Research progress in proton ultra-high dose-rate (FLASH) radiotherapy

VernacularTitle:质子超高剂量率（FLASH）放疗研究进展
Author: Xiaoxin ZUO ¹ ; Anhang ZHANG ¹ ; Qi LIU ¹ ; Jian ZHU ¹
Author Information

1. 山东第一医科大学附属肿瘤医院放射物理技术科，山东省医药卫生儿童肿瘤精确放疗重点实验室，济南250117
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Radiotherapy; Ultra-high dose-rate radiotherapy; Proton radiotherapy; Tumor control; Complications
From: Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(2):201-205
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Ultra-high dose-rate (FLASH) radiotherapy is a new mode of radiotherapy that can control tumors while significantly reducing damage to surrounding normal tissues. Since its official naming in 2014, FLASH radiotherapy research has continued to grow, and in 2019 it entered a period of exponential development. Studies have shown that electrons, photons, and protons can all induce the FLASH effect, but the proton beam can overcome the physical limitations of shallow incident depth and high penetration dose, which is considered to be the most effective solution. This article summarizes previous research results of FLASH proton therapy from the research at the cell, animal and clinical levels, and summarizes the hypothesis of the FLASH effect mechanism, aiming to provide reference for promoting the research and clinical transformation of FLASH proton therapy.