Mapping the Future of Particle Radiobiology in Europe: The INSPIRE Project

Abstract

Particle therapy is a growing cancer treatment modality worldwide. However, there still remains a number of unanswered questions considering differences in the biological response between particles and photons. These questions, and probing of biological mechanisms in general, necessitate experimental investigation. The "Infrastructure in Proton International Research" (INSPIRE) project was created to provide an infrastructure for European research, unify research efforts on the topic of proton and ion therapy across Europe, and to facilitate the sharing of information and resources. This work highlights the radiobiological capabilities of the INSPIRE partners, providing details of physics (available particle types and energies), biology (sample preparation and post-irradiation analysis), and researcher access (the process of applying for beam time). The collection of information reported here is designed to provide researchers both in Europe and worldwide with the tools required to select the optimal center for their research needs. We also highlight areas of redundancy in capabilities and suggest areas for future investment.

Models for Translational Proton Radiobiology—From Bench to Bedside and Back

“…Access to proton facilities, one of the main bottlenecks in former times, has clearly improved in the last years with newly operating proton therapy facilities that include dedicated experimental areas, e.g., [30,31], allowing for radiobiology and physics experiments in parallel to patient treatment. Focusing on collaborations and scientific exchange, the Inspire project of the European Union provides a network and transnational access program between European proton facilities, clinical and research ones, that enable radiobiology experiments [32]. Clinical proton centers are organized under the umbrellas of the globally active Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group (PTCOG) [5] and the European Particle Therapy Network (EPTN).…”

“…Preclinical insights can help to design clinical studies, and clinical observations can be back-translated into preclinical models. Images (clockwise): Tumor slice culture [39], irradiated zebrafish embryo [68], rat proton irradiation setup at Institut Curie [32], photon treatment plan of a mini-pig brain [69], simulated tumor spheroid 40 min post photon irradiation [70], migrating human uveal melanoma cells [22], fluorescence staining of HeLa cells [71], human pancreatic cancer organoids (courtesy of Max Naumann).…”

“…Common specifics of these models as well as some representative endpoints are shown in Figure 3. Irradiated zebrafish embryo [68], C57BL/6 mouse after proton brain irradiation [59], rat proton irradiation setup at Institut Curie [32], rabbit photon treatment plan of a mini-pig brain [69].…”

“…Overview of in vivo models for proton radiobiology experiments. Images (left to right):Irradiated zebrafish embryo[68], C57BL/6 mouse after proton brain irradiation[59], rat proton irradiation setup at Institut Curie[32], rabbit photon treatment plan of a mini-pig brain[69].…”

Normal tissue complication probability modeling to guide individual treatment planning in pediatric cranial proton and photon radiotherapy

“…European groups are already collaborating on projects to comprehensively evaluate the biological mechanisms behind XRT and PT. 69 Modified NTCP calculations can be used for ranking of treatment plans to better stratify patients in terms of dose guidelines for PT. Such models have already been devised for patient selection amongst adults.…”