ESTRO 2025 - Abstract Book

S3961

Radiobiology - Normal tissue radiobiology

ESTRO 2025

4347

Digital Poster Progress of Laser-Driven Particle Beams at Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) Facilities Hideghéty Katalin 1,2 , Emilia Rita Szabó 1 , Réka Molnár 1 , Róbert Polanek 1 , Júlia Dudás 1 , Attila Ébert 1 , Előd Búzás 3 , Parvin Varmazyar 4 , Károly Osvay 3 , Barna Bíró 5 , Carlo Maria Lazzarini 6 , Gabriele Maria Grittani 6 , Illia Zymak 6 , Sebastian Lorenz 6 , Alžběta Špádová 6 , Christos Kamperidis 1 , Dániel Papp 1 , Nasr Hafiz 1 1 ERIC, ELI-ALPS, ELI-HU Non-Profit Ltd., Szeged, Hungary. 2 Oncotherapy, University, Szeged, Hungary. 3 National Laser-Initiated Transmutation Laboratory, University, Szeged, Hungary. 4 National Laser-Initiated Transmutation LaboratoryU, University, Szeged, Hungary. 5 HUN-REN Institute for Nuclear Research, University, Debrecen, Hungary. 6 ELI Beamlines Facility, The Extreme Light Infrastructure ERIC, Dolní Brežany, Czech Republic Purpose/Objective: The aim is to present the therapeutic potential and results of preliminary radiobiology experiments of Laser-driven ionizing beams at Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) —including electrons, protons, and fast neutrons, characterised by pulsed mode operation, ultra-high dose rate per pulse and finely focused spatial resolution. Material/Methods: Experiments utilized U251 (GBM) cells and 24-hour post-fertilization (hpf) zebrafish embryos. A 3.2 MeV neutron beam, generated through deuterium-deuterium fusion using laser-plasma technology at ELI ALPS in collaboration with the National Laser-Initiated Transmutation Laboratory (NTNL) project at the University of Szeged, was applied. Additionally, biological effects of laser-plasma wakefield-accelerated 15 MeV electron beams were studied at the ALFA facility (ELI Beamlines) and the e-SYLOS facility (ELI ALPS). Dose-response curves were established by escalating dose levels. The challenging experimental conditions necessitated innovative solutions to ensure reliability under extreme, non-laboratory settings. Results: High-power laser systems offer compact particle acceleration with continually improving parameters, making them increasingly suitable for radiobiology research. Three experimental campaigns have been completed with the neutron beam, achieving doses ranging from 100 mGy to 1000 mGy in vacuum. Fluorescent staining revealed significant DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs)and apoptosis induction. For electron beam experiments, high-intensity irradiation was performed in air at the ALFA beamline (delivering doses of 5 Gy, 30 Gy, 62 Gy, and 76 Gy) and at e-SYLOS (5 Gy). Zebrafish embryos exhibited dose-dependent increases in DNA DSBs and apoptotic cell density, with reduced survival rates (80% survival by the 7th post-irradiation day). Morphological impairments, including reduced embryo length, smaller eye diameter, and pericardial and yolk sac edema, were dose-dependent. These effects were comparable to those observed with conventional LINAC-based electron beam irradiation. Conclusion: After an extended period of preparatory research, theoretical models have emphasized the potential of laser-driven particle beams to enhance the therapeutic index in radiobiology. Recent experimental milestones confirm the feasibility of using these advanced beams in both in vitro and in vivo models. However, further improvements in beam reliability and stability are required. Additionally, the development of robust biological assessment methodologies will ensure consistent and accurate results, even under the challenging conditions associated with laser-driven experiments. Acknowledgement: The ELI ALPS project (GINOP-2.3.6-15-2015-00001) is supported by the European Union and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

Keywords: Laser-driven particle beams

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