Adaptive response against spontaneous neoplastic transformation induced by low dose ionizing radiation

This project is being conducted to ascertain the shape of the dose response curve for neoplastic transformation in vitro over the dose range 0.0 to 10 cGy, and how this depends on radiation quality and dose fractionation. Preliminary data already have indicated that at a dose of 1 cGy the induced transformation frequency is less than the spontaneous transformation frequency. The results will be compared with animal and human epidemiological data on the induction of cancer by low doses of radiation. This will hopefully allow for a more informed estimation of the risk of cancer induction at low doses (see Pollycove, 1998; Rossi, 1999).