Tissue Protective Effects of Ultra-High Dose Rate Proton Bragg Peak FLASH
We are comparing three methods of delivering proton therapy for head and neck cancer, including a new FLASH radiation therapy (RT) modality developed by our team. FLASH RT delivers an ultra-high dose more than 300 times faster than conventional radiation therapy. In transmission proton FLASH, beams that pass through the patient’s normal tissues are necessary to generate FLASH dose rates, and delivery methods that minimize the impact on normal tissues would be beneficial. In prior research, we have shown that proton pencil-beam scanning Bragg peak FLASH (PBS-BPF) can eliminate the exit dose beyond the tumor target, maintain FLASH dose rates and potentially reduce side effects caused by damage to healthy tissues. Through preclinical and translational research on PBS-BPF, transmission proton FLASH, and conventional proton therapy, we aim to determine which treatment best minimizes damage leading to side effects that jeopardize eating and speaking for patients with head and neck cancer.
