Biological and Preclinical Imaging

D.1.1 | Physical dosimetry and spatial dose distribution

D.1.2 | Biological microcrystals and pulsed synchrotron radiation

D.1.3 | Preclinical studies for effects on tumour tissue in a mouse model

D.1.4 | Nanoscopy with Broadband Infrared Radiation

D.1.5 | Small-angle x-ray scattering: chance of direct cancer diagnosis

D.1.6 | FemtoSCOPE — a highly resolving two-photon system for diagnosis of cancer

D.1.7 | Development of a first pre-clinical phase-contrast x-ray micro-CT scanner

Ultra intense laser pulses allow the production of brilliant x-ray pulses and high-energy ion pulses by laser-driven acceleration (LDA), paving the way to attractive applications in medicine. This may put radiotherapy of cancer by LDA-produced ion beams within reach of smaller facilities, replacing large installations of conventional accelerators and ion beam transport systems. The size and costs of the latter currently limit the practical use of cancer therapy with energetic ion beams despite their highly favourable characteristics. We therefore propose to investigate all essential physical, biological and medical aspects of LDA-based tumour therapy. Compared with conventional radiotherapy, the possibility of enhanced radiobiological effectiveness may even favour LDA-based tumour therapy.

The highly brilliant x-rays generated by an ultrashort, well-focused laser pulse is an ideal source for two new types of x-ray diagnostics in medicine. X-ray phase-contrast imaging (PCI) can distinguish between different kinds of soft tissue which is not attainable with conventional x-ray imaging techniques. Small-Angle x-ray Scattering (SAXS) would allow direct cancer diagnosis within seconds and affords potential for diagnosing early structural changes of cartilage in osteoarthritis. In addition, high-intensity x-ray pulses will allow fast imaging of dynamic processes. We propose to develop three-dimensional phase-contrast x-ray tomography using laser-based x-ray sources. The high photon density will be also used for a new kind of diagnosis of cancer cells in-vivo with fibre-based two-photon microscopy replacing usual laboratory analyses of histological samples. These developments will be strongly supported by industry.

• Using brilliant particle and photon sources (A.2) for tumour therapy and medical imaging, first cell experiments on radiobiological effectiveness of ultra intense particle bunches and succeeding animal tests
• Tests with light ion beams from tandem accelerator
• Developing techniques for x-ray phase contrast imaging including tomography and small-angle x-ray scattering for tissue diagnosis