SBIR TOPIC 415: Design and Construction of a Novel Electron Brachytherapy Source Driven by a Laser Plasma Accelerator

NIH RePORTER · NIH · N43 · $399,779 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

A. Background Information The long-term objective of this proposal is to advance the treatment of cancer using laser plasma accelerator physics breakthroughs at LBNL to build a miniature electron accelerator as a variable Xrays source with clinically relevant dose-rates of ~0.7 Gy/min and energies between 0.25 – 5 MeV. This electronic particle brachytherapy source is powered by a commercial, laser system, operating up to 1000 Hz and 7 W of average power. The flexibility of the laser driver allows treatment with radioisotope-free operation and variable x-ray energy on a pulse-by-pulse basis. This confers extra degrees of freedom for the treatment planning process thus providing the clinician the ability to improve the dose delivery. Unwanted dose to nearby healthy tissue and critical structures is reduced. This proposal brings a world-class team together: LBNL in laser plasma accelerators and optical fiber-based delivery systems, Woodtoga to translate the technology into clinically relevant products with expertise in bonding and the creation of miniature X-ray devices, and Varian Medical Systems as the commercial partner. Integrating the technology with clinical practice, treatment planning, into a radiation oncology platform transforming the field of brachytherapy.

Key facts

NIH application ID
10496713
Project number
75N91021C00032-0-9999-1
Recipient
WOODTOGA HOLDINGS COMPANY
Principal Investigator
STEVE GOURLAY
Activity code
N43
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2021
Award amount
$399,779
Award type
Project period
2021-09-16 → 2022-06-15