VHEE (Very High-Energy Electron) radiotherapy is an emerging technique in the field of radiation therapy, aimed at delivering radiation to cancerous tissues with high-energy electrons. VHEE radiotherapy holds relevant potential benefits, that have attracted intense scientific and technological interest and, at present a consolidated R&D topic around the world. However, its implementation in clinical applications poses challenges in several interdisciplinary fields.
One of the main issues concerns Beam Production and Dose Delivery. VHEE requires linear accelerators capable of producing electrons with energies in the range of (50-250 MeV), which are much higher than what traditional electron beam therapies use. The high intensity of the electron beam must allow the radiation treatment to reach Ultra High Dose Rates (UHDR), to also explore the FLASH regime. In addition, the device should be compact and reliable, suitable for a hospital environment.
VHEE beams have the potential to penetrate deep-seated tumors more effectively than traditional low-energy electron beams. However, accurately predicting the range of these high-energy electrons in different tissue types and accounting for tissue heterogeneities is a challenge. Indeed, the depth dose distribution of VHEE beams is different from that of conventional low-energy electron beams. Factors like beam scattering and range can influence the dose deposition profile, which requires careful consideration during treatment planning. Therefore, accurate calculation and planning of the radiation dose delivered to the tumor, while sparing surrounding healthy tissues, is crucial. VHEE dosimetry and treatment planning systems need to be carefully developed and validated to ensure precise dose delivery. Verifying the accuracy of VHEE treatments is essential. Techniques such as in vivo dosimetry and imaging (e.g., cone-beam CT or portal imaging) must be developed to ensure that the intended dose is accurately delivered to the tumor.
VHEE is a relatively new technique, and there is limited clinical experience and evidence available regarding its effectiveness and safety compared to established radiotherapy techniques. Finally, the biological effects of VHEE beams on tissues need to be thoroughly understood. Radiobiological models specific to VHEE need to be developed to guide treatment planning and estimate potential side effects.
The present Research Topic is focused on reuniting relevant contributions to the study of relevant VHEE Radiotherapy methodology and techniques. The following themes are desired (but not limited to):
a) Perspectives of VHEE radiotherapy for clinical applications
b) Perspectives of radiobiology with VHEE
c) Present and perspectives of Accelerators for VHEE
d) VHEE conventional facilities I (operational)
e) VHEE conventional facilities II (planned)
f) VHEE non-conventional
g) Treatment Planning,
h) Modeling development for VHEE
i) Imaging challenges for VHEE
j) Dosimetry
k) Detectors
l) Beam and dose delivery
VHEE (Very High-Energy Electron) radiotherapy is an emerging technique in the field of radiation therapy, aimed at delivering radiation to cancerous tissues with high-energy electrons. VHEE radiotherapy holds relevant potential benefits, that have attracted intense scientific and technological interest and, at present a consolidated R&D topic around the world. However, its implementation in clinical applications poses challenges in several interdisciplinary fields.
One of the main issues concerns Beam Production and Dose Delivery. VHEE requires linear accelerators capable of producing electrons with energies in the range of (50-250 MeV), which are much higher than what traditional electron beam therapies use. The high intensity of the electron beam must allow the radiation treatment to reach Ultra High Dose Rates (UHDR), to also explore the FLASH regime. In addition, the device should be compact and reliable, suitable for a hospital environment.
VHEE beams have the potential to penetrate deep-seated tumors more effectively than traditional low-energy electron beams. However, accurately predicting the range of these high-energy electrons in different tissue types and accounting for tissue heterogeneities is a challenge. Indeed, the depth dose distribution of VHEE beams is different from that of conventional low-energy electron beams. Factors like beam scattering and range can influence the dose deposition profile, which requires careful consideration during treatment planning. Therefore, accurate calculation and planning of the radiation dose delivered to the tumor, while sparing surrounding healthy tissues, is crucial. VHEE dosimetry and treatment planning systems need to be carefully developed and validated to ensure precise dose delivery. Verifying the accuracy of VHEE treatments is essential. Techniques such as in vivo dosimetry and imaging (e.g., cone-beam CT or portal imaging) must be developed to ensure that the intended dose is accurately delivered to the tumor.
VHEE is a relatively new technique, and there is limited clinical experience and evidence available regarding its effectiveness and safety compared to established radiotherapy techniques. Finally, the biological effects of VHEE beams on tissues need to be thoroughly understood. Radiobiological models specific to VHEE need to be developed to guide treatment planning and estimate potential side effects.
The present Research Topic is focused on reuniting relevant contributions to the study of relevant VHEE Radiotherapy methodology and techniques. The following themes are desired (but not limited to):
a) Perspectives of VHEE radiotherapy for clinical applications
b) Perspectives of radiobiology with VHEE
c) Present and perspectives of Accelerators for VHEE
d) VHEE conventional facilities I (operational)
e) VHEE conventional facilities II (planned)
f) VHEE non-conventional
g) Treatment Planning,
h) Modeling development for VHEE
i) Imaging challenges for VHEE
j) Dosimetry
k) Detectors
l) Beam and dose delivery