Speaker
Description
The FLASH-DOSE project addresses the urgent need for reliable and metrologically traceable reference dosimetry for FLASH radiotherapy using ultra-high proton dose rates (UHDR) and ultra-high pulsed electron beams (UHDPP). Preclinical studies have demonstrated the so-called FLASH effect, which can reduce damage to healthy tissues by up to 40% while maintaining antitumor effectiveness. However, clinical implementation requires new reference dosimetry methodologies, since existing protocols (e.g. IAEA TRS-398) are not suitable under UHDR/UHDPP conditions due to strong ion recombination effects in ionization chambers.
The project aims to develop a traceable dosimetry infrastructure that will support the creation of new Codes of Practice for scanned UHDR proton beams and pulsed UHDPP electron beams. Key activities include characterization of portable primary standards, such as graphite and water calorimeters, for scanned proton beams with a target uncertainty of 0.5–0.9%, development of advanced Monte Carlo simulation models for ion recombination (ks) and beam quality correction factors (kQ) and generation of correction datasets for clinical use.
The project will also establish a reference dosimetry methodology for both FLASH modalities, including validation of primary and secondary standards, determination of correction factors, and definition of clinically relevant reference fields. Results will be shared with international standardization bodies such as AAPM, IEC, and ESTRO to support the development of new standards for FLASH radiotherapy.
Overall, the project will strengthen international metrological traceability in FLASH dosimetry, support the European measurement infrastructure, and facilitate safe clinical implementation of FLASH radiotherapy, ultimately improving outcomes and quality of life for radiotherapy patients.