Sektion Medizinphysik

Juliane Weber (Dr. med.), Medizinische Fakultät Heidelberg: 
„Zeitliche Entwicklung klinischer Strahlenläsionen“

M. Sc. Habiba Sallem (Dr. sc. hum.), Medizinische Fakultät Heidelberg: 
„Investigation of late-occurring dose effects in human brain tissue after proton irradiation“

„Radiation therapy is a pivotal approach in cancer treatment, involving the irradiation of tumor volumes with high-energy ionizing beams such as photons, protons, or heavy ions. Proton beams, owing to their unique physical characteristics, offer highly conformal and biologically effective dose delivery to tumors. While current treatment planning assumes a constant effectiveness for protons, recent findings indicate potential variability. Patients undergoing treatment for low-grade glioma may subsequently develop brain lesions, challenging conventional treatment planning. My doctoral research seeks to address this challenge by predicting and minimizing the risk of brain lesion occurrence in treatment plans, aiming for less toxicity without compromising tumor control. Additionally, my research delves into the possibilities offered by advanced MR imaging to identify early tissue changes leading to brain lesions. This innovative approach could pave the way for more targeted medication and the prevention of severe lesions. My research contributes valuable insights to cancer care and propels advancements in proton therapy through the initiation of a prospective clinical trial.“

M. Sc. Rita Pestana (Dr. sc. hum.) Medizinische Fakultät Heidelberg: 
„Implementation of an MR-guided particle therapy workflow at HIT“

„Protons and heavy ions are more sensitive to changes that occur on their path compared against conventional radiotherapy with photons, making it essential to assess the patient’s anatomy along the fractions. This assessment can be done with the so-called image guided therapy: prior to some of the treatment fractions, the patient acquires an examination, usually a CT, that is analysed to assess changes in its anatomy. MRI is also a potential candidate for image-guided therapy, as it offers superior soft tissue contrast, allowing a better visualisation of the tumour. However, MRI does not provide the information required to make dose calculations (stopping power information) and, eventually, re-plan the treatment. Therefore, an additional step, the generation of a deformed CT, is required. I’m working on the clinical implementation and automation of the whole MRI-guided workflow: from the deformed CT generation to the automated re-planning, including the quantification of the uncertainties involved in each step. I’m also developing and testing tools to guide the clinicians on the identification of the anatomical changes and their impact on the prescribed treatment plan.“

Julia Hendrik (Dr. med.), Medizinische Fakultät Heidelberg: 
„Latente Strahlennekrosen – Proteinregulation während der Entstehung“