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Abstract

Radiotherapy plays a pivotal role in cancer treatment, mainly relying on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production to induce cell death. This thesis investigates the role of ROS in cellular responses to radiation, focusing specifically on H2O2 production. A novel method utilizing NucPE1 fluorescent marker validated H2O2 assessment during irradiation. A cell line-dependent variation in H2O2 production were observed for lung cancer cells, correlating with DNA damage and radiosensitivity. Furthermore, the evaluation of H2O2 production under different conditions revealed expected trends. Despite encountering challenges, notables advances were made in implementing a high dose rate (HDR) delivery platform. Analysis of cellular redox state demonstrated an inverse correlation with radioresistance, highlighting the complex ROS-cellular response interplay. The investigation also hinted at the potential involvement of the SOD enzyme in radioresistance mechanisms. Looking ahead, future research efforts will explore live-cell imaging techniques, extending predictive potential to diverse conditions, and investigating the role of ROS in FLASH radiotherapy, aiming to advance cancer treatment strategies.