{"id":1426,"date":"2024-07-23T15:36:21","date_gmt":"2024-07-23T14:36:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/proton\/?page_id=1426"},"modified":"2024-09-30T11:00:51","modified_gmt":"2024-09-30T10:00:51","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/proton\/","title":{"rendered":"Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” fullwidth=”on” next_background_color=”#000000″ global_module=”322″][et_pb_fullwidth_menu global_parent=”322″ _builder_version=”3.0.106″ menu_id=”7″ submenu_direction=”downwards” fullwidth_menu=”off” background_layout=”dark” module_class=”main-navigation” \/][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_fullwidth_slider show_arrows=”off” show_pagination=”off” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_position=”top_left” custom_padding=”|||” custom_css_slide_description=”animation: none!important;” custom_css_slide_title=”animation:none!important;” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_size__hover=”null” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover=”null” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover=”null” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover=”null” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover=”null” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover=”null” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover=”null” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover=”null” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover=”null” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover=”null” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover=”null” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover=”null” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover=”null” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover=”null” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover=”null” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_letter_spacing__hover=”0″ button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover=”null” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover=”null” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover=”null”][et_pb_slide heading=”Proton therapy research” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_color=”#ffffff” background_image=”https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/proton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/461\/2024\/08\/proton-therapy-research-banner.jpg” background_position=”top_left” custom_button=”on” button_bg_color=”#27a2db” button_border_color=”#27a2db” button_use_icon=”on” button_on_hover=”on”]<\/p>\n

Integrating research in proton therapy in Manchester<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_fullwidth_slider][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#1d1d1d”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” parallax_method_3=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Space” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

In 2018 The Christie began treating patients with specific types of cancer with high-energy proton beam therapy (PBT). Our research is central to this clinical provision and will ensure that patients always have access to the latest developments in the field.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Links” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

On this page:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. About proton beam therapy<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. The PRECISE group<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Research room<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Major research activities<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Highlight publications<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Training<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Contact us<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Space” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    \n<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    <\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″][et_pb_text admin_label=”About” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    About proton beam therapy<\/h2>\n

    Proton beam therapy (PBT) is a radically new type of radiotherapy.<\/p>\n

    It has the potential to improve the precision and targeting of radiation therapy (RT) leading to fewer side effects, faster recovery and better outcomes for patients. It also has the potential to target radio-resistant hypoxic tumours and other tumours that are difficult to treat by more conventional means.<\/p>\n

    In PBT, unlike conventional X-ray radiotherapy, protons deliver the majority of dose to a defined depth (the Bragg peak), with little dose delivered past this point. By modulating the energy and position of the Bragg peak the dose can be painted over the tumour volume. This allows more dose to get to the tumour while sparing the healthy tissue surrounding it. PBT also offers the potential to treat tumours very close to critical organs because there is no exit dose.<\/p>\n

    Further information is provided within the\u00a0Benefits of proton beam therapy at The Christie video<\/a>\u00a0(The Christie, 6.19: YouTube).<\/p>\n

    \"bragg-peak\"<\/p>\n

    Scientific and technological challenges of PBT<\/h3>\n

    PBT is still in its relative infancy and there are some scientific and technological challenges to be addressed for it to achieve its full potential.<\/p>\n

    Our current\u00a0major research activities<\/a>\u00a0are aimed at tackling the key scientific and technological challenges for PBT.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Back to top” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    \n< Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/proton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/461\/2024\/08\/proton-ct-inner-banner.jpg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    <\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Spacer” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    <\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″][et_pb_text admin_label=”PRECISE group” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    The PRECISE group<\/h2>\n

    The PRECISE group (Proton research at The Christie and the University\u2019s Division of Cancer Sciences) conduct our PBT research. The group has a dedicated research facility \u2013 known as the \u2018research room\u2019 within the clinical proton therapy centre aimed at addressing these challenges.<\/p>\n

    The research in PRECISE takes a multidisciplinary approach spanning from basic research to applied and translational research leading into clinical trials. The research is designed to improve the outcomes for patients both in terms of survival and quality of life.<\/p>\n

    The multidisciplinary research team brings together The University of Manchester, The Christie and the Cancer Research UK Manchester Centre (a designated Major Centre). The group has seen rapid growth and now has over 30 researchers with academic and clinical expertise.<\/p>\n

    The PRECISE group is led by\u00a0Dr Michael Taylor<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Funding<\/h3>\n

    The PRECISE group funding comes from most major research funding bodies in the UK. This includes Cancer Research UK (CRUK), Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and NC3Rs, and EU Horizon 2020. We are also part of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Biomedical Research Centre and the\u00a0Manchester CRUK Major Centre<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Spacer” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    <\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: Grant income” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    \u00a3200m<\/p>\n

    Grant income generated featuring our research.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: Government investment” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    \u00a3125m<\/p>\n

    Government investment in clinical proton therapy treatment in Manchester.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: Investment in facilities” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    \u00a310m<\/p>\n

    Investment in research facilities.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Spacer” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    <\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Back to top” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    \n< Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    <\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Room” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    Research room<\/h2>\n

    The research room is located within the clinical proton beam therapy centre at The Christie. It has been developed in parallel with the clinical treatment facility and is a unique research resource. It is available for use by the wider research community upon request.<\/p>\n

    The room shares the same cyclotron accelerator used by the clinical rooms and features a pencil beam scanning nozzle which is the same as that used in the clinical facilities. This ensures our experiments can emulate the beam delivery in the gantry treatment rooms of the clinical centre.<\/p>\n

    \"Inside<\/p>\n

    The research room has a horizontal beam line which transport the beam to the scanning nozzle and then to modular experimental end-stations. These end-stations are interchangeable to allow the maximum flexibility in the design of experiments and optimum use of the beam time available for research.<\/p>\n

    Hypoxia endstation<\/h3>\n

    \"The<\/p>\n

    Most of our radiobiological research uses “Hypoxia endstation”, bespoke equipment designed as a collaboration between the group, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Don Whitley Scientific.<\/p>\n

    This endstation is an environmentally controlled cabinet capable of reaching 0.1% O2. A 6-axis robotic arm is used to pick biological samples from a “hotel” of 36 samples. The robot holds the sample in front of a Kapton window which the proton beam is scanned through – providing a high throughput research platform to maximise beamtime. The endstation also contains a WellWash Versa for automated cell fixing at specified timepoints post irradiation.<\/p>\n

    Biological preparation room<\/h3>\n

    \"The<\/p>\n

    Adjoining the research room there is a biological preparation room for setting up experiments. This small lab contains the critical equipment required to conduct radiobiological research: a tissue culture hood, cell incubators, microscopy and a hypoxia chamber. There is also a control room for remotely controlling the beam and experimental end-stations.<\/p>\n

    A national and European facility<\/h3>\n

    The research room effectively runs as a national facility. External researchers can conduct their high-energy proton experiments here.<\/p>\n

    Please contact us<\/a> for more information, including how to access the facility.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Back to top” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    \n< Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    <\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Research” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    Major research activities<\/h2>\n

    Our research aims to address all the main challenges of PBT.<\/p>\n

    Activity currently focuses on a few key areas spanning the full scale of PBT research, from utilising computational simulations through to experiments in our research room.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/proton\/research-actitivies\/” button_text=” Explore our research” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    <\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=”Back to top” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    \n< Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    <\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Publications” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n

    Highlight publications<\/h2>\n