PT2030 – Next generation proton therapy: online adaptive

The aim of the project PT2030 is to develop the physically best possible radiation therapy – the next-generation proton therapy. In this context, the advantage of tissue-sparing dose distribution of protons will be combined for the first time with the advantages of adapting the treatment in real time. This will be made possible with the help of a closed, fully automated feedback loop of imaging, treatment verification, adaptation and quality assurance in real time, supported by artificial intelligence. Figuratively speaking, PT2030 combines the sharp sword for cancer therapy, proton therapy, with sharp eyes (real-time monitoring) and a fast, precise hand to guide the sword (treatment adaptation).

The result would be an improved treatment outcome: Especially patients with highly variable and moving tumors could benefit from proton therapy. Overall, with online-adaptive proton therapy, more patients can benefit from the advantageous therapy option. In addition, the therapy will be even more gentle than it already is today due to the more targeted irradiation and the resulting reduction of the dose in healthy tissue.

Within the PT2030 project, not only individual components for the feedback loop are to be developed, but above all their interaction is to be integratively developed, optimized and integrally tested under clinically realistic conditions and thus made ready for actual clinical application in humans. This is made possible by the unique constellation of close cooperation between researchers, clinicians and industry.

The project would have a double benefit for healthcare systems worldwide: On the one hand, cancer therapy would be improved and, on the other hand, costs would be reduced in the long term through automation. Through cooperation with leading international medical technology companies, the innovations are to be applied to patient care in a timely manner.