Researchers from the JU Institute of Physics join forces with 14 leading scientific institutions and industrial partners from across Europe to develop innovative solutions for radiation therapy with an upright patient position – a paradigm shift that could significantly improve global access to advanced cancer treatments.
The UPLIFT project will receive 4 million euros as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks and additional 600 thousand euros from the Swiss State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation.
Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of modern cancer treatment. Conventionally, patients are treated in a lying position while the beam is guided around the body with a gantry, allowing it to be directed at the target from any angle. In contrast, UPLIFT: “UPright radiotherapy: Learning, Innovation, Fellowship and Training” focuses on treatment of patients positioned upright, allowing patients to be rotated in front of a fixed beam. This approach could offer clinical advantages while also saving space and reducing costs, which are two key factors in making advanced treatment methods more accessible worldwide. Currently, 80% of cancer patients live in countries that only have access to 5% of global radiation therapy capacity. Upright patient positioning can help bridge this gap, making modern cancer care accessible to more patients globally. Additionally, upright treatment could improve patient comfort and provide anatomical and physiological benefits, such as reduced respiratory motion.
Upright patient positioning and corresponding imaging solutions are generating significant interest. However, important scientific questions remain unanswered, and there are not yet any international guidelines for upright radiotherapy. Additionally, current radiation therapy workflows are designed for treating recumbent patients. UPLIFT will bring the high precision demands of modern radiation therapy to the upright position.
Source:
Jagiellonian University
