Proton beam radiotherapy has been improved by NPL experts, who can precisely target tumors while sparing healthy tissue. This breakthrough reduces radiotherapy side effects, particularly in children.

The Primary Standard Proton Calorimeter (PSPC) is a tool that ensures accurate radiation dosages. In tests, novel plastic materials mimic human tissue. In addition, pioneering measurements for Flash RT, a new radiotherapy form, are being conducted.

According to the researchers, flash treatment can help pediatric patients spend less time in the hospital. It requires fewer deliveries than traditional radiotherapy, which lasts six weeks. To avoid dosing errors and improve treatment success, precise dosimetry is essential.

Currently, radiotherapy affects nearby healthy tissue. Studies reveal ultra-high dose rate radiation could spare healthy tissue while being as effective as conventional treatment, known as “the Flash effect.”

Hannah Cook, a higher scientist at NPL, said: “Proton therapy dosimetry and audit development is very interesting and rewarding research.

“The aim of our work is to provide confidence to clinical centres offering proton therapy treatment within the UK and worldwide, with the hope to further improve cancer patient outcome.”

According to Russell Thomas, NPL's science area leader, proton beam therapy has been used to treat approximately 300,000 patients worldwide since the 1940s. In contrast, approximately 160,000 patients in the UK receive conventional photon therapy each year.

He noted that cost has historically hindered photon therapy adoption. A proton beam machine can cost around £225 million, significantly more than the few million pounds for a conventional machine.

Presently, the UK houses only two proton beam therapy centers: The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Mr Thomas told PA that he hoped that one day there would be enough centres in the UK to treat the number of patients who might benefit.

He added: “I think with proton provision in the UK now we’re probably treating slightly less than two per cent of the radiotherapy population that would benefit – five per cent to 20 per cent is the estimate.

“So I’d like us to at least get to five per cent of treatments.

“I think what I’d also like to see is investment for you, and ways of looking at other particles and other ion therapy.

“Different types of radiation and beam and a radiation treatment will have different radio biological effectiveness.

It would be great if we could have some funding in the UK to explore these at the radio biological level, at the pre-clinical level so that we can work out right, well this would be good if we could follow this type of particle and we can start building this type of machine for treating patients.”

Ana Lourenco, senior scientist at NPL, said: “We are working with the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) in developing a new Code of Practice (CoP) for reference dosimetry of proton beams.

“The upcoming IPEM CoP, will utilise the NPL PSPC, and provide a direct absorbed dose to water calibration service for proton therapy beams.

“This significant development will reduce uncertainty in dose delivery, ensuring optimal tumour control and improved accuracy in proton therapy treatments.

“The establishment of consistent standards supported by the CoP will not only benefit patients within and between treatment facilities but also lay the foundation for the development of clinical trials in proton therapy.”