#Italy #RaySearch #Laboratories #Proton #Trento

Discrete Proton Arc Therapy Clinical Trials

RaySearch Laboratories AB is delighted to unveil the initiation of discrete proton arc therapy at the Trento Proton Therapy Center located in Italy. This pioneering technique is expected to significantly enhance the precision and efficiency of cancer treatments, particularly for head and neck cancer patients.

Proton therapy is heralded as one of the most sophisticated forms of radiotherapy, leveraging a unique method for energy delivery that can focus on specific tumor areas while minimizing harm to surrounding tissues. Traditionally, this treatment has been administered from a limited set of angles. However, with discrete proton arc therapy, the delivery angle expands to between 20 to 30 directions. This innovation promises to cut down on treatment duration, especially as technology advances with newer proton delivery systems.

The efforts by the Medical Physics team at the Trento Proton Therapy Center have culminated in extensive research, which demonstrated that the proton arc therapy technique leads to significant dose reductions outside the targeted tumor, confirming earlier preclinical studies. Following initial findings, the team conducted quality assurance activities using specialized detectors designed for arc therapy settings. The results indicated that this innovative approach is feasible for clinical use, and treatments have commenced.

Frank Lohr, Medical Chair, alongside Francesco Fracchiolla, who is the project lead and a Medical Physicist, stated that discrete proton arc therapy has the potential to revolutionize proton treatment methodologies, much like how Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) transformed photon therapy. They emphasized that collaboration among radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and RaySearch has been critical to this advancement.

Johan Löf, the founder and CEO of RaySearch, expressed pride in the initiation of proton arc treatments—highlighting it as a significant milestone in the field of proton therapy. He acknowledged the dedication showcased by the Trento Proton Therapy team in incorporating this technology into their clinical protocols. RaySearch has been a pivotal player in developing advanced algorithms and planning tools that facilitate effective proton arc therapy.

This advancement in proton therapy at the Trento Proton Therapy Center not only signifies progress in cancer treatment options but also underscores the collaborative efforts within multidisciplinary healthcare teams to enhance patient care. With continued research and development, the future of localized cancer treatment looks more promising than ever, potentially offering patients enhanced recovery outcomes and improved quality of life.

For further information on the developments in this area, interested parties can reach out to Johan Löf at RaySearch Laboratories. The company is enthusiastic about future endeavors that define the standard of care in proton therapy, aiming for improved patient-focused innovations each step of the way.