A multidisciplinary view of flash irradiation

Cancer Radiother. 2024 Oct;28(5):453-462. doi: 10.1016/j.canrad.2024.07.003. Epub 2024 Sep 28.

Abstract

The delivery of ultra-high dose rates of radiation, called flash irradiation or flash-RT, has emerged as a new modality of radiotherapy shaking up the paradigm of proportionality of effect and dose whatever the method of delivery of the radiation. The hallmark of flash-RT is healthy tissue sparing from the side effects of radiation without decrease of the antitumor efficiency in animal models. In this review we will define its specificities, the molecular mechanisms underlying the flash effect and the ongoing developments to bring this new modality to patient treatment.

Keywords: Dosimetry; Dosimétrie; Flash; Irradiation; Molecular mechanism; Mécanisme moléculaire; Radiotherapy; Radiothérapie; Technologie; Technology; Ultra-haut débit de dose; Ultra-high dose rate.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / radiotherapy
  • Radiotherapy / methods
  • Radiotherapy Dosage