Treatment planning
At MedAustron, the focus of research in radiation physics lies on the further development of ion beam therapy. The aim is an individualisation of radiation beam therapy with improvement of tumour control and simultaneous reduction of side effects. The conventional (photon) and new types of radiation (ions) are investigated systematically and corresponding ideal forms of treatment (customised applications) are developed.
Medical physics support the medical team in the creation of the treatment plan. Furthermore, their responsibility includes the measurements and quality assurance.
MedAustron provides educational opportunities for medical physicists in terms of professional recognition, which is required by European and national legislation on radiation protection activities in radiation oncology.
Potential fields of research:
- Development of multi-dimensional detectors and analysis methods
- Dose determination and dose calculation algorithms for new types of radiation qualities, such as helium or oxygen
- Development of reliable biological RBE models for optimisation procedures in radiotherapy treatment planning systems
- Comparative treatment planning and combined therapies (e.g. photon therapy with subsequent ion boost)
- Adaptive and image-guided ion beam therapy
- Technical development and improvement of existing systems
