Dosimetry for molecular radiotherapy treatment planning (Stage 1 - no 23440)

"Molecular radiotherapy (MRT) is a treatment modality for cancer. It involves the administration of radioactive atoms with the aim of locally irradiating tumours. Dosimetry is concerned with the measurement of the absorbed radiation dose to each disease site. Many of the treatments in MRT are currently prescribed empirically or with a fixed quantity of radioactivity, without adequate dosimetry. This can lead to suboptimal treatment planning and patient over-exposure to radiation.

The goal of this project is to develop a prototype software package for organ-level dosimetry, with the aim of improving treatment efficacy by optimization and personalisation of the administered dose. MRT treatments that are dosimetry-led are expected to produce improved outcomes - improved tumour control, longer survival, reduced symptoms and lower toxicities. Furthermore, patients who are unlikely to respond well to the treatment could be identified in advance, sparing them from unnecessary treatment and potential complications, as well as reducing the financial impact of these relatively high-cost treatments on the healthcare system. Our ultimate aim is to facilitate the wider implementation of dosimetry for molecular radiotherapy as to help improve cancer outcomes within the NHS."