Penn begins human trial of ultrafast flash proton therapy
Penn Medicine has launched the first human trial of conformal flash proton therapy, an ultrafast radiation technique that delivers doses more than 100 times faster than typical therapies. The pilot at Abramson Cancer Center will enroll 10 people with recurrent head and neck cancers who have limited treatment options, testing whether the faster delivery preserves tumor control while reducing damage to healthy tissue and cutting schedules from tens of sessions to one to five. The platform was developed with Belgium-based IBA and showed reduced side effects in animal studies; patients will be followed for at least five years.
A 10-person trial will test ultrafast flash proton therapy safety.
Context
Researchers tested flash therapy in mice and dogs before moving to humans. Penn launched a cautious 10-person pilot now and will follow patients for years. If safe, researchers may test other solid tumors and expand trials.
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