Modelling the effects of radiation on cell growth has the potential to greatly enhance clinical outcomes for radiotherapy patients through the optimisation of treatment strategies. We present a cellular automata model for low dose radiation effects on cell growth, which follows work described by Richard et. al. (2007, 2009a, 2009b). However a lack of accuracy and detail in the literature prevented the model from being implemented exactly. Simulations of nutrient diffusion, cell colony growth and cell irradiation were consistent with the literature, supporting the validity of the model.
Richard, M., Kirkby, K.J., Webb, R.P., and Kirkby, N.F. (2007).
A mathematical model of response of cells to radiation.
Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam
Interactions with Materials and Atoms,
255(1):18-22.
Richard, M., Kirkby, K.J., Webb, R.P., and Kirkby, N.F. (2009a).
Cellular automaton model of cell response to targeted radiation.
Applied Radiation and Isotopes, \
67(3):443-446.
Richard, M., Webb, R.P., Kirkby, K.J., and Kirkby, N.F. (2009b).
A computer model of the bystander effect: Effects of individual behaviours on
the population response.
Applied Radiation and Isotopes,
67(3):440-442.