Benefit of prompt-gamma-based treatment verification to trigger online-adaptive interventions
- Planned secondments: Ion Beam Applications (Belgium), KU Leuven (Belgium) and University of Manchester (United Kingdom)
- PhD program: OncoRay – National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Dresden
Project description
Prompt gamma–based treatment verification (PGTV) is a key enabling technology for safe, fast, and clinically feasible online adaptive workflows in proton therapy. It provides an independent, in vivo verification of proton range during treatment delivery, enabling the detection of unexpected deviations without additional imaging dose or prolongation of the treatment session. In this way, PGTV serves both as a trigger for adaptive interventions and as an essential safety mechanism, ensuring that the adapted treatment is delivered with the planned proton ranges.
Using a prototype prompt gamma imaging (PGI) system, PGTV has been in clinical application at OncoRay since 2015, with more than 480 clinical treatment field deliveries monitored to date. Retrospective analyses have demonstrated the capability of PGTV to detect relevant anatomical changes, and the potential for treatment margin reduction has already been quantified for prostate cancer patients.
Building on this foundation, a prospective clinical study starting in 2026 will apply PGTV at every treatment fraction for prostate cancer patients treated with reduced margins. In cases where PGTV indicates a deviation, interventional in-room CT imaging will be triggered to confirm anatomical changes, followed by treatment adaptation for subsequent fractions. The doctoral candidate will play an active role in the execution, data analysis, and scientific evaluation of this clinical study.
In parallel, the doctoral candidate will contribute to the development of the next generation of prompt gamma–based treatment verification. A central task will be a design study investigating the integration of PGTV into both gantry-based and fixed-beamline proton therapy systems, with the goal of achieving a more compact, robust, and clinically integrated solution suitable for routine use (including a secondment at IBA). Different detector concepts will be assessed, including prompt gamma imaging and the OncoRay-pioneered multi-feature treatment verification approach.
Beyond prostate cancer, the project will explore the applicability of PGTV to other challenging clinical scenarios, such as moving targets and paediatric tumours (secondment in Leuven and Manchester). These investigations will primarily be conducted through simulation studies, providing a basis for future clinical translation.
The student will work at OncoRay – National Center for Radiation in Oncology (Dresden) and will be registered for the doctoral program at the TUD Dresden University of Technology under the supervision of Prof. Christian Richter. TUD is one of the leading and most dynamic universities in Germany. OncoRay represents a future-oriented research effort in the field of radiation oncology, building on the international reputation and extensive research infrastructure of the Dresden group.
For more information concerning the research project please contact:
Christian Richter
Candidate profile
Doctoral Candidate at OncoRay - TUD
We are looking for a talented candidate with:
- A Master’s degree or an equivalent title in the field of Physics, Medical Physics, Medical Technology, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Data Science or a related field
- Strong interest in translational research at the interface of academia, clinical practice, and industry
- Excellent analytical thinking and excellent problem-solving skills
- Advanced programming skills in a high-level programming language (e.g. Python or MATLAB)
- An independent, proactive, and structured working style with a solution-oriented mindset
- Team player with the willingness to work within a group of motivated multi-disciplinary professionals
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Experience with technical design software or radiation physics simulation tools is advantageous
- Very good command of spoken and written English; knowledge of German is an asset but not mandatory
The successful candidate profits from our additional offers:
- A full-time position for 3 years with full social security coverage and 30 days of paid annual holiday leave
- Taking part in job-oriented educational courses in our Carus Akademie
- Advice and support in all life situations by our Family Office including assistance with daycare placements near the clinic, holiday programs, or care for relatives
- Company prevention offers including courses and fitness in our Carus Vital health centre
- Employee discounts with well-known providers via the platform Corporate Benefits
OncoRay - TUD
PROJECT BENEFICIARY
OncoRay – National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology is a joint platform of the Helmholtz Center Dresden-Rossendorf, the TUD Dresden University of Technology and the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus. OncoRay’s core focus is translational research across the boundaries of disciplines and institutions, bringing innovations in radiation oncology in clinical application, for the benefit of our patients. Its scientists are pursuing the vision of significantly improving the treatment of cancer by administering biologically personalised and technically optimised radiation therapy.