Objective
The use of the ionising properties of high-energy radiation in controlling cell growth has long been established. Research has demonstrated that whilst high velocity electrons also cause cell ionisation, their energy is dissipated within the first few centimetres of tissue, unlike x- and gamma rays which penetrate low density material with very little attenuation. The use of a stream of high-velocity electrons (electron beam radiotherapy) is therefore of great benefit in situations where healthy organs or tissue are situated behind an exposed or superficial tumour site, and prevents the damage to healthy tissue that would normally occur with the use of x- or gamma ray techniques.
At present the only way of generating such an electron beam is to remove the target from a linear accelerator, a time consuming exercise on costly facilities that are generally fully utilised. The project objectives are: to produce a miniature easily controllable circular accelerator technology demonstrator with an energy range up to 10MeV; to demonstrate that such a generator represents a minimal and known safety hazard to both operators and patients; to establish the clinical value of such a generator and its compliance with established beam performance standards (IEC degrees 62C); and to manage the various elements of national and international collaboration in an efficient and timely manner and to ensure that the results are both fully documented and disseminated.
The successful completion of this project will lead to the development of equipment which is capable of treating 80 % of all oncological patients and should lead to more widespread use in preventive and early stage treatment in both fixed and remote locations. It will also release linear accelerator time and reduce the need for future investment in such facilities and the extensive special buildings that they require.
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
Data not availableCoordinator
NR32 1SG Lowestoft
United Kingdom