New research by the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center highlights the influence of timing intervals on skin preservation in FLASH proton therapy. Published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, the study reveals that multiple beams and interruptions during treatment diminish skin-saving effects in preclinical models. Dr. Mathieu Sertorio emphasizes that while single-beam delivery excels, interruptions reduce the FLASH skin-preservation effect. The findings stress the importance of beam quantity and arrangement, crucial for tailored FLASH therapy. The study advances the understanding of the clinical translation of FLASH radiotherapy.
A recent investigation underscores the critical role of timing intervals in beam delivery, affecting the skin-preserving effects within FLASH proton therapy. The study, conducted jointly by researchers from the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, sheds light on the impact of multiple beams and intervals during FLASH proton therapy treatment on skin preservation in preclinical models. The findings, which have been published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics, provide valuable insights into optimizing the efficacy of this innovative cancer treatment approach.
FLASH radiotherapy, an experimental technique designed to administer radiation therapy with exceptional speed, holds promise for drastically reducing treatment duration compared to conventional methods. The research conducted in laboratory settings indicates that FLASH therapy could potentially offer enhanced safety profiles and fewer adverse effects, such as skin irritation or burns, in comparison to traditional radiation therapies.
Dr. Mathieu Sertorio, the corresponding author and a distinguished member of the basic science research program at the Center, emphasizes the significance of these findings. “While FLASH proton pencil-beam-scanning has demonstrated diminished skin toxicity in preclinical models when delivered as a single, uninterrupted high dose,” Dr. Sertorio explains, “the challenge arises when treating patients, requiring multiple beams to minimize normal tissue exposure to radiation and ensure precise targeting of the treatment area. These beam administrations are strategically spaced to accommodate patient repositioning and equipment adjustments.”
During the study, researchers administered a specific dose of FLASH radiotherapy using either a single uninterrupted beam or multiple beams, observing the effects on skin tissue over 16 weeks at the Cincinnati Children’s/University of Cincinnati Medical Center Proton Therapy Center—a facility dedicated to cutting-edge research.
Dr. Sertorio elaborates on the study’s findings: “While a single beam delivery exhibited optimal skin preservation benefits, introducing a two-minute interruption between beam administrations within the same area led to a reduction in the FLASH skin-preserving effect. Notably, this effect was further diminished after two interruptions.”
The study underscores the importance of beam quantity and spatial arrangement as pivotal factors influencing the efficacy of FLASH therapy. Dr. Sertorio points out that the impact of multi-beam delivery likely varies across different organs of interest, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches.
Co-author Dr. Anthony Mascia from Cincinnati Children’s highlights the study’s implications: “This research guides the clinical translation of FLASH radiotherapy, particularly concerning beam delivery methods, treatment planning, and radiation prescriptions. It’s imperative to discern where FLASH therapy excels and where it falls short to facilitate its progress.”
Funding for the research was generously provided by Varian, a Siemens Healthineers company. Dr. Sertorio, along with co-investigators Dr. Mascia and Dr. John Perentesis from Cincinnati Children’s, discloses research grants from Varian. As the medical community continues to advance and refine FLASH radiotherapy, studies like these play a pivotal role in shaping its future applications.
