Our research themes
Our research focuses on advancing the understanding and application of particle beam therapies — specifically protons, helium ions, and boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) — to improve cancer treatment outcomes.
Research Theme 1
Radiobiology of protons and high-LET radiotherapy
Particle beam therapy, including protons and helium ions, offer significant benefits over conventional X-ray (photon) radiotherapy due to their physical characteristics leading to sparing of the surrounding normal tissues and organs at risk. Both helium ion therapy but also boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) offer further, improved benefits through being more effective in tumour cell killing. However, there remains significant biological uncertainties with protons, helium ions and BNCT at the molecular and cellular level.
Using the MC-40 cyclotron and high-flux accelerator-drive neutron source, we are performing research to understand the comparative impact of protons, helium ions and BNCT on tumour cell DNA. We are examining the types of DNA damage generated, how this is repaired, but also how cells can replicate and divide. Research is being done under conditions of both normoxia, and hypoxia which is an important factor in solid tumours that creates radiotherapy resistance. We are also characterising the delivery of protons and helium ion at ultra-high dose rates (FLASH) and through spatial fractionation, with the goal of identifying the mechanisms of normal tissue sparing necessarily for clinical translation.
A slice though a typical radiotherapy treatment plan for a patient with cancer in the head and neck region
Research Theme 2
Translational research using protons and high-LET radiotherapy
Tumours of the head and neck, plus adult brain (glioblastoma) are known to display significant resistance to conventional X-ray radiotherapy and tumours invariably progress. Proton beam therapy is increasingly being used for the treatment of paediatric tumours, such as rhabdomyosarcoma, however this is complex and the underlying biology of protons and other types of radiotherapy need to be thoroughly understood before these are utilised more routinely.
We are developing more advanced models of head and neck cancers, glioblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma that can be used for translational research. Patient-derived organoids that faithfully recapitulate the structure of the original tumour and how this responds to treatment, are being generated. Additionally, tumours are being grown in vivo using the chick embryo model. We are exploiting the comparative impact of protons, helium ions and BNCT on tumour growth within these models aiming to identify the most effective radiotherapy for individual tumours. We are also exploring the effects of combinatorial drugs with radiotherapy, including those that target and inhibit tumours cells from repairing DNA damage, to similarly identifying the most effective treatment strategies for the tumours.
The Scanditronix MC-40 cyclotron showing the extracted beam line and focussing magnets which deliver proton and ion beams for radiobiology experiments