Research progress in immune and metabolic mechanism hypothesis and clinical translation of FLASH radiotherapy

VernacularTitle:闪光放疗免疫和代谢机制假说及临床应用研究进展
Author: Xiang ZHAO ¹ ; Peng WANG ; Jingcong CHEN ; Yan DONG ; Jianjun LI
Author Information

1. 陆军军医大学第一附属医院肿瘤科，重庆　400038
Keywords: Radiotherapy; FLASH radiotherapy; Effect mechanism; Ultrahigh dose rate; Clinical application
From: Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2024;33(9):870-876
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Flash radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) is an advanced radiotherapy technique known for its ultra-high dose rate (>40 Gy/s) irradiation. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that FLASH-RT is highly effective in reducing radiation damage to normal tissues, while still effectively killing tumors. This wider therapeutic window in terms of dose rate makes FLASH-RT a promising and disruptive technique for the future of radiotherapy. However, the biological mechanisms underlying FLASH-RT are not yet fully understood, and there are multiple technical challenges to be addressed before its clinical application. In this article, we provide a brief overview of the recent research progress in FLASH-RT, covering its biological mechanisms, preclinical studies, and the status and challenges in clinical application, aiming to offer valuable reference and inspiration for the future translation of FLASH-RT into clinical practice.