Cellular and tissue macromolecules in tumor cells within irradiated field

Cellular and tissue macromolecules in tumor cells within irradiated field refers to the collective biological substrates—primarily genomic DNA, structural proteins, and lipid bilayers—that are targeted for destruction during radiotherapy or neutron capture therapy (NCT). This designation is most frequently utilized in the context of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) and Gadolinium Neutron Capture Therapy (GdNCT), where a sensitizing agent is sequestered within tumor cells and subsequently activated by an external radiation source (Barth et al., 2012, Clinical Cancer Research). Upon exposure to thermal or epithermal neutrons, these agents undergo a nuclear reaction that releases high-linear energy transfer (LET) particles, which travel short distances to cause irreversible damage to the surrounding macromolecules (Sauerwein et al., 2012, Neutron Capture Therapy). The therapeutic efficacy of this approach relies on the high concentration of the sensitizing drug within the tumor and the precise physical delivery of the radiation beam. Consequently, the target is a functional composite of the tumor's molecular architecture rather than a single signaling protein or receptor (DrugBank Online, DB09152). This strategy aims to maximize localized tumor cell death while minimizing collateral damage to healthy tissues outside the irradiated zone.

Other names

Tumor macromoleculesCellular targets of ionizing radiationIntracellular macromoleculesBiological macromolecules in irradiated tumor tissue

Induction of lethal DNA damage and oxidative stress via high-energy secondary particle emission (e.g., alpha particles and lithium nuclei) following neutron capture or direct ionization from external radiation sources.