Modulation of the DNA-damage response to HZE particles by shielding

Ions of high atomic number and energy (HZE particles) pose a significant cancer risk to astronauts on prolonged space missions. On Earth, similar ions are being used for targeted cancer therapy. The properties of these particles can be drastically altered during passage through spacecraft shielding, therapy beam modulators, or the human body. Here, we have used pertinent responses to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) to understand the consequences...