Biomedical Research Programs at Present and Future High-Energy Particle Accelerators

Abstract

Biomedical applications at high-energy particle accelerators have always been an important section of the applied nuclear physics research. Several new facilities are now under constructions or undergoing major upgrades. While the main goal of these facilities is often basic research in nuclear physics, they acknowledge the importance of including biomedical research programs and of interacting with other medical accelerator facilities providing patient treatments. To harmonize the programs, avoid duplications, and foster collaboration and synergism, the International Biophysics Collaboration is providing a platform to several accelerator centers with interest in biomedical research. In this paper, we summarize the programs of various facilities in the running, upgrade, or construction phase.

The Proton-Boron Reaction Increases the Radiobiological Effectiveness of Clinical Low- and High-Energy Proton Beams: Novel Experimental Evidence and Perspectives

“…Moreover, recent developments in the field of optically driven particle acceleration techniques have made the availability of extremely high-intensity laser sources a concrete possibility that could be exploited in the near future for ultra-high dose rate laser-driven PT ( 90 , 91 ) such as at the ELIMAIA beamline, part of the ELI consortium (Prague, Czech Rep). In this context, the International Biophysics Collaboration for applied biomedical research has been recently launched with the aim of networking the growing number of particle accelerator facilities ( 92 ), either based on the above-mentioned laser-matter interaction or on conventional beam production and transport techniques that are being upgraded towards unprecedented beam intensities (e.g. FAIR at the GSI, Germany).…”

Monte Carlo Simulation of SARS-CoV-2 Radiation-Induced Inactivation for Vaccine Development

“…In addition to the particles shown in Fig. 2, we have included the following: protons at 30 MeV and 80 MeV, accelerated at cyclotrons for radionuclide production or eye tumor therapy; 12 C ions at 80 MeV/amu, available in several research and medical accelerators (51); and electrons, which are used for sterilization of surfaces (52). The electron energy of 200 keV was selected since that electron beam was studied experimentally as an alternative to c rays for vaccine production (53).…”

The rationale for a carbon ion radiation therapy facility in Australia

“…by reports from others either developing CIRT cases or already involved in heavier ion beam applications. 21,27,31,36,45,50,69,121,148,[158][159][160][161][162] Three broad research categories can be used; pre-clinical, clinical and non-clinical, where the latter includes flexible opportunities to respond to changing national research priorities, for example, in space physics, materials science or nuclear science and technology. 19,35,159,160 An impression of the potential breadth of topics and opportunity is given in Table 2, where indicative examples are simply listed, since further detail is outside the scope of this review and will evolve with time.…”

“…This section overviews research opportunities enabled by an Australian national CIRT facility. It summarises discussion within the CIRT stakeholder group, informed by reports from others either developing CIRT cases or already involved in heavier ion beam applications 21,27,31,36,45,50,69,121,148,158–162 . Three broad research categories can be used; pre‐clinical, clinical and non‐clinical, where the latter includes flexible opportunities to respond to changing national research priorities, for example, in space physics, materials science or nuclear science and technology 19,35,159,160 .…”