Integrated Imaging and Multi-Omics Biomarkers for Characterizing Biological Responses to FLASH Proton Radiotherapy
FLASH radiotherapy (RT) is an emerging technology that uses ultra-high dose rates to treat cancer and has shown promise in reducing normal tissue toxicity while maintaining tumor control. However, the reason why this protective effect occurs remains unknown, slowing safe translation of FLASH RT into clinical care. Our research uses advanced artificial intelligence tools to uncover the biological mechanisms behind FLASH radiotherapy. By integrating molecular, imaging, and tissue-level data from multiple animal model systems, we aim to identify coordinated patterns that distinguish FLASH from conventional radiation. Our unique framework will find hidden links between molecular pathways, tissue structure, and how cells are organized, revealing mechanisms that traditional methods might miss. By using data from different species, our study will also verify whether FLASH-related biological programs are shared across species, making the results more useful for future work. Ultimately, our study is laying the groundwork to develop biomarkers that predict tissue response and help guide future FLASH treatment strategies to ensure that this promising technology can be used safely and effectively in the clinic.
