Advancements in Radiotherapy: Enhancing Cancer Treatment with Proton Beam Quality

In a significant breakthrough for cancer treatment, researchers from the Institute of Nuclear Physics at the Polish Academy of Sciences have developed a method that enhances the efficacy of radiotherapy by allowing for the precise measurement of proton beam quality. This advancement could lead to safer and more effective cancer treatments without necessitating costly new equipment. The findings were published in the 2025 issue of *Physics in Medicine & Biology*.
Historically, modern radiotherapy has relied on high-energy photons to irradiate cancerous tissues, which can inadvertently damage surrounding healthy tissues. Dr. Jan Gajewski, a physicist at the Institute, noted, "When we take the quality of the radiation beam into account, we are able to determine the biological effect of radiation more precisely and destroy cancer cells more effectively, while reducing damage to healthy tissues."
The innovative approach involves evaluating a previously underutilized parameter—linear energy transfer (LET)—which describes how much energy a proton beam deposits as it travels through tissue. This parameter is crucial because it influences the biological effects of radiation on both cancerous and healthy cells. According to Dr. Antoni Ruciński, a professor at the Institute, this is the first method that allows for direct measurement of LET in proton therapy environments.
The researchers employed the Timepix3 detector, a compact and user-friendly device, to measure the LET under conditions compatible with therapeutic plans. This detector, developed through collaboration with the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), showcases how advancements in high-energy physics can lead to practical applications in medicine.
The implications of this research are substantial. Currently, only a minority of patients benefit from proton therapy due to the high costs and limited availability of advanced irradiation equipment. By improving existing technologies, the researchers aim to expand access to effective cancer treatments. Dr. Paulina Stasica-Dudek, the lead author of the study, emphasized the potential for this method to be integrated into current clinical practices, stating, "For the first time, we can speak of a practically ready-to-implement method of measuring the quality of the radiation beam directly in proton therapy facilities."
This research, funded by the National Centre for Research and Development in Poland, not only highlights the importance of technological innovation in enhancing cancer treatment but also sets the stage for future advancements in radiotherapy techniques.
As the medical community continues to explore new methodologies for cancer treatment, the findings from the Polish Academy of Sciences represent a promising step forward in maximizing the therapeutic potential of proton therapy while minimizing risks to patients.
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