Project: Metrology for advanced radiotherapy using particle beams with ultra-high pulse dose rates
| Acronym | UHDpulse (Reference Number: 18HLT04) |
| Duration | 01/09/2019 - 31/08/2022 |
| Project Topic | To improve cancer survival rates, radiotherapy technologies are being developed using laser accelerated particle beams. These ultra-high pulse dose rate (UHPDR) devices produce fast pulses of radiation, an approach known as FLASH radiotherapy, shown experimentally to be effective with lesser side effects than current radiotherapies using similar overall doses but longer exposures. Before clinical use, effectiveness must be compared with other radiation therapies, requiring tools to establish traceability for measurements of absorbed dose. Accurate dosimetry is also required for personalised radiotherapies. The project will develop a measurement framework, encompassing reference standards traceable to SI units and validated reference methods for UHPDR dose measurements. It will also characterise detector systems, develop traceable and validated methods for relative dosimetry, characterise stray radiation, and contribute to codes of practice. Outcomes will be promoted to standards organisations, international agencies, manufacturers, and end users. The framework will encourage development of novel laser-driven medical accelerators. Ultimately, the aim is confidence that patients will receive their prescribed dose, for safer, cost effective, cancer treatments. |
| Website | visit project website |
| Network | EMPIR |
| Call | EMPIR Call 2018 |