Applications: Biomedical
ADVACAM detectors are being tested as a method to improve head cancer ion beam irradiation. The new device Beam TraX allows treatment of a smaller tissue volume, which can help reduce negative side effects.
The tests focus on patients with tumors near the base of the skull. This area is challenging to access for irradiation due to the proximity of essential structures like the brainstem. This device called Beam TraX measures secondary radiation emitted from the patient, and based on this data, scientists understand what kind of matter is being irradiated.
So far, doctors had to rely on previously done CT scans. However, the situation inside the patient’s head can change during the therapy. The new device is meant to allow a better understanding of where and how often these changes occur. With its use, doctors can save healthy tissue from irradiation and apply higher doses to the tumor.
The presence of detectors does not affect the existing therapy. It can help prevent side effects such as memory or optic nerve damage.
The InViMo clinical trials are being conducted by scientists from the German National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and the Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center (HIT) at Heidelberg University Hospital.
