Applications of Accelerators and Detectors to Cancer Treatment

Abstract:

The cancer problem is expanding, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Preventive measures can reduce the incidence by 40–50%, and cure rates have increased during the past decades in a number of cancers. However, optimizing prevention programmes and increasing cure rates of cancer remain significant research challenges. The main focus of the conference was on P4 Cancer Medicine (Predictive, Preventive, Personalized and Participatory), a comprehensive strategy encompassing Health‐Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) research, aiming to enhance the well‐being of patients and individuals at risk. Addressing the cancer problem requires two key elements: translational cancer research and the development of relevant infrastructures. A Comprehensive Cancer Centre (CCC) acts as an innovation hub by integrating high‐quality, multidisciplinary therapy and care, with healthcare‐dependent prevention, research, and education. The United States has been at the forefront, providing quality‐assured CCCs and the Cancer Moonshot for strategic cancer research. The EU has followed with the European Research Council for basic research, the European Innovation Council to boost disruptive innovation, and two EU initiatives on cancer, Europe's Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP) and the Mission on Cancer. The increasing complexity of cancer biology and technologies presents both a research challenge and a healthcare demand. For most patients, a CCC is not available. A critical discussion focused on quality assurance of healthcare outside the catchment area of a CCC and involving patients in clinical research. The strategic deployment of resources to support collective healthcare efforts and research aimed at reducing the cancer problem was discussed with representatives from the United States, EU, Africa, China, India and Taiwan. Analyses of translational cancer research have revealed important gaps in implementing innovations, assessment of clinical effectiveness, HRQoL, outcome and health economics research. The increased release of new anticancer agents over the last 25 years, accompanied by insufficient information on clinical benefits, presents both an economic and ethical problem. Direct healthcare costs have increased due to expenses for anticancer agents for the treatment of patients with incurable diseases. Evidence‐based treatment based on HRQoL research is an unmet need. Basic/preclinical research aimed at increasing the cure rate should identify new, broader targets for therapy and develop extended diagnostic technologies for stratifying patients, to inform innovative clinical trials. Present research strategies convert cancer to a chronic disease, a growing burden for the healthcare systems. The increasing complexity of cancer biology and technology, the growing need for translational cancer research, and the demand for supporting infrastructures underscore the importance of international collaborations between CCCs. However, funding for cancer research is not currently aligned to reduce the cancer problem. While public funding for cancer research doubled between 2005 and 2024, the pharmaceutical industry's spending on cancer research increased tenfold. Increasing funding by public and non‐profit funding organizations is mandatory. Education is another significant need, but it is currently fragmented and underfunded. The last session of the conference summarized the strategies in a Statement with a strong emphasis on global collaboration addressing the growing cancer burden and pronounced inequalities. Expanding partnerships and fostering innovative, multidisciplinary approaches to cancer prevention, therapeutics/care, as well as research, are not just urgent but essential steps towards reducing incidence, increasing cure rates and enhancing the well‐being of cancer patients. Data‐driven cancer medicine is currently under development, and modern communication technologies for diagnostics may facilitate interactions across geographical distances. A global cancer research agenda can become a model of solidarity, sustainability, and ethical responsibility.

Abstract:

Radiochromic films (RCFs) offer effective two-dimensional dosimetry with a simple, low-cost operating principle, making them suitable for very high-energy electron (VHEE) and ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) applications, where dosimetry standards are lacking. However, achieving high-accuracy measurements with RCFs presents significant challenges, especially in the absence of standardised protocols. To ensure reliable and comparable outcomes, adapted protocols based on a thorough understanding of RCF behaviour are essential. Despite over 6,000 publications addressing RCF protocols, comprehensive guides for high-throughput research machines with small, non-uniform beams are scarce. This paper aims to be a comprehensive guide for non-expert users of RCFs, particularly in VHEE and UHDR research. We identify common errors in RCF preparation, scanning, and processing, proposing strategies to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Using our optimised RCF protocol at the CLEAR facility, we demonstrate a 5% agreement compared to alanine dosimeters irradiated with Gaussian VHEE beams, establishing this protocol as a solid foundation for reliable dosimetry in advanced radiotherapy research.

Abstract:

This article describes the design and implementation of the first known prototype of a dual-scattering system for the delivery of a uniform VHEE beam with transverse dimensions suitable for pre-clinical and potential future clinical use. The results presented in this article are the first experimental characterisation of beam flattening with dual-scattering foils in the VHEE regime, confirmed with both profile measurements with a YAG screen and radiochromic EBT3 films. Polylactic acid and aluminium dual-scattering systems were designed using TOPAS Monte-Carlo simulations and multi-objective minimisation methods. Studies to test the success of the scattering systems in providing beam magnification and uniformity were carried out at the 200 MeV CERN Linear Electron Accelerator for Research (CLEAR) facility. A generalised super-Gaussian function was used to model the final beam, and comparisons were made with the simulations used for the design. Transverse profiles with uniform components were measured with each of the scattering systems and quantified with super-Gaussian fitting. The uniformity of the in-air profiles suggested that the superficial dose contributions from X-rays were low. This study demonstrated that magnified VHEE beam profiles with uniform components could be generated and measured at CLEAR. The results from this study were used as a basis for the design of future experiments. Similar systems and design methods could be employed by future clinical VHEE facilities to provide conformal treatment.

Abstract:

The battle against cancer remains a top priority for society, with an urgent need to develop therapies capable of targeting challenging tumours while preserving patient's quality of life. Hadron Therapy (HT), which employs accelerated beams of protons, carbon ions, and other charged particles, represents a significant frontier in cancer treatment. This modality offers superior precision and efficacy compared to conventional methods, delivering therapeutic the dose directly to tumours while sparing healthy tissue. Even though 350,000 patients have already been treated worldwide with protons and 50,000 with carbon ions, HT is still a relatively young field and more research as well as novel, cost-effective and compact accelerator technologies are needed to make this treatment more readily available globally. Interestingly the very first patient was irradiated with protons in September 1954, the same month and year CERN was founded. Both of these endeavours are embedded in cutting edge technologies and multidisciplinary collaboration. HT is finally gaining ground and, even after 70 years, the particle therapy field continues innovating and improving for the benefits of patients globally. Developing technologies that are both affordable and easy to use is key and would allow access to more patients. Advances in accelerator-driven Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT), image-guided hadron beams delivery, clinical trials and immunotherapy, together with the recent interest and advances in FLASH therapy, which is currently an experimental treatment modality that involves ultrahigh-dose rate delivery, are just a few examples of innovation that may eventually help to provide access to a larger number of patients.