ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S28 ESTRO 2024 In the dynamic landscape of radiation therapy, research is an extremely important component in the development and evolution of innovation and evidence-based service improvement. To conduct quality research that can be translated into practice, we need to ensure that all members of the multidisciplinary team involved in research have the skills, knowledge and competence to make a meaningful contribution. The concept of collaborative research draws upon individuals and groups from various backgrounds working towards a common goal or objective, a chance to utilise collective expertise, resources and perspectives to address complex research questions. It’s an opportunity to bring complimentary skills and knowledge to a shared forum. It promotes synergy, fosters innovation, and enhances the quality, relevance and impact of research outcomes. Although geographically disconnected in the global context, digital technology- arguably fast tracked by the pandemic- facilitates the ability to easily network, connect and collaborate. Utilising our collective expertise, we are well positioned to share our knowledge and work together to improve the skills and understanding of RTTs through a collaborative global research network. Differences in the RTT training programs worldwide provide challenges and opportunities; diversity in skills and experience across our profession, enhancing problem solving capabilities and fostering mentorship opportunities. It can also support research involving less common technologies (e.g. integrated MR or specialist stereotactic machines) or rarer patient cohorts when RTTs from various sites are connected, working towards a common goal. By uniting efforts, RTT researchers can collectively address pressing challenges, drive scientific advancements, and ultimately improve patient outcomes and processes in radiation therapy. This presentation will highlight the significance of collaboration and the inherent opportunities it presents in advancing research endeavours for RTTs globally. Invited Speaker

3319

Combining FLASH and spatially-fractionated radiation therapy

Yolanda Prezado

Universidad Santiago de Compostela, CIMUS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Abstract:

Radiation therapy (RT) represents one of the mainstays of cancer treatment. Normal tissue toxicity remains the primary factor limiting the efficient treatment of radioresistant tumors, as well as some pediatric cancers. Therefore, the exploration of new therapeutic modalities allowing a further reduction of toxicities is of paramount importance. Two such novel strategies are spatially fractionated radiation therapy (SFRT) [1] and FLASH radiotherapy [2]. In SFRT, the dose is spatially modulated to create alternating regions of high dose, called peaks, and low dose, called valleys. FLASH-RT reconsiders temporal aspects of the dose delivery employing ultra-high dose rates (UHDR) of more than 40 Gy/s and very short delivery times < 200 ms. The preclinical data obtained thus far [1, 3] illustrate how FLASH-RT and SFRT can modulate biological responses and improve the outcome for patients through the use of non-conventional irradiation parameters. Although likely based on different mechanisms, both FLASH-RT and SFRT have shown to elicit radiobiological effects that significantly differ from those induced by conventional radiotherapy. The combination of FLASH-RT and SFRT might represent a winning alliance. In this lecture, the state of the art, advantages and current limitations, potential