Researchers at the University of Konstanz, supported by a Proof of Concept Grant, are pioneering a liquid dosimeter for improved radiotherapy quality control. Leveraging small probe molecules sensitive to radiation, encapsulated in water-filled capsules, this innovation promises water-equivalent dosimetry without complex conversions. The project aims to optimize capsule materials, understand probe molecule dynamics, and undergo clinical validation. Collaborating with medical experts ensures the dosimeter meets real-world clinical needs. The Proof of Concept Grant accelerates this transformative research toward practical application, marking a significant advancement in radiotherapy precision.
Addressing the global challenge of tumor treatment, the University of Konstanz’s research team explores a groundbreaking approach to radiotherapy quality control. Traditionally, water-equivalent dosimeters have been crucial, but current methods lack precision. The “LIQUIDITY” project, backed by a Proof of Concept Grant, introduces a novel dosimeter utilizing probe molecules within water-filled capsules. This innovation, originating from the “SPICE” Consolidator Grant, presents a sensitive and adaptable solution for dose measurement. The team’s collaboration with medical professionals underscores the dosimeter’s potential clinical impact.
In conventional radiotherapy, physicians tailor individual treatment plans based on complex calculations to deliver radiation to tumor cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. The traditional method involves calculating and measuring radiation doses in water or water-equivalent bodies due to the high water content in human soft tissue. However, as radiotherapy procedures become more complex, the need for water-equivalent dosimeters becomes increasingly critical.
The research team, led by physical chemist Malte Drescher, made a serendipitous discovery during the Consolidator Grant “SPICE” (“Spectroscopy in cells”) awarded in 2017. This discovery laid the foundation for the development of a water-equivalent dosimeter, and now, with the “LIQUIDITY” (“Liquid Dosimetry via Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy”) Proof of Concept Grant, they aim to bring this concept to fruition with a funding injection of 150,000 euros.
“Liquidity”: Probing Radiation Dynamics
Central to their innovative approach is the use of small probe molecules carrying an electron spin. These molecules, when exposed to the same radiation used in tumor therapy, exhibit a sensitive reaction to radiation. As the radiation dose increases, more probe molecules are destroyed, emitting fewer signals. The team envisions encapsulating these probe molecules in water-filled capsules, which can be attached to a patient’s skin or placed in body cavities. The destruction of probe molecules during radiation serves as a direct indicator of how closely the administered dose aligns with the planned dose in the radiotherapy plan.
Sebastian Höfel, a doctoral researcher in the team and head medical physicist at the Konstanz Radiotherapy Center, highlights the potential advantages of this dosimetry method. Firstly, the dosimeters are inherently water-equivalent, eliminating the need for complex conversions to water doses. Secondly, the potential for creating small dosimeters of a few millimeters in size opens up new possibilities. The liquid state allows for flexible shapes that can be placed on the skin’s surface or in various cavities, such as the nose or mouth.
Three Key Goals for Clinical Application
As the research team progresses towards a clinical application of the new dosimeter, they have outlined three primary goals. First, they aim to identify an optimal material for the capsules, ensuring suitability for clinical use. Second, a detailed understanding of how probe molecules are destroyed during radiation is crucial. Lastly, a clinical study under real-life conditions will validate the dosimeter’s effectiveness and confirm that its components pose no health risks to patients.
Collaboration for Success
The “LIQUIDITY” project is not a solo endeavor; it involves collaboration with the Konstanz Radiotherapy Center and Professor Michael Fix, vice director of the radiation physics department at Inselspital Bern. This collaboration provides valuable insights into the needs of future users, namely clinics and radiotherapy practices. By combining basic research with rapid implementation in practical applications, the researchers ensure that the dosimeter addresses the specific requirements of the end-users.
Proof of Concept Grant: Catalyzing Innovation
The Proof of Concept Grant, with a maximum funding duration of 18 months, catalyzes transforming research findings into tangible applications. Exclusively available to researchers with a prior ERC Grant, this program is designed to follow up on earlier research initiatives. Its primary objective is to assess the market potential of groundbreaking ideas and advance their readiness for application, commercialization, or marketing.
The journey toward a water-equivalent dosimeter for radiotherapy reaches a critical juncture with the “LIQUIDITY” project. As the team pursues optimal capsule materials, probes’ radiation dynamics understanding, and real-world clinical validation, the potential impact on treatment precision is significant. Collaboration with medical experts ensures alignment with clinical needs. The Proof of Concept Grant plays a pivotal role in bridging research to application. This dosimeter, with its adaptability and precision, holds promise for transforming radiotherapy quality control, advancing the field into a new era of improved patient care and treatment efficacy.
