Active real-time dosimetric monitoring for flash radiation therapy in cancer treatment

The National Cancer Institute awarded Blue Physics LLC $405,632 on September 1, 2026, under the Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research program (CFDA 93.394) for development of a real-time, in-vivo dosimetry-based patient protection system for FLASH radiation therapy.

The project develops an ultra-fast plastic scintillation detector system to monitor dose delivery during FLASH radiotherapy, which delivers ultra-high dose rates exceeding 40 Gy/s to reduce normal tissue toxicity in cancer treatment. The system incorporates two scintillation materials with distinct radiation-induced degradation behaviors; their multi-channel degradation ratio (MDR) enables dose estimation without manual recalibration. Phase I deliverables include a prototype detector with integrated software interface that applies real-time corrections for signal degradation and provides immediate feedback to halt radiation delivery if dose limits are exceeded. The prototype will be tested under FLASH beam conditions on flat and anthropomorphic phantoms with validation against radiochromic film dosimetry. The system addresses the critical safety risk that timing errors in FLASH therapy can result in substantial overdose, supporting safe clinical translation of FLASH therapy for melanoma, postmastectomy breast cancer, and pediatric oncology indications.

Work is performed in Lutz, Florida. The award period runs from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027. This is an SBIR Phase I grant.

Abstract

Flash radiotherapy is a groundbreaking approach that delivers ultra-high dose rates (>40 GY/s), dramatically reducing normal tissue toxicity while preserving tumor control. However, the extreme dose rates introduce critical risks: small timing errors can result in substantial overdose, making real-time verification and control systems essential for clinical implementation. This project proposes the development of a real-time, in-vivo dosimetry-based patient protection system using ultra-fast plastic scintillation detectors. The system will monitor dose delivery with high temporal resolution, apply real-time corrections for signal degradation due to radiation exposure, and provide immediate feedback to halt radiation delivery if limits are exceeded. In phase i, we will develop a prototype detector incorporating two scintillation materials with distinct degradation behaviors. The ratio of their responses (multi-channel degradation ratio, MDR) will enable dose estimation without manual recalibration. A software interface will integrate MDR-based corrections into real- time monitoring and linac control. The system will be tested under flash beam conditions on flat and anthropomorphic phantoms, with validation against grafchromic film dosimetry. The successful development of this technology will provide a robust safety mechanism for flash therapy, supporting its safe translation into routine clinical practice. The long-term goal is to enhance the therapeutic index of radiotherapy, particularly in indications such as melanoma, postmastectomy breast cancer, and pediatric oncology, aligning with NIH's mission to improve health and reduce disease burden through innovation.