Reevaluating the Linear No-Threshold Model: The Role of Organ-on-Chip Technology

The linear no-threshold (LNT) model, the long-standing basis for radiation regulation, faces persistent and significant scientific debate regarding its accuracy at low doses (below 10cSv/y). Recent studies offer no conclusive resolution, with results distributed across LNT, non-linear risk models, and hermetic models. Additionally, research is expanding into the potential role of radiation in non-cancerous diseases such as heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes. While LNT's use leads to public anxiety and costly remediation efforts, it remains the regulatory standard due to insufficient evidence for alternatives. To address this, further investigation utilizing advanced techniques (e.g., machine learning, Edisonian data analysis) compounded with a laboratory model that more accurately reproduces in-vivo results are being explored. Organ-on-Chip (OOC) technology significantly improves the ability to reproduce in-vitro conditions for multiple organs of interest and their various interoperations in the study of pharmacokinetics and radiobiology. This presentation will provide an overview of current LNT studies and OOCs with a focus on the advantages this technology facilitates in low dose and low dose rate radiation studies