Treating tumours is a global health issue. In radiotherapy, radiation is used to destroy tumour cells, while sparing healthy tissue. For each patient, physicians develop individual radiotherapy plans based on complex calculations. During treatment, it is important to check whether the planned radiation dose actually reaches the tumour as well as how much radiation also hits a patient's healthy tissue. As the water content of human soft tissue is high, the radiation dose is traditionally calculated and measured in water or water-equivalent bodies. In modern, highly complex radiation procedures, water equivalence also plays an increasingly important role for the dosimeters used.
In the context of the Consolidator Grant "SPICE" ("Spectroscopy in cells") awarded by the European Research Council in 2017, the research team of physical chemist Malte Drescher made a chance discovery that has the potential for creating such a water-equivalent dosimeter. Now, to develop the dosimeter, the team has received the Proof of Concept Grant "LIQUIDITY" ("Liquid Dosimetry via Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy") from the European Research Council with funding of 150,000 euros.
"LIQUIDITY": tracking probe molecules
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To study the dynamics and structure of large molecules in cells using electron spin resonance spectroscopy, the researchers developed small probe molecules that carry an electron spin and are attached to a large molecule. By being exposed to the same radiation that is also used in tumour therapy, these probe molecules can now help measure the dose of radiation.
Malte Drescher summarizes the discovery: "We found that these probe molecules react very sensitively to radiation". This means that, during radiation, some probe molecules are destroyed and stop emitting signals. The higher the radiation dose, the more probe molecules lose their function. Research in the context of the new ERC (European Research Council) grant aims to utilize this discovery for an innovative method of quality assurance in radiation therapy.
The solution: a capsule filled with water
The idea is to develop a capsule filled with water in which the probe molecules float. The capsule will be attached to the patient's skin or placed in body cavities, for example. The number of probe molecules destroyed during radiation then shows the extent to which the dose received by the patient corresponds to the dose specified in the radiotherapy plan.
