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CNRS/CRLCC/ELDIM Joint
Press Release
New techniques for the treatment
of cancer using radiation therapy should be made more effective thanks
to research being conducted jointly by the "Laboratoire de physique
corpusculaire de Caen" (Nuclear and Particle Physics Laboratory,
CNRS/IN2P3(1), University of Caen), the François Baclesse Regional
Cancer Center, and the company Eldim(2). A dosimeter to measure, in vivo,
the doses delivered to patients, with great accuracy and high spatial
resolution, will be marketed in late 2003. A dosmap (dosimetric detection
device), which is able to provide a three-dimensional characterization
of a dose of radiotherapy in just a few minutes, is under development.
For the past three years, the Nuclear and Particle
Physics Laboratory (LPC) in Caen has been working in close collaboration
with the radiophysics unit of the François Baclesse Regional Cancer
Center to develop devices to measure ionizing radiation administered during
radiotherapy. The goal of this research is to provide a useful response
to the needs of radiophysicists, who today rely increasingly on a new
radiation technique known as "intensity modulation." This technique
allows them, by changing the shape and intensity of the beam released
from a radiotherapy accelerator, to apply a multitude of radiation fields,
which are very small and highly localized, and to thereby increase the
dose directed at the tumor as compared to the dose affecting healthy tissue,
which increases the chances for improvement of the patient's condition.
Radiotherapists have demonstrated the benefits of this technique; however,
it is necessary to control the dose administered with great accuracy and
high spatial resolution. This step will soon be greatly facilitated thanks
to the LPC's development of an optical dosimeter and system for 3D mapping
of the beams, or a "dosmap," an instrument that measures the
volume distribution of the dose. The CNRS has filed two patents for these
two instruments. The licensing fees associated with the two patents have
been granted to Eldim(2), a SME based in the Basse Normandy region of
France with which the CNRS has established a partnership.
A dosimeter is an optical fiber reading device that enables physicians
to measure the dose actually administered to a patient at a specific point.
Thanks to its flexibility, convenient size, accuracy, and its ability
to give readings in real time, it is an ideal tool for in vivo dosimetric
techniques. A marketable version should be available by the end of 2003.
The dosmap is currently under development. In a matter of minutes, this
instrument can provide the three-dimensional measurement of the distribution
of the dose delivered by a radiotherapy accelerator. It is more specifically
dedicated to quality controls of accelerators and allows radiophysicists
to measure, with great precision and high spatial resolution, the accuracy
of the radiation doses actually administered to the patient as compared
to the planned doses. This approach aims to optimize the procedures for
quality assurance of radiotherapy treatments concerning planimetric software
(computer simulations) and particle accelerators.
This device also fulfills the specifications required for intensity modulation
techniques (high spatial resolution, rapid measurements, and accuracy).
It is currently in the R&D phase and a first operational demonstrator
should be ready in 2004.
(1) National Institute of Nuclear
and Particle Physics
(2) Eldim, the leading international company for the metrology of screens
(cathodic, plasma, LCDs, etc.), is better known among major international
audiovisual groups than by the general public. Exports account for 90%
of its revenues. Eldim was granted the award "Trophées de
l’Innovation INPI" in 1996 and 2000 for its R&D activities.
Given its market, Eldim is able to make use of all the necessary technologies
for the development and marketing of instruments for optical dosimetry
of ionizing radiation. These devices makes use of optical and opto-electronic
technologies (CCD sensors) similar to those already used for the manufacture
of its existing products.
Researcher
contacts:
LPC-Caen: J.M Fontbonne: +33 2 31 45 25 26
e-mail: fontbonne@caelav.in2p3.fr
CRLCC: A. Batalla: +33 2 31 45 50 22
e-mail: a.batalla@baclesse.fr
ELDIM: Th. Leroux: +33 2 31 94 76 00
e-mail: tleroux@eldim.fr
IN2P3/CNRS contact:
Dominique Armand: +33 1 44 96 47 51
e-mail: darmand@admin.in2p3.fr
Press Contact
CNRS:
Martine Hasler
Tel: +33 1 44 96 46 35
E-mail: martine.hasler@cnrs-dir.fr
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