Robotic Gynecological Brachytherapy

Project Information

ROBOGYN

Grant agreement ID: 252305

Project closed

Start date 16 August 2010

End date 30 July 2011

Funded under

• Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Total cost € 113 186,80

EU contribution € 113 186,80

Coordinated by

MEDIZINISCHE UNIVERSITAET WIEN
Austria

Objective

Gynecological cancers are one of the most devastating forms of cancer in the western hemisphere as well as worldwide. The condition is effectively treated with brachytherapy that entails implanting radioactive sources into the cancer to kill it with radiation. The success of the procedure depends on the accurate visualization of the cancer and precise placement of the sources. Faulty source delivery may result in insufficient dose to the cancer and inadvertent radiation of healthy nearby tissues. The former causes a failure of treatment while the latter results in adverse side effects, such as ulceration, incontinence and chronic pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent cancer imaging tool, but due to high magnetic field and lack of access to the patient, it has not been possible to use MRI for guiding gynecological interventions. We propose to develop the proof of concept prototype of a robotic device to allow for precise implantation of brachytherapy sources into gynecological cancers with direct MRI image guidance. We believe that this system, when fully implemented, will lead to better clinical outcomes by simultaneously improving cancer control and reducing radiation toxicity in surrounding healthy tissues. The visitor, Dr. Fichtinger, is an international leader in medical robotics applied for brachytherapy of genitourinary cancers. The host team at MUW has a stellar international standing in clinical gynecological brachytherapy, but they have no expertise in medical robotics. The combination of the host and visitor will create an ideal situation for this project. Dr. Fichtinger will spearhead the project under the Marie Curie Action. At the end of the project year, he will transfer the leadership to the host team that will continue the project toward clinical utilization.

Fields of science

• medical and health sciences › clinical medicine › oncology
• engineering and technology › medical engineering › diagnostic imaging › magnetic resonance imaging
• engineering and technology › electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering › electronic engineering › robotics
• medical and health sciences › clinical medicine › gynaecology

Programme(s)

• FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Topic(s)

• FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IIF - Marie Curie Action: "International Incoming Fellowships"

Call for proposal

FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IIF
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

MC-IIF - International Incoming Fellowships (IIF)

Coordinator

MEDIZINISCHE UNIVERSITAET WIEN

• EU contribution: € 113 186,80
• Address: SPITALGASSE 23 ; 1090 Wien ; Austria
• Region: Ostösterreich › Wien › Wien
• Activity type: Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
• Administrative Contact: Wolfgang Birkfellner (Prof.)
• Total cost: No data