In cancer treatment, FLASH radiation therapy (RT) has emerged as a novel modality, delivering radiation at an ultra-high dose rate. FLASH RT holds promise for improved outcomes, distinguishing itself from conventional RT by minimizing damage to normal tissues without losing in tumor cure potential, termed the FLASH effect. Unraveling how FLASH RT operates and understanding its mechanism is essential for realizing its potential. Our collaborative team, comprising experts in imaging, spectroscopy, radiation oncology, and cancer biology, aims to decipher the mechanism behind the FLASH effect. We hypothesize that distinctive reactive species production rates during FLASH RT drive its unique capa...

Read More

In cancer treatment, FLASH radiation therapy (RT) has emerged as a novel modality, delivering radiation at an ultra-high dose rate. FLASH RT holds promise for improved outcomes, distinguishing itself from conventional RT by minimizing damage to normal tissues without losing in tumor cure potential, termed the FLASH effect. Unraveling how FLASH RT operates and understanding its mechanism is essential for realizing its potential. Our collaborative team, comprising experts in imaging, spectroscopy, radiation oncology, and cancer biology, aims to decipher the mechanism behind the FLASH effect. We hypothesize that distinctive reactive species production rates during FLASH RT drive its unique capabilities. Through our advanced investigator-developed unique experimental system, we will elucidate the underlying mechanism of the FLASH effect, providing essential insights for designing optimized treatment strategies. Understanding operational factors involves exploring radiation beam parameters and experimental system complexity. We will investigate how factors like oxygen concentration, sample constitution, and pH influence the radiation chemistry of the radiation, focusing on optimizing effectiveness. We will determine how reactive species production differences impact DNA damage and cell survival, utilizing cancer and normal cell models. We will next examine how FLASH RT impact skin reactions, particularly relevant for skin cancer treatment. Real-time measurements offer immediate effect insights. Understanding FLASH RT mechanisms has the potential to advance cancer treatment. By unraveling its mechanisms, we aim to pave the way for safer, more effective therapies. This research endeavor focuses on advancing knowledge and providing valuable insights for patients facing cancer challenges. With support, we aim to translate this research from theory to a practical tool for cancer treatment.

Read Less