Radiation-induced DNA damage (beta emission, iodine-131)

Radiation-induced DNA damage via beta emission from iodine-131 refers to the process by which radioactive iodine-131, used therapeutically especially in thyroid disorders and some neuroendocrine tumors, decays and emits beta particles (high-energy electrons). These electrons penetrate local cellular structures, causing ionization events primarily in the DNA, leading to single- and double-strand breaks. The DNA damage may result in cell death of the target tissue, which underlies the therapeutic benefit, but can also cause genotoxic side effects in non-target cells, including secondary malignancies. The damage is both direct, through deposition of energy in DNA, and indirect, through the formation of free radicals and induction of oxidative stress.

Other names

DNA damage by I-131 beta radiationIodine-131 induced DNA strand breaks

Beta emission from I-131 generates high-energy electrons that induce direct and indirect DNA strand breaks (single and double), primarily through ionization and free radical formation within targeted cells. Gamma emission also contributes to off-target effects but is less relevant for DNA breakage in the targeted cells.