FRATHEA: FLASH-VHEE platform for ultrafast radiotherapy (Institut Curie, CEA, Thales)
- 4 days ago
- 1 min read
Conventional radiotherapy relies on administering radiation doses over several minutes. Recent research shows that ultrafast irradiation , known as FLASH , could target tumors while better preserving healthy tissue. The FRATHEA project (FLASH Very High Energy Radiotherapy for Applications) brings together the Curie Institute, the CEA, and Thales to design the first platform that combines the FLASH effect with very high energy electrons (VHEE) .
Specifically, the goal is to develop an irradiator capable of delivering therapeutic doses in microseconds, using electrons accelerated to several hundred MeV. The program comprises three main areas:
Accelerator design and construction : defining the optimal configuration to produce VHEE beams with spatial and temporal precision, integrating powerful microwave sources and accelerating cavities.
Development of dosimetry and monitoring : as the dose is delivered extremely rapidly, real-time measurement systems must be created to guarantee safety and reproducibility. Specific sensors will be developed to measure the dose and continuously monitor the beam.
Instrumentation and pre-clinical trials : the team will develop imaging and monitoring tools to tailor the treatment. Initial trials on pre-clinical models will be used to optimize irradiation parameters before launching clinical trials planned for 2029.
The €37 million in funding from France 2030 and the Île-de-France region underscores the ambition of this program, which aims to position France as a leader in next-generation radiotherapy. GraphMyTech is tracking these innovations, which illustrate the convergence of accelerator technologies, electronic instrumentation, and smart healthcare.
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