From energy deposition to cancer

Recent progress in molecular biology, genetics and microdosimetry has considerably increased our knowledge of the mechanisms of radiation-induced carcinogenesis. However, as a result of the complexities involved in the many genetic and epigenetic changes in cells leading to the expression of malignancy only years or even decades after radiation exposure, risk coefficients for the quantification of health detriment still have to be derived largely from epidemiological data and animal studies. On the other hand, improved understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms is increasingly important in testing and refuting hypotheses about the relative carcinogenic potential of different radiation qualities and dose rates, and of low-level exposures.