomography (CT) scan. This finding is particularly relevant for addressing concerns about radiation-induced cancer risks from low-dose CT scans. The project also advanced methods for rapid, and sometimes automated, analysis of radiation biomarkers, contributing to safer and more precise medical radiation practices.