A mathematical model of radiation carcinogenesis with induction of genomicinstability and cell death

We developed a mathematical model of carcinogenesis that incorporates genom ic instability, a feature characterized by longterm destabilization of the genome in irradiated cells that leads to an increase in cancer risk in the exposed individuals at the cancer-prone age. This model also considers the induction of cell death, another important effect of radiation on cells. It is assumed that cell killing by radiation may occur at all stages of the c arcinogenic process. The resulting model can explain not only the paradoxic al relationship between low mutation rates and high cancer incidence but al so the low-order dose-response relationship of cancer risk. (C) 2001 by Rad iation Research Society.