| SPECIFIC NEEDS | EXPECTED RESULTS | DCE MEASURES |
|---|---|---|
| What are the specific needs that triggered this project? | What do you expect to generate by the end of the project? | What dissemination, communication and exploitation measures will you apply to the results? |
| Percutaneous radiotherapy is an important means to treat cancer in the ageing population of the European Union. FLASH radiotherapy is here one of the most promising approaches to improve the outcome and thereby reducing the burden to the public health system of the member countries. Here, the total radiation dose to the target volume is delivered in much shorter time frames than in conventional radiotherapy. For FLASH proton therapy using scanning UHDR proton beams, and for FLASH radiotherapy based on UHDPP electron beams, proper reference dosimetry based on CoPs is mandatory but is currently lacking. Measurement equipment and procedures are challenged by the extreme beam time structures due to the UHDR and UHDPP conditions. To calibrate the beams in these facilities, medical physicists cannot rely on current CoPs for reference dosimetry which are incompatible with FLASH conditions. | Key exploitable results (KER): KER 1: Software for simulation of recombination effects. KER 2: Comparison of primary absorbed dose standards for clinical scanning UHDR proton beams KER 3: Reference dosimetry methodology for scanning UHDR proton beams for UHDPP electron beams. KER 4: Data sets of recombination corrections ks and kQ correction factors. KER 5: Characterised clinical-like reference fields for UHDPP electron beams. | Exploitation: KER 1: Software for simulation of recombination effects available in an open access repository KER 2: NMIs outside the consortium will link with a bilateral comparison to the comparison of primary absorbed dose standards for clinical scanning UHDR proton beams KER 3+4: Recommendations on how to extend existing CoPs (IAEA TRS-398) for reference dosimetry to scanning UHDR proton and UHDPP electron beams and associated dataset of correction factors will be used by end-users. KER 5: New services for calibration or type-testing of secondary standards for reference dosimetry in characterised clinical-like reference fields for UHDPP electron beams. Communication: Project website created, annual summary for stakeholders, LinkedIn channel. Dissemination towards the scientific community: At least 13 peer-reviewed papers and 25 contributions to conferences. Symposium and webinar of reference dosimetry for FLASH radiotherapy Dissemination towards the standardisation bodies: Participation in as expert members in standards committees in particular AAPM TG-359, DIN WG on FLASH dosimetry, and IEC/SC 62C. |
| TARGET GROUPS | OUTCOMES | IMPACTS |
|---|---|---|
| Who will use or further up-take the results of the project? Who will benefit from the results of the project? | What change do you expect to see after successful dissemination and exploitation of project results to the target group(s)? | What are the expected wider scientific, economic and societal effects of the project contributing to the expected impacts outlined in the work programme and call scope? |
| Standards developing organisations: AAPM TG-359, IEC/SC 62C IAEA, DIN, IPEM, NCS, ESTRO, EFOMP Clinics: medical physicists, Proton therapy centres in participants HPTC, AU and PSI Industry: major manufacturers of proton therapy equipment capable of delivering UHDR proton beams (Varian and IBA) manufacturers and vendors of linear accelerators capable of delivering UHDPP electron beams, dosimetric equipment, treatment planning systems. Metrology: EURAMET TCIR, BIPM CCRI(I). The project’s comparison of the project’s portable primary standards for scanning UHDR proton beams at a clinical facility, will be registered with the BIPM KCDB and the results will be approved and shared with CCRI(I). Thus, NMIs who not part of the consortium can use the project’s standards for UHDR proton beams in the near future. Other beneficiaries: Pre-clinical researchers, including participants USC and PSI | Harmonised reference dosimetry using dedicated CoPs and services for reference dosimetry and auditing will support the widespread clinical implementation of FLASH radiotherapy. Manufacturers of detectors for dosimetry in radiotherapy beams will be able to assure the quality of their products for application in UHDR scanning proton and UHDPP electron beam facilities. NMIs/Dis will be able to extend their existing electron accelerators to clinical like reference fields similar to those in clinical UHDPP electron accelerators. | Societal: Enhanced quality of life for more than 1 M cancer patients treated annually with radiotherapy. FLASH radiotherapy produces significantly less normal tissue damage; thus it should be possible to use a smaller number of high dose FLASH radiotherapy treatments for patients. For example it may be possible to halve the treatment time and thus treat more patients each day and because each treatment can be made with a higher dose, less doses maybe needed improving patient side effects and recovery. Scientific: Simulation of recombination provides in-depth knowledge on ionisation chamber response. Economic: impact on cost-effectiveness evaluations of proton therapy vs. photon beam based radiotherapy. Demonstration of compliance of new FLASH radiotherapy facilities and new detectors with regulatory requirements for medical devices and IEC standards enhances speed of innovation. |