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Dosimetry in Molecular Radiotherapy for Personalized Patient Treatments
Closed for proposals
Project Type
Project Code
E23005CRP
2117Approved Date
Status
Start Date
Expected End Date
Completed Date
27 August 2024Participating Countries
Description
Radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) can be broadly defined as the use of radionuclides to deliver radiation lethal to tumour cells. Radiation delivery in RPT involves the use of pharmaceuticals that either bind specifically to tumours or accumulate by a broad array of physiologic mechanisms. The efficacy of RPT depends upon delivering a lethal level of radiation to tumour cells while sparing normal cells. The ability to image the biodistribution of RPT agents and use this information to evaluate the absorbed dose has been seen as an unnecessary logistical and financial expense of the treatment. However, in the context of drug development and optimization, the ability to image and calculate normal organ and tumour absorbed doses, provides a number of advantages because these variables are more closely related to biological response. A dosimetry-driven treatment-planning approach to RPT translates into accounting for patient-specific pharmacokinetic and tumour and normal organ radioactivity localization differences by imaging. Such differences in absorbed dose estimates are considered which, in contrast to the amount of radioactivity administered (activity), account for individual patient pharmacokinetics, the properties of the radionuclide, and organ anatomy. Internal dosimetry is generally not integrated in the clinical practice mainly due to a lack of standardized methods, training and resources. Under the framework of the CRP participants are expected to (i) contribute to the coordinated research activities, designed to test and standardize dosimetric methods and assess the typical accuracy with which dosimetry can be reached in nuclear medicine practice and (ii) propose individual research activities in the field of dosimetry for RPT that are of local interest. Through this CRP, participants will develop abilities to be engaged into state of the art research in the field of dosimetry in RPT, with a direct impact to both the clinical services and the research potential of the Member States.
Objectives
The overall objective of this project is to enhance the capabilities of Member States to incorporate dosimetry in RPT practice. The ultimate benefit will be to patients receiving individualized RPT so as to make this treatment modality safer and more effective.
Specific objectives
Assess and investigate ways to improve the achievable accuracy of tumour and normal tissues absorbed doses
Identify the advantages of implementing dosimetry in terms of reducing toxicity and improving tumour response
Establish an understanding of tools and methods available for dosimetry of RPT
Create scientific networks with expertise in dosimetry for RPT that will remain active after the completion of the CRP
Support participating institutes to become reference centres on RPT for their Member States
Assess and investigate ways to improve the achievable accuracy of tumour and normal tissues absorbed doses
Identify the advantages of implementing dosimetry in terms of reducing toxicity and improving tumour response
Establish an understanding of tools and methods available for dosimetry of RPT
Create scientific networks with expertise in dosimetry for RPT that will remain active after the completion of the CRP
Support participating institutes to become reference centres on RPT for their Member States
Impact
The Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on "Dosimetry in Radiopharmaceutical Therapy for Personalized Patient Treatment" has substantially influenced Radiopharmaceutical Therapy (RPT), primarily in enhancing dosimetry capabilities. Key impacts include:
1. Advancements in Personalized Cancer Treatment: By focusing on personalized dosimetry, the CRP supports more effective, patient-tailored cancer treatments, significantly improving care outcomes.
2. Standardization and Quality Assurance: The CRP has established standardized dosimetry protocols, ensuring consistent and reliable RPT treatments globally.
3. Technological Enhancement and Training: Recommendations for advanced imaging technologies and software enhancements, coupled with a focus on continuous professional training, have improved dose calculation precision in RPT.
4. Global Collaboration and Publications: The project has fostered global scientific networks, leading to significant research publications that contribute to ongoing development in RPT dosimetry.
5. Impact on Clinical Workflow: The CRP has streamlined RPT clinical workflows, introducing checkpoints and error-reducing measures in dosimetry software, crucial for accurate dosimetric assessments.
6. Improvement in Treatment Outcomes: The project's optimization of dosimetry procedures could leed led to more effective RPT treatments, enhancing tumor targeting, reducing side effects, and yielding better patient outcomes.
Relevance
The relevance of the Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on "Dosimetry in Radiopharmaceutical Therapy for Personalized Patient Treatment" extends across multiple facets of Radiopharmaceutical Therapy (RPT) and its clinical application.. The project's significance can be encapsulated as follows:
- Enhancement of Personalized Medicine: At its core, the CRP addresses a critical aspect of cancer treatment - personalization. By focusing on tailored dosimetry in RPT, the project aligns with the evolving paradigm of personalized medicine, ensuring that cancer treatments are more effective and patient-specific.
- Global Standardization: The CRP plays a pivotal role in standardizing dosimetry practices across different healthcare settings worldwide. This standardization is crucial for ensuring that patients everywhere receive consistent and high-quality care, regardless of their location.
- Technological Advancements: By advocating for the adoption of advanced imaging technologies and improved dosimetric software, the CRP significantly contributes to technological advancements in cancer treatment. These enhancements enable more accurate and precise dose calculations, which are essential for effective RPT.
- Professional Development and Training: The project emphasizes the importance of continuous education and training for medical professionals, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of medical physics. This focus helps maintain high standards of care and keeps professionals abreast of the latest technological and methodological advancements.
- Research and Knowledge Sharing: The CRP has facilitated significant research contributions and publications, enriching the scientific community's understanding of RPT. Moreover, it fosters a culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration, which is vital for the ongoing development of the field.
- Improving Clinical Workflows: Through the CRP, substantial progress has been made in harmonizing and optimizing clinical workflows in RPT. The development of checkpoints and error-reduction strategies enhances the reliability and accuracy of dosimetry, which is fundamental for patient safety and treatment efficacy.
- Direct Impact on Patient Outcomes: The ultimate goal and most significant relevance of the CRP lies in its impact on patient outcomes. By improving dosimetry in RPT, the project contributes to more effective cancer treatments, leading to better tumor control, reduced toxicity, and improved overall patient survival and quality of life.