FLASH Radiotherapy: Current Knowledge and Future Insights Using Proton-Beam Therapy

Hughes, Jonathan R and Parsons, Jason L ORCID: 0000-0002-5052-1125 (2020) FLASH Radiotherapy: Current Knowledge and Future Insights Using Proton-Beam Therapy. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21 (18). E6492-.

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Official URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/18/6492

Abstract

FLASH radiotherapy is the delivery of ultra-high dose rate radiation several orders of magnitude higher than what is currently used in conventional clinical radiotherapy, and has the potential to revolutionize the future of cancer treatment. FLASH radiotherapy induces a phenomenon known as the FLASH effect, whereby the ultra-high dose rate radiation reduces the normal tissue toxicities commonly associated with conventional radiotherapy, while still maintaining local tumor control. The underlying mechanism(s) responsible for the FLASH effect are yet to be fully elucidated, but a prominent role for oxygen tension and reactive oxygen species production is the most current valid hypothesis. The FLASH effect has been confirmed in many studies in recent years, both in vitro and in vivo, with even the first patient with T-cell cutaneous lymphoma being treated using FLASH radiotherapy. However, most of the studies into FLASH radiotherapy have used electron beams that have low tissue penetration, which presents a limitation for translation into clinical practice. A promising alternate FLASH delivery method is via proton beam therapy, as the dose can be deposited deeper within the tissue. However, studies into FLASH protons are currently sparse. This review will summarize FLASH radiotherapy research conducted to date and the current theories explaining the FLASH effect, with an emphasis on the future potential for FLASH proton beam therapy. View Full-Text

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	FLASH, ionizing radiation, proton beam therapy, radiotherapy, radiobiology
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	24 Sep 2020 10:49
Last Modified:	18 Jan 2023 23:31
DOI:	10.3390/ijms21186492
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21186492
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3102400