Project ID: NdS/544985/2021/2021
Name of the programme: Science for Society
Project title: Image-guided proton radiotherapy for irradiating cancer of the moving targets
Principial Investigator: dr hab Renata Kopeć, prof. IFJ PAN
Project Duration: 31.05.2022 – 31.05.2025
Budget: 1 715 800 PLN
Projects description
Proton radiotherapy is one of the fastest-developing radiotherapy techniques in the world. The interaction characteristics of a proton beam with matter cause accelerated protons to release most of their energy at the end of their path within the patient’s body, in the area known as the Bragg peak. Thanks to this phenomenon, both the entrance and exit doses are significantly lower compared to photon radiotherapy, which translates into better sparing of critical organs and healthy tissues located in close proximity to the tumor. This makes proton therapy one of the most advanced and precise techniques available.
The first reports on the use of proton beams for cancer treatment date back to the 1950s, but rapid development of this technique began relatively recently, with the introduction of a new beam delivery technology known as pencil beam scanning (PBS). Due to the unique properties of proton beams, their development continues to progress dynamically.
Bronowice Cyclotron Centre (CCB), part of the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IFJ PAN) in Kraków, is the only center in Poland where cancer treatment using proton beams is possible. Moreover, CCB IFJ PAN uniquely integrates clinical, scientific, and industrial environments, with public outreach being a natural and integral part of its operations—especially in such an advanced and specialized field.
Two main objectives have been defined within the project:
I. Development of innovative 4D techniques supporting the irradiation of moving organs in proton therapy, in collaboration with a commercial partner.
Our goal is to establish collaboration with commercial companies to develop tools supporting 4D proton therapy and subsequently validate and implement them clinically at CCB. Given the unique nature of proton therapy and the complexity of 4D issues, a tailored approach is required in developing radiotherapy procedures and creating a qualification framework for patients undergoing such therapies. This includes 4D imaging and reconstruction techniques, real-time patient monitoring, computational tools supporting robust 3D and 4D optimization, and the implementation of adaptive techniques.
II. Spreading awareness of proton radiotherapy and innovative 4D techniques supporting therapeutic procedures for moving organs, both in Poland and internationally.
The main goal is to transfer the current knowledge and experience from scientific and clinical communities to the broader public. Using CCB as a source of information—not only for medical professionals and medical physicists, but also for the general Polish public—offers a unique opportunity to familiarize people with this globally significant advanced technology. Through organizing science communication events and presenting promotional films about proton therapy and its importance for the advancement of science and medicine, we aim to raise public awareness of the availability and therapeutic potential of this treatment.
Additionally, preparing a series of films that present the successive stages of a patient’s treatment path at such a technologically advanced center as CCB will allow patients to familiarize themselves with the infrastructure in advance. It will also illustrate the physical aspects of proton therapy and offer a comparison with alternative techniques.