Our research activities
Though our major research activities we aim to address all the main challenges of Proton Beam Therapy (PBT). Find out more about these activities in more detail below.
The impact of dose rate (the FLASH effect)
Image: Physical dose and dose rate heat maps.
There is emerging evidence that delivering radiotherapy at an extremely fast rate can maintain tumour control whilst significantly improving the sparing of surrounding normal tissue. We are investigating and quantifying this effect by studying the response of cells to varying dose rates of protons.
Lead researchers: John-William Warmenhoven and Elham Santina
Spatially fractionated radiotherapy
Image: A Proton SFRT plan for a large Sarcoma in the shoulder. From top left going anticlockwise transverse, coronal and sagittal planes are shown with colourwash to indicate the dose. Top right shows the dose profile in the coronal plane and demonstrates the peaks and valleys of dose within the treatment site.
Image: 3D render of a Protons SFRT plan for a large sarcoma in the shoulder and demonstrates the resultant lattice of high dose regions within the treatment site.
Most radiotherapy is intentionally delivered to provide a uniform homogenous dose across the tumour. There is evidence that by spacing out the radiation (moving proton spots apart) you can increase the radiations effectiveness at treating the tumour and spare more normal tissue. We are investigating the feasibility of this on the clinical gantries and through modifications of beam optics in the research room.
Lead researchers: John-William Warmenhoven, Michael Taylor and Adam Aitkenhead
Biological optimisation
Image: Monte-Carlo simulation of protons passing through a model of the human cell.
Biological optimisation includes how protons are different to photons; relative biological effectiveness; biologically optimised treatment planning; and mapping the PBT dose to the tumour and its microenvironment).
Monte-Carlo modelling of proton induced DNA damage and repair
We use radiation track structure simulation to model the interaction of protons with DNA to predict the complexity and quantity of damage across the proton Bragg peak. We have developed mechanistic in silico models for DNA repair to investigate the biological response of the cells to proton induced DNA damage, including cell cycle effects.
Lead researchers: John-William Warmenhoven and Nicholas Henthorn
Biologically augmented treatment planning
We take new radiobiological understanding and apply it to treatment planning approaches. We can use our models of DNA damage and repair and radiobiological experimental results to help guide modification to treatment plans incorporating aspects such as Linear Energy Transfer (LET) and Hypoxia.
Lead researcher: Samuel Ingram
Biology and hypoxia
We are exploring the biological response to PBT in a variety of tumour types. This work includes investigating the relative biological effectiveness of proton beam therapy, the DNA damage responses and influence of the tumour microenvironment. We are also developing biologically-relevant dosimetry tools.
Lead researcher: Amy Chadwick and Elham Santina
Range verification
Image: A conceptual prototype design for a prompt gamma ray range verification system modelled using the Monte-Carlo radiation transport framework Geant4.
This project aims to reduce the consequences of undetected patient anatomical changes during PBT. Through the detection of the high-energy gamma-rays emitted during PBT, anatomical changes can be determined. The planned dose distribution can then be modified, thereby adapting the therapy to deliver a more personalised course of treatment.
Lead researcher: Michael Taylor
New accelerator developments for PBT
Investigating the clinical benefit of new accelerator developments for proton therapy
In this joint project with the Department of Physics and Astronomy, The Cockcroft Institute and the Christie Medical Physics and Engineering we investigate the properties of proton therapy accelerators that are required to deliver a clinical benefit to proton therapy. A specific focus of this project is proton arc therapy.
Lead researchers: Michael Taylor, Nicholas Henthorn and Rob Appleby
Proton imaging
Proton CT
We are working as part of a national programme led by Professor Nigel Allinson (University of Lincoln) on the development of proton CT.
Lead researchers: Michael Taylor and Ranald Mackay
Translational technical radiotherapy
Advanced radiotherapy
PRECISE works with clinical radiotherapy at The Christie to improve the delivery of proton therapy. They achieve this by integrating clinical physicists as part of the PRECISE team working across several research projects. Particular interests are improvement in proton treatment planning and verification.
Lead researchers: Ranald Mackay and Adam Aitkenhead.
Artificial Intelligence
We leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches to improve how we generate highly accurate proton dose distributions, treatment planning contours and outcome predictions. We are passionate about ensuring that developments in AI are also harnessed for under-represented groups such as paediatric cancer patients.
Lead Researcher: Samuel Ingram and Michael Taylor.
Wearables
We look to leverage new forms of data sources which can help us understand the effect of proton therapy on patients. Through digital wearable devices, we can track, in real-time, sensitive measures of the patient’s health before, during and after treatment. Through a better understanding of these signals, we hope to provide early detection markers of adverse responses which could aid personalised support for patients to manage their treatment.
Lead Researcher: Samuel Ingram and Michael Taylor.
Clinical trials
Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) is an important treatment modality in modern radiotherapy, but its exact role and value have yet to be fully established. The University of Manchester and The Christie will lead the clinical evaluation of PBT, and will integrate fundamental research on PBT into patient-centred trial development.
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