Proton beam breakthrough could transform cancer treatment
Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast have unveiled a pioneering method to generate high-quality proton beams using high-intensity lasers, a breakthrough with the potential to transform cancer treatment and other industries.
Proton beams, currently used in a variety of sectors such as satellite testing, nuclear reactor component analysis, and medical imaging, have also proven effective in cancer treatment. Proton beam radiotherapy offers more precise targeting of cancerous tissue compared to traditional X-ray radiotherapy, minimising damage to surrounding healthy cells and vital organs.
However, current proton beam generation relies on large, expensive cyclotrons - machines that are scarce and not widely available, especially for cancer therapy. In the UK, only three cyclotrons serve the National Health Service (NHS), limiting access for cancer treatment and research.
To address this, Dr Charlotte Palmer and her team at Queen’s have developed a compact and flexible alternative using a laser-plasma accelerator. This innovation creates protons by focusing high-powered laser pulses onto small solid materials, vaporising them to produce proton bursts. The new method could significantly expand access to proton therapy, bringing it closer to hospitals and research centres.
The challenge, however, has been to stabilise proton pulses, which typically vary from shot to shot, and to focus the beams, as they often spread out much like light from a bulb. In their latest research [1], published in Nature Communications, the team has overcome both of these hurdles. By introducing an innovative thin liquid sheet target in collaboration with international partners at the SLAC National Accelerator Lab and the University of Michigan, they have achieved a stable, focused proton beam with five pulses per second.
Dr Matthew Streeter, the study’s lead author, explains the
Breakthrough scanner detects hidden cancer spread
A pioneering scanner developed by scientists at the University of Aberdeen could transform breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, potentially reducing the need for repeat surgeries and enabling more personalised care.
Researchers from the University, in collaboration with NHS Grampian, used a prototype Field Cycling Imager (FCI) to examine breast tissue from newly diagnosed cancer patients. The FCI scanner demonstrated a higher accuracy in distinguishing tumour material from healthy tissue compared to conventional MRI methods.
This breakthrough has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for millions of patients. Currently, around 15% of women require a second surgery after a lumpectomy due to residual tumour cells. By providing more precise tumour mapping, FCI could help reduce the need for additional operations.
The success of FCI in breast cancer detection follows earlier promising results in identifying brain damage caused by stroke. Developed at the University of Aberdeen, FCI builds on MRI technology but operates at ultra-low magnetic fields, allowing it to detect disease-related changes in organs that were previously impossible to see.
Unlike conventional MRI, which uses strong magnetic fields to generate images, FCI can dynamically adjust magnetic field strength during a scan. This unique capability allows
Side by side image of same breast tissue in MRI and FCI. (l) MRI image of breast with cancerous tumours circled in red (r) FCI image of same breast shows same tumour in red with second- ary tumour spread in blue. Spread not visible in MRI. The patient had a mixed tumour i.e two different types of tumour and one of them is not visible in MRI. Photo Credit University of Aberdeen
it to extract multiple layers of information from tissue, effectively functioning as multiple scanners in one. Additionally, FCI can detect tumours without the need for contrast agents, which are associated with potential kidney damage and allergic reactions in some patients.
Dr Lionel Broche, Senior Research Fellow in Biomedical Physics and lead researcher, highlighted the significance of these findings: “We found that FCI generates images that characterise breast tumours with greater accuracy. This could enhance biopsy precision, improve treatment planning, and reduce the need for repeat surgeries - offering significant benefits for patients.”
He added: “The University of Aberdeen pioneered the world’s first clinical MRI scanner in the 1970s, and it’s exciting to continue that legacy with an entirely new approach to imaging. As we refine FCI technology, its potential clinical applications are vast.”
Dr Gerald Lip, Consultant Radiologist at NHS Grampian and co-investigator in the study, recently appointed President of the British Society of Breast Radiology, commented: “These early results are promising, and further studies will help validate clinical applications. NHS Grampian treats 400 to 500 women with breast cancer annually, and the potential for FCI to reduce the need for additional surgeries could greatly benefit patients while improving resource efficiency.”
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/qGO1 Published in Nature Communications Medicine
Dr Lionel Broche with the prototype FCI scanner. Photo Credit University of Aberdeen
64105pr@reply-direct.com
breakthrough: “The liquid target renews quickly, allowing for hundreds of pulses per second. As the liquid evaporates, it forms a vapour cloud around the proton source. This cloud causes the proton beam to focus, resulting in a brighter, more precise beam.”
This development not only solves several longstanding issues but also demonstrates that proton beam generation can be compact, cost-effective, and applicable across multiple fields, including medicine, research, and industry.
With further research, this method could open new possibilities for proton-based applications, advancing cancer treatments and enhancing a variety of technological industries.
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/89M2 1. Published in Nature Communications
64080pr@reply-direct.com
2025 RMS Scientific Imaging Competition: Submit your entries now
The 2025 RMS Scientific Imaging Competition is now open for entries. Copyright © 2025 Royal Microscopical Society
The highly anticipated 2025 RMS Scientific Imaging Competition is now accepting submissions from microscopists around the world. This biennial competition invites participants to showcase the incredible beauty and precision of the microscopic world through images and videos. With categories spanning all microscopy disciplines, it’s an excellent opportunity for scientists to combine their technical skills with artistic vision.
This year’s competition will be held as part of mmc2025, incorporating EMAG 2025. Shortlisted entries will be exhibited during the conference, where the winners will be revealed. The competition features seven categories, including a dedicated short video section.
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/jmbJ 64082pr@reply-direct.com
SEND ALL YOUR RESEARCH AND EVENTS
NEWS STORIES TO: GWYNETH@
INTLABMATE.COM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
