Project: Radiotherapy coupled with hyperthermia - adapting the biological equivalent dose concept

Acronym RaCHy (Reference Number: 18HLT06)
Duration 01/06/2019 - 31/05/2022
Project Topic Research studies of combined radiotherapy and heat therapies (hyperthermia) reported positive results but integrating these two cancer therapies has been hindered by the complexity of comparing the relevant variables, including temperature increases, duration and intervals between treatments. Clinical adoption would require new measurement approaches, such as more precise control of temperature and measurement of biological effects. The project will develop new calibration devices, a new measurement framework and measurement techniques. Biological mechanisms will be assessed, for controlled and reproducible delivery of radiation and hyperthermia, and patient-specific prescriptions. Combinations of radiotherapies will be compared with different hyperthermia treatments, with and without heat, to quantify a dose modifying factor. Ahead of any patient trials, outcomes will be promoted to laboratories, manufacturers, standards bodies, development agencies and end users. Anticipated impacts include improved capabilities for researchers and the expansion of the radiotherapy device market. For cancer patients, this should mean less invasive treatments and, above all, better chances of survival and improved quality of life.
Website visit project website
Network EMPIR
Call EMPIR Call 2018

Project partner

Number Name Role Country
1 Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica Coordinator Italy
2 NPL Management Limited Partner United Kingdom
3 Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt Partner Germany
4 Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu Partner Türkiye
5 VSL B.V. Partner Netherlands
6 Erasmus Universitair Medisch Centrum Rotterdam Partner Netherlands
7 Institute of Cancer Research - Royal Cancer Hospital Partner United Kingdom
8 Istituto Superiore di Sanità Partner Italy
9 Ospedale San Raffaele S.R.L. Partner Italy
10 Technische Universiteit Delft Partner Netherlands
11 VSPARTICLE B.V. Observer Netherlands