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Highly effective cancer treatment with micron-wide X-ray flashes : Date:

Rechts der Isar University Hospital of the Technical University of Munich – Dr. Stefan Bartzsch

Microbeam therapy is a promising but still preclinical approach in which high-intensity X-rays can be applied with high precision. © Adobe Stock / Peakstock

Recipient: Rechts der Isar University Hospital of the Technical University of Munich
Funding: GO-Bio initial conceptual phase 4 (01/10/2023 to 30/09/2024, EUR 115,095.22) 

Project description:

In Germany, about 500,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year. Half of these patients receive radiotherapy in the course of their treatment. However, the main problem with radiation treatment is the damage to the healthy tissue surrounding the tumour. Microbeam therapy is a promising but still preclinical approach in which high-intensity X-rays can be applied with high precision. Damage to healthy tissues is significantly reduced. Instead of receiving several radiation appointments over weeks, a single treatment session is sufficient.

The main goal of the project is the translation of microbeam therapy into clinical application. To this end the innovative technology of the line-focus X-ray tube (LFXT), which has already been tested in preclinical trials, is being further developed for use on patients. Clinical challenges, regulatory hurdles and economic tasks, such as securing IP rights and the exploitation strategy, must be dealt with in addition to the technological tasks.