Abstract
It seems highly unlikely that any connection is to be found between astronomy and medicine. But then it also appears to be obvious: X-rays. However, that is quite superficial because the nature of X-rays in the two disciplines is quite different. Nevertheless, we describe recent research on exactly that kind of link. Furthermore, the linkage lies in atomic physics, and via spectroscopy which is a vital tool in astronomy and may also be equally valuable in biomedical research. This review begins with the physics of black hole environments as viewed through X-ray spectroscopy. It is then shown that similar physics can be applied to spectroscopic imaging and therapeutics using heavy-element (high-Z) moieties designed to target cancerous tumors. X-ray irradiation of high-Z nanomaterials as radiosensitizing agents should be extremely efficient for therapy and diagnostics (theranostics). However, broadband radiation from conventional X-ray sources (such as CT scanners) results in vast and unnecessary radiation exposure. Monochromatic X-ray sources are expected to be considerably more efficient. We have developed a new and comprehensive methodology—Resonant Nano-Plasma Theranostics (RNPT)—that encompasses the use of monochromatic X-ray sources and high-Z nanoparticles. Ongoing research entails theoretical computations, numerical simulations, and in vitro and in vivo biomedical experiments. Stemming from basic theoretical studies of Kα resonant photoabsorption and fluorescence in all elements of the Periodic Table, we have established a comprehensive multi-disciplinary program involving researchers from physics, chemistry, astronomy, pathology, radiation oncology and radiology. Large-scale calculations necessary for theory and modeling are done at a variety of computational platforms at the Ohio Supercomputer Center. The final goal is the implementation of RNPT for clinical applications.
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Notes
- 1.
This textbook bridges physics and astronomy and is divided evenly between modern atomic physics and the spectroscopy of astrophysical objects. Figure 15.1b is from the chapter on Active Galactic Nuclei and Quasars. More details are given at the author’s webpages: www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/~pradhan and www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/~nahar.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to thank our close collaborators from several disciplines on the myriad developments underlying the RNPT mechanism. In particular we would like to acknowledge Yan Yu and his medical physics team in the department of Radiation Oncology at the Thomas Jefferson University Medical School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Max Montenegro and Sara Lim have carried the Geant4 simulations reported herein. Biomedical experimental research at the Ohio State University is primarily due to Rolf Barth (Pathology), Erica Bell (Radiation Oncology), Enam Chowdhury (Physics), Russell Pitzer (Chemistry) and Claudia Turro (Chemistry).
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Pradhan, A.K., Nahar, S.N. (2013). Astronomy and Cancer Research: X-Rays and Nanotechnology from Black Holes to Cancer Therapy. In: Mohan, M. (eds) New Trends in Atomic and Molecular Physics. Springer Series on Atomic, Optical, and Plasma Physics, vol 76. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-38167-6_15
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