Biological effects of laser-accelerated protons

Current, mainstream Radiation Therapy predominantly utilizes X-rays. Energetic-charged-particle forms of IR offer major improvements in the energy deposition patterns in a deep seated tumor. Yet, the spreading of particle therapy is currently impeded by the high cost and resource footprint. Novel technologies using charged-particle acceleration by laser promise particle generators at lower cost and smaller footprint allowing wide distribution and feasibility for extensive clinical trials. We have observed that laser-accelerated protons (LAP) have a slightly different biological impact than conventionally accelerated protons (CAP).

Together with the Westgerman Protone Therapy Centre of the Universityhospital Essen (Prof. Dr. Beate Timmermann), the Institute for Radiobiology of the University Essen (Prof. George Iliakis) and the Institute for Laserphysics of the HHU (Prof. Oswald Willi) we compare LAP and CAP with respect to tumor cell killing and oncological utility.