Researchers in the Department of Oncology have uncovered new insights into how FLASH radiation therapy (RT) kills cancer cells while minimising damage to healthy tissues. The study, led by Dr Ejung Moon in collaboration with Dr Kristoffer Petersson, has demonstrated that FLASH RT induces iron-dependent cell death in tumour cells but not in healthy cells, which may contribute to its tissue sparing effect. Notably, tissue iron levels were shown to critically influence this process, opening new avenues of investigation into which cancer types may benefit most from this promising therapeutic technique.
Radiation therapy (RT) is a mainstay of cancer treatment, with around 50% of all patients receiving RT as part of their treatment plan. While advances in technology have led to significant improvements in precision and effectiveness, the unintended damage to nearby healthy tissues is one of the major limitations of its use. This damage can cause lasting effects and, in some cases, forces treatment to stop early. A key research goal has therefore been to develop novel RT technologies capable of maintaining tumour killing rates, while reducing harm to healthy tissues.
FLASH radiation kills tumour cells while sparing healthy tissues
FLASH RT is a new technique that delivers radiation thousands of times faster than conventional methods. This ultra-high dose rate RT kills cancer cells while selectively minimising damage to healthy tissues – a phenomenon known as the FLASH effect. The precise mechanisms underlying the tissue sparing FLASH effect are yet to be fully explained, but changes in numerous molecular processes are thought to be involved, including temporary oxygen depletion from cells and immune system changes. With the successfully established FLASH radiation setup led by the Petersson group, Dr Moon and her research group explored the potential role of iron in the FLASH effect.
Read the full story on the The Department of Oncology website.