FLASH proton therapy trial begins on bone cancers in chest

FLASH is a new mode of radiation therapy that can be delivered to a patient in less than 1 second. Research in the laboratory suggests that FLASH may be safer than standard forms of radiation, and the clinical trial is testing if that is true for patients with cancer. 

The new study, called FAST-02, marks a significant achievement for the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, which continues to lead the way in global research in the field of FLASH proton therapy.  

It follows a breakthrough last year in the world’s first clinical trial of FLASH proton therapy in people, the FAST-01 study (FeAsibility Study of FLASH Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Symptomatic Bone Metastases). That focused on people with bone metastases in the extremities. 

Now, Cancer Center researchers from Cincinnati Children’s and the University of Cincinnati are collaborating to establish the efficacy of ultra-high dose rate proton therapy in treating chest bone cancers. The FAST-02 study is sponsored by equipment manufacturer Varian Medical Systems. 

Up to 10 patients, whose metastatic cancer has spread to their chest bones, will participate in the research clinical trial of FLASH proton therapy. 

In pre-clinical testing, FLASH proton therapy has been shown to potentially reduce side effects experienced with conventional radiation. However, until recently the technology to generate FLASH radiation for tumors inside the body did not exist for cancer patients. 

“Our dedicated team of researchers, clinicians, and staff are committed to advancing the field of cancer treatment and finding new ways to improve patient outcomes,” said John Breneman, MD, professor of radiation oncology at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center and medical director of the Cincinnati Children's/UC Medical Center Proton Therapy Center.  

The Proton Therapy Center is a state-of-the-art facility that features cutting-edge technology and equipment, allowing researchers to develop and test new treatments for a wide range of malignancies. 

“This trial of an ultra-high dose rate of proton therapy is just one of our efforts to develop new and innovative cancer treatments,” said John Perentesis, MD, who is a Cancer Center senior advisor, research director of the Proton Therapy Center and director of oncology and cancer programs at Cincinnati Children’s. “Our goal is to establish a foundation for future trials in brain tumors, sarcomas, lymphomas, lung cancer, and other malignancies, and we are excited about the potential impact this research could have on cancer care.” 

“The promise of FLASH is to be able to deliver an entire course of treatment, which generally ranges from 25-40 treatments, in a single treatment at those ultra-high dose rates,” said Anthony Mascia, PhD, chief physicist at the Proton Therapy Center. “We currently are doing research studies into its efficacy, which if it works will upend radiation oncology.” 

The $126 million Cincinnati Children’s/UC Medical Center Proton Therapy Center incorporates a $24 million, one-of-a-kind research facility, which includes a fully operational proton treatment room dedicated exclusively for research along with integrated laboratories. In addition, children and adults from around the world seek treatment for more than 30 types of cancer in two clinical therapy rooms at the center.  

The Proton Therapy Center on the Liberty Campus of Cincinnati Children’s is one of only a few facilities in the world that can deliver FLASH proton therapy. With this latest clinical trial, the medical center continues to push the boundaries of cancer treatment – and to offer hope to patients and families affected by this devastating disease. 

Read more about the FAST-01 trial.

Featured photo at top of a mock patient at a treatment gantry in the Proton Therapy Center. Photo/Cincinnati Children's.