Invited speakers

Dr Vivek Maradia, Research Scientist, Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI)

Transforming Proton Therapy: Advancing Treatment Efficiency and Cost-effectiveness with an Ultra-Compact Facility

Despite significant dosimetric advantages of pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy over conventional radiotherapy, challenges still remain to optimally treat mobile tumors, i.e. tumors in the thorax and abdomen that are substantially affected by breathing motion as well as worries over the substantial costs associated with the technique. To address these issues, we developed an ultra-compact proton therapy facility capable of delivering treatment within a single breath-hold (5-10 sec). This innovation enables efficient and cost-effective treatment of moving targets, while also achieving ultra-high dose rates for all energy beams.

Vivek Maradia did a Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication, a Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering, and a PhD focused on advancing proton therapy through ultra-fast treatment delivery, has been awarded a prestigious Swiss National Science Foundation grant. His doctoral research led to the creation of an ultra-compact, ultra-fast, and economical proton therapy facility. His work has resulted in several patent applications and publications in distinguished journals, including Nature Physics, solidifying his significant contributions to the field.

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Dr Matthew Lowe, Principal Clinical Scientist, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester

This talk will provide a clinical perspective on proton beam therapy from The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, outlining the initial setup of the proton therapy service in the UK and ongoing developments and upcoming indications. We will focus on the role of imaging in improving the safety and effectiveness of proton treatment plans, how we can overcome some of the uncertainties present in proton beam therapy and what challenges remain in realising its full potential.

Matthew Lowe is a Principal Clinical Scientist and Proton Treatment Planning Lead at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. Since completing a PhD in robustness to uncertainties in proton therapy in 2017, he has been involved in the commissioning, development, and delivery of the clinical service at the proton therapy centre at The Christie.