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EMPIR project workshop ‘How the metrology can support radiotherapy coupled with hyperthermia’ provides valuable insight

The project

EMPIR project Radiotherapy coupled with hyperthermia - adapting the biological equivalent dose concept (RaCHy, 18HLT06) is working to develop a new measurement framework and measurement techniques for combining radiotherapy with heat therapies (hyperthermia). Integrating these two approaches has been hindered by the complexity of comparing the relevant variables, including temperature increases, duration and intervals between treatments. Clinical adoption would require new measurement approaches, such as more precise control of temperature and measurement of biological effects.

Ahead of any patient trials, outcomes will be promoted to laboratories, manufacturers, standards bodies, development agencies and end users. Anticipated impacts include improved capabilities for researchers and the expansion of the radiotherapy device market. For cancer patients, this should mean less invasive treatments and, above all, better chances of survival and improved quality of life.

The workshop

More than 50 people took part at the first RaCHy workshop How the metrology can support Radiotherapy Coupled with Hyperthermia  at the VSL Dutch Metrology Institute in Delft early in 2020. Feedback from the stakeholders attending gave input to the project research about the appropriate tumour lines to be used for in vitro testing and biological endpoints for in vivo testing of dose reduction.

Full details of the Programme are available.

This EMPIR project is co-funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and the EMPIR Participating States.

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