Positron Method for Diagnostics of Carcinogens

Abstract

A method for detection of carcinogenic properties of chemical substances based on the Ps formation mechanism is briefly discussed.

Carcinogenicity Screening of Chemicals Using Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy

“…Therefore, a negligible Ps yield in a solution of the testing substance S, indicates that S could be a carcinogen. Tests of several dozens (carcinogens and non-carcinogens) confirmed the efficiency of the positron method [11]. As we said above, the yield of positronium can be measured by different methods of positron annihilation spectroscopy: positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS), Doppler broadening of annihilation radiation (DBAR) and angular correlation of annihilation radiation (ACAR).…”

“…Therefore, the presence of carcinogens significantly reduces Ps formation probability. To measure this probability and predict carcinogenic hazard of the tested substances, one may use standard techniques of positron annihilation spectroscopy [7]. The proposed method also allows to estimate anticarcinogenic properties of chemical compounds by the presence of an antiinhibition effect of Ps formation [8].…”

PAL spectroscopy and testing for potential carcinogens

“…Their number should be larger since not all substances of this group were tested on carcinogenicity. 1 It is amusing that all "seven metals of great antiquity" Au, Ag, Cu, Fe, Sn, Hg and Pb, which had been known as early as Hence the carcinogenic activity of a macro sample is determined by the value of its work function. It means that our starting view on molecular carcinogens as strong electrophiles can be generalized on the conducting macro samples (metals) due to dualistic sense of the work function.…”

“…Recently we drew attention to the possibility of using positron spectroscopy for fast detection of potentially carcinogenic compounds [1]. The suggested method is based on the two following discoveries:…”

“…2 Essence of the positron method It is now recognized that positronium atoms (Ps), appearing in a condensed molecular milieu under irradiation of fast positrons, are formed in blobs (which are terminal parts of the positron tracks) by combination of thermalized positrons and electrons [1]:…”