CD Laboratory for Medical Radiation Research for Radiation Oncology

The research focus is on the technology-supported and biologically motivated individualisation of radiation oncological treatment of specific tumours. These approaches, also in combination with drug treatment, will enable better control of tumours with fewer side effects.

In the field of imaging techniques, methods are being optimised and developed that allow not only the morphological differentiation of malignant and healthy tissue but also the characterisation of individual tumour biology. This work forms the basis for further technology development and clinical research into the application of high radiation doses to clearly identified sub-areas in tumour tissue ("dose painting").

Furthermore, it is being investigated whether and how a possible therapeutic success or a less good response of a tumour to radio-oncological treatment can be predicted using functional imaging methods. To this end, corresponding parameters in the imaging of tumours ("imaging biomarkers") are being identified and their relevance evaluated as part of preclinical trials - and initial clinical pilot tests. State-of-the-art imaging methods such as functional computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or positron emission tomography are used for analysis. In addition, a preclinical biological characterisation of the tumours is being carried out.

In a technology-orientated area, software and hardware developments are initially being carried out for Image Guided Adaptive Radiotherapy (IGART) in order to subsequently bring this treatment strategy into clinical applications. With this form of therapy, the position and shape of the tumour and normal tissue structures are analysed immediately before or during radiotherapy and the therapy is individually adapted according to the anatomical conditions. In addition, the clinical results obtained using IGART, i.e. a gentler form of therapy, are analysed radiobiologically. These findings are then used for computer-assisted optimisation in therapy planning.

In addition to the high-precision therapy methods using photon beams (Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy - IMRT, Intensity Modulated Arc Therapy - IMAT, Image Guided Brachytherapy - IGBT and Stereotactic Radiotherapy - SRT ), a form of therapy using ion beams is also being researched. The focus here is on analysing and expanding the potential of ion therapy using the Image Guided Adaptive Radiotherapy (IGART) approaches described above for protons and carbon ions. Another focus is the fundamental characterisation of new potential ion types (e.g. helium) for cancer therapy.

This complementary work by a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the fields of Medicine, Physics and Biology will make a significant contribution to the more efficient and gentle use of the latest radiotherapeutic procedures in the treatment of solid tumours.