Project: Biologically weighted quantities in radiotherapy

Radiotherapy treatments work by damaging the DNA of cancerous cells, leading to cell death. New treatments such as ion and proton beam therapy are more effective than traditional treatments. However, current techniques are not able to accurately measure their dosage. This project will develop measurements and simulations to determine how the charged particles from radiotherapy interact as they pass through human tissue. This is known as the particle track structure and it depends on properties like the velocity and charge of the particles, as well as on characteristics of the target cells in the patient. Essentially, the project will compare the physical properties of the radiation itself with its impact on cancer cells. The results will support an advance in ionising radiation metrology that will directly impact the treatment and the quality of life of those affected by cancer.

Acronym	SIB06 BioQuaRT (Reference Number: SIB06)
Duration	01/06/2012 - 31/05/2015
Project Topic	Metrology
Project Results (after finalisation)	See Website
Website	visit project website
Network	EMRP
Call	EMRP Call 2011 - Health, SI Broader Scope and New Technologies

Project partner

Number	Name	Role	Country
1	Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt	Coordinator	Germany
2	Agenzia Nazionale per le nuove tecnologie, l’energia e lo sviluppo economico sostenibile	Partner	Italy
3	Institut de Radioprotection et de Surete Nucleaire	Partner	France
4	Instituto Superior Tecnico	Partner	Portugal
5	Narodowe Centrum Badań Jądrowych	Partner	Poland
6	NPL Management Limited	Partner	United Kingdom
7	Politecnico di Milano	Observer	Italy
8	Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare		Italy