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Cutting edge radiotherapy planning technique - 24/08/2008
A new technique to calculate the appropriate levels of radiotherapy treatment has been developed by researchers in Yorkshire.
A collaboration between the Universities of York and Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust has developed a gel which acts as a dosimeter for intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).
The gel is, in effect, a ‘phantom patient’ on which doctors can plan and assess a radiotherapy treatment before delivering the radiation to the real patient. This enables doctors to calculate appropriate levels of radiotherapy, thus reducing the risk of unwanted side effects or dangerous mistreatments.
It is an example of the cutting edge innovations that are being constantly developed by Yorkshire’s dynamic healthcare sector. The Region is home to a large number of specialist research units and institutes with world renowned expertise which can help businesses develop innovative new products.
A shareholder agreement has been signed to formally establish Imagel Ltd, which will market the dosimeter gel.
Dr Mark Godber, who helped develop the gel and who is now CEO of Imagel, said: “With modern techniques in radiotherapy there is a requirement for improved dosimetry methods. Our gel dosimeter can give radiotherapists more confidence to deliver complex radiotherapy plans, improving success rates while reducing harmful side effects.”
