EPJD Topical Collection: Physics of Cancer: Molecular Processes Underlying Radiation Therapy

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Published on 07 July 2026

Edited by: Thomas Schlathölter, Ilko Bald, Filipe Ferreira da Silva

The Topical Collection "Physics of cancer: molecular processes underlying radiation therapy", published in EPJ D emphasizes the significance of a detailed understanding of molecular processes for cancer treatment. Radiotherapy serves as a central pillar in modern cancer treatment, but advancements necessitate a deeper comprehension of molecular processes induced by ionizing radiation at nanometer scales and ultrafast timescales. This involves tracing the effects of high-energy photons, electrons, or ions, which can ionize biomolecular species and alter their electronic structure, affecting the integrity of essential biomolecules like DNA and proteins. Secondary electron cascades triggered by these effects result in processes such as dissociative electron attachment and form reactive radicals along radiation paths, contributing to radiation damage.

An interdisciplinary community is exploring the molecular mechanisms driving radiation damage across scales, with investigations focusing on interactions among photons, electrons, and ions with biomolecular systems. These studies produce vital data for modeling radiation damage accurately across nanometric and macroscopic scales. Moreover, emerging therapies such as FLASH radiation therapy necessitate detailed mechanistic studies.

The Topical Collection presents notable studies, including a review on the damage of DNA by low-energy electrons in cellular environments, and research employing laser desorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to examine electron interactions with DNA components. These studies highlight site-specific damage, demonstrating the vulnerability of nucleosides compared to isolated nucleobases. These insights contribute to developing predictive models for radiation damage pertinent to radiobiology and cancer radiotherapy. Additionally, the collection introduces a biosensor model, potentially useful for detecting blood abnormalities linked to diseases like dengue and malaria. Overall, the editorial underscores the importance of collaborative research in understanding and innovating cancer treatments through radiation therapy.

All articles are available here and will be freely accessible from 15 July to 14 September 2026. For further information read the Editorial.