Concepts and challenges in cancer risk prediction for the space radiation environment. (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barcellos-Hoff, Mary Helen; Blakely, Eleanor A.; Burma, Sandeep; Fornace, Albert J.; Gerson, Stanton; Hlatky, Lynn; Kirsch, David G.; Luderer, Ulrike; Shay, Jerry; Wang, Ya; Weil, Michael M.
• Is Part Of: Life sciences in space research. Volume 6(2015)
• Page Start: 92
• Page End: 103
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: Linear energy transfer (LET) -- High-energy and charge (HZE) -- Galactic cosmic rays (GCR) -- Non-targeted effects (NTE) -- Relative biologic effectiveness (RBE) -- Life Span Study (LSS) -- Solar particle event (SPE); Galactic cosmic radiation -- Cancer -- Risk modeling -- Radiation quality -- Mouse models; Space biology -- Periodicals; 571.0919
• DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2015.07.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-5524

Abstract

Abstract: Cancer is an important long-term risk for astronauts exposed to protons and high-energy charged particles during travel and residence on asteroids, the moon, and other planets. NASA's Biomedical Critical Path Roadmap defines the carcinogenic risks of radiation exposure as one of four type I risks. A type I risk represents a demonstrated, serious problem with no countermeasure concepts, and may be a potential "show-stopper" for long duration spaceflight. Estimating the carcinogenic risks for humans who will be exposed to heavy ions during deep space exploration has very large uncertainties at present. There are no human data that address risk from extended exposure to complex radiation fields. The overarching goal in this area to improve risk modeling is to provide biological insight and mechanistic analysis of radiation quality effects on carcinogenesis. Understanding mechanisms will provide routes to modeling and predicting risk and designing countermeasures. This white paper reviews broad issues related to experimental models and concepts in space radiation carcinogenesis as well as the current state of the field to place into context recent findings and concepts derived from the NASA Space Radiation Program. Highlights: Inherent uncertainties limit accurate cancer risk quantification for astronauts for deep space exploration. Radiation quality may affect both the incidence and type of cancer. Understanding biological mechanisms that increase cancer after radiation exposure may be incorporated into risk models and provide routes to effective countermeasures.