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Group for Innovative Diagnostic and Therapeutic DeviceDivision of Radiation Oncology and Particle Therapy

News

The aim of research in the Division of Radiation Oncology and Particle Therapy at the National Cancer Center Hospital East (NCCHE) is to study and develop innovative treatment techniques and pilot a clinical trial for proton beam therapy (PBT). Among the innovative techniques, we developed world’s first line scanning using pencil beam, and applied clinical treatment for localized prostate cancer. In addition, we developed image-guided PBT system to ensure tumor position during treatment, and also developed Intensity Modulated Proton Beam Therapy (IMPT) based on robust treatment planning using line scanning method. In 2019, we start the multi-institutional clinical trial of IMPT combined chemotherapy for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to verify the efficacy of IMPT. In development new technology of PBT, both radiation oncologist and medical physicists are involved. Medical physicists mainly perform the development and verification of the systems for beam irradiation, a dose calculation system, dose measurement, and imaging of PBT. Radiation oncologists mainly perform clinical studies including clinical trials to clarify the efficacy and safety of PBT.

Routine activities

At present, the staff of the Radiation Oncology and Particle Therapy Division consists of seven consultant physicians (radiation oncologists), six radiation technologists, four medical physicists, one nurse, and one clerk. We have more than 300 new patients for PBT every year, and quality assurances of PBT are performed by medical physicists and radiation technologists, and the conference on verification of treatment planning is held every morning in addition to a weekly work conference regarding research activities. PBT are routinely based on three-dimensional radiation therapy planning and PBT using RT-dedicated multidetector-row helical computed tomography (CT) scanning in order to confirm a precise radiation dose to the targeted tumors. Respiratory-gating has been applied especially in radiotherapeutic management for patients with lung, esophagus and liver cancers. The section is responsible for PBT that is composed of seven operating staff members and one technician for fabricating the compensator and aperture; they are sent from manufacturing companies and work in collaboration with the other staff members of the Division. PBT consists of two treatment rooms, both of which are routinely used for rotational gantry treatment. The Division ensures quality assurance and regular maintenance of the PBT machines for precise dose delivery and safe treatment.

Clinical trials

The following in-house and multi-institutional clinical trials are under way.

Phase II study of PBT for malignant melanoma of nasal cavity.
Phase II study of PBT combined with chemotherapy for inoperable non-small cell lung cancer.
Phase I/II study of dose escalated study of PBT combined with chemotherapy for esophageal cancer
Phase I/II study of line scanning for localized prostate cancer

Education

We established an education and training system for residents and junior radiation oncologists through clinical conferences and lectures on radiation oncology, physics and radiation biology. In addition, a training course regarding quality assurance of radiation therapy including proton beam therapy has been regularly held for medical physicists and radiological technologists.

Future prospects

We are now aiming at the establishment of the system that can provide high-quality and safe proton beam therapy. In addition, we would like to promote research and development of innovative technologies regarding proton beam therapy, radiation biology and medical physics.