Improving the Therapeutic Index through the Combination of FLASH and Spatially Fractioned Radiation Therapies
Radiation therapy (RT) is critical in cancer treatment; however the efficacy of conventional (CONV) RT is limited by normal tissue toxicities. Spatially fractionated RT (SFRT) and ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) RT are novel techniques that could reduce side effects without compromising effectiveness. We aim to develop a modular collimation assembly to deliver novel SFRT techniques at ultra-high dose rate using a high-power x-ray tube. We will use this platform to determine relative normal tissue toxicity as well as utility in treating a superficial melanoma tumor model across each of CONV, SFRT, FLASH and combined FLASH-SFRT. We expect to show a synergistic potential for combined FLASH-SFRT in the treatment of skin cancer as compared to CONV and either SFRT or FLASH-RT on their own. This project aims to accelerate the development of biological and technical understanding concerning the combination of exciting therapies with the promise of reducing side effects for patients.
