BTG- Ultra Compact Particle and Radiation Source for the Treatment of Cancer

Researchers working within the Advanced Science and Technology theme, led by Professor Dino Jaroszynski, are developing ground-breaking laser-driven particle acceleration sources, which are far more compact than, but at least as powerful as, current systems. They are using intense, accelerated, ultra-short laser pulses to drive plasma-wakefield technology, which can fit in the palm of the hand, whereas current conventional devices can be as long as 100m. As well as creating more accessible equipment for cancer therapy, the technology created at Strathclyde has potential applications in the imaging of stored nuclear waste and the production of medical isotopes.

A multidisciplinary team were awarded EPSRC funding from the Bridging the Gap initiative to develop an ultra‐compact particle and radiation source for the treatment of cancer. This research combined the disciplines of physical and life sciences to create a potentially ground breaking technology. The support of seed funding from BTG has allowed the research team to progress the research and win further funding of £250,000 from the Chief Scientists Office to develop this research into a technology of interest to the health sector.

In order to identify the ways in which this technology could be adopted by external organisations, such as the NHS, the University engaged Dr Peter Keenan, who has been working as a consultant for the NHS for a number of years. This has resulted in a detailed project plan for advancement of the technology to reach the clinical trials stage, with the aim of the NHS adopting this groundbreaking technology.

Additionally, the Principal Investigator's named on this grant, along with other collaborators, have been successful in their application to EPSRC and have won over £3million. As part of this grant, entitled "Collective Radiation-Beam-Plasma Interactions at High Intensities", the use of this technology in the treatment of cancer will be further investigated and developed.