ConformalFLASH
Maximizing the benefits of
proton FLASH radiotherapy
ConformalFLASH* is a unique technology that combines FLASH dose rates irradiation with the use of highly conformal fields, benefitting from the sparing effects of the Bragg peak, intending to expand the therapeutic window and help more patients keep everything but cancer.
IBA is committed to shaping the future of proton therapy and bringing FLASH clinical solutions to patients treated on the ProteusONE platform. To do so, IBA’s Emerging Therapies group has partnered with renowned research centers, such as the University of Pennsylvania and UMC Groningen, to form the ConformalFLASH Alliance. IBA is also working closely with RaySearch Laboratories and IBA Dosimetry to bring ConformalFLASH proton therapy to the clinic.
FLASH radiotherapy advantages
in cancer treatment
FLASH is a paradigm-changing radiotherapy modality involving the delivery of high-dose radiation, above 5 Gy, at an ultra-high dose rate, typically above 40 Gy/s. As a result, the FLASH effect allows the reduction of normal tissue toxicities, commonly associated with conventional radiotherapy, while maintaining local tumor control efficacy. FLASH could thus enable dose escalation, minimized margins related to treating moving tissues and faster and shorter treatments leading to increased patient comfort and higher throughput in the clinic.1-9
ConformalFLASH - the most
advanced solution for proton
FLASH radiotherapy
At IBA, we are developing ConformalFLASH to ensure the delivery of the spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) in less than one second, using a patient-specific ConformalFLASH Energy Modulator (CEM), to adjust the beam energy, shape the beam and control its proximal and distal surface as well as the SOBP flatness.
Shaping the future of proton therapy
with ConformalFLASH
ConformalFLASH is the next evolution in FLASH therapy, with the potential to remove the need of complex multi-field beam delivery and ultimately increase the clinical indications and number of patients benefitting from the FLASH effect.
-
FURTHER
Protons are the only radiation modality that allows to treat deep-seated tumors and ConformalFLASH is being developed to do so thanks to the high beam current and transmission efficiency of ProteusONE.
-
FASTER
ConformalFLASH is currently being developed to become the fastest treatment delivery modality clinically available to treat cancer patients with protons.
-
SHARPER
ConformalFLASH combines the biological tissue-sparing effect of FLASH with the physical dose-sparing effect of the Bragg peak.
IBA’s leadership in proton therapy#
patients treated with Proteus advanced technology
of all patients treated with IBA proton therapy equipment worldwide
proton therapy treatment centers installed and in development
proton therapy treatment rooms
years of leadership in the field
Notes
CEM: ConformalFLASH Energy Modulator
SOBP: spread-out Bragg peak
UMCG: University Medical Center Groningen
*ConformalFLASH® and DynamicARC® are registered brands of IBA’s Proton Therapy which are currently under research and development. ConformalFLASH® and DynamicARC® will be available for sale when regulatory clearance is received. Due to a continuous research and development program, IBA reserves the right to make changes in design, technical descriptions, and specifications of its products without prior notice. Some features are under development and may be subject to review by competent authorities.
# Data from IBA & PTCOG 2022, consulted in November 2023
References
1. Favaudon V et al. Ultrahigh dose-rate FLASH irradiation increases the differential response between normal and tumor tissue in mice. Sci Transl Med. 2014;6(245):245ra93.
2. Vozenin MC et al. The Advantage of FLASH Radiotherapy Confirmed in Mini-pig and Cat-cancer Patients. Clin Cancer Res. 2019;25(1):35-42. 3. Levy K et al. Abdominal FLASH irradiation reduces radiation-induced gastrointestinal toxicity for the treatment of ovarian cancer in mice. Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):21600.
4. Montay-Gruel P et al. Long-term neurocognitive benefits of FLASH radiotherapy driven by reduced reactive oxygen species. PNAS. 2019;116(22):10943-10951.
5. Diffenderfer E et al. Design, Implementation, and in Vivo Validation of a Novel Proton FLASH Radiation Therapy System. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2020;106(2):440-448.
6. Zhang Q et al. FLASH Investigations Using Protons: Design of Delivery System, Preclinical Setup and Confirmation of FLASH Effect with Protons in Animal Systems. Radiat Res. 2020;194(6):656-664.
7. Cunningham S et al. FLASH Proton Pencil Beam Scanning Irradiation Minimizes Radiation-Induced Leg Contracture and Skin Toxicity in Mice. Cancers. 2021;13(5):1012.
8. Velalopoulao A et al. FLASH Proton Radiotherapy Spares Normal Epithelial and Mesenchymal Tissues While Preserving Sarcoma Response. Cancer Res. 2021;81(18):4808-4821.
9. Girdhani S et al. FLASH: A novel paradigm changing tumor irradiation platform that enhances therapeutic ratio by reducing normal tissue toxicity and activating immune pathways. Cancer Res. 2019;79(13): LB-280.