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Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
On January 7, 2026, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concluded a multi-year coordinated research project (MEDBIODOSE) involving 31 institutions across 27 countries, including India. The project has significantly advanced the clinical application of biodosimetry—the use of biological responses to estimate the exact amount of ionizing radiation a patient receives. By generating over 100 scientific publications, the project has validated new dosimetric biomarkers, which are biological indicators reflecting radiation exposure at the individual level.
Key findings and technological advancements from the project include:
Precision Diagnostics: Development of calibration curves to estimate absorbed doses in radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, and interventional radiology.
Radiosensitivity Profiling: Identifying individuals with higher sensitivity to radiation, allowing clinicians to predict and minimize damage to healthy tissues during cancer treatments.
Cancer Risk Assessment: Research confirmed that low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening do not appear to damage human DNA, helping address public concerns regarding radiation-induced cancer risks.
Automation in Labs: The project fostered the development of high-throughput and automated technologies, such as advanced image analysis software and flow-cytometry-based systems, for rapid biomarker analysis.
What is a ‘Dosimetric Biomarker’? It is a measurable biological indicator—such as a specific protein or a chromosomal aberration—that changes in a predictable way when exposed to ionizing radiation. Unlike physical dosimeters (wearable badges), these biological markers allow doctors to see the actual cellular “footprint” of radiation within a patient’s body. This is crucial for personalized medicine, as it helps identify “radiosensitive” individuals whose bodies might react more strongly to standard radiation doses, requiring adjusted treatment protocols to prevent severe side effects.
Policy Relevance
As India expands its nuclear medicine infrastructure through initiatives like the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer (NPCDCS), these global biodosimetry standards are vital for ensuring patient safety and treatment efficacy.
Strategic Impact for India:
Clinical Standardisation: Participation in MEDBIODOSE allows Indian research institutes and oncology centers to harmonize their radiation-response methodologies with global best practices.
Personalized Radiotherapy: The ability to screen for radiosensitive individuals can reduce the incidence of radiotherapy-related side effects, lowering the long-term healthcare cost burden for the government.
Regulatory Oversight: These findings provide a scientific basis for the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) to refine safety protocols for diagnostic procedures like high-frequency CT scans.
Strengthening Research Networks: The project builds a robust operational network, ensuring that Indian biodosimetrists can collaborate seamlessly with international experts on future radiological emergencies and clinical breakthroughs
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How will the Ministry of Health integrate ‘biodosimetric screening’ into standard oncology protocols to ensure that high-dose radiation treatments are tailored to the specific cellular sensitivity of Indian patients?
Follow the full news here: IAEA Research Sheds Light on How Exposure to Ionizing Radiation Affects Human Health