A research project by Tyndall National Institute and Boston Scientific into new technology for measuring radiation at tumour sites during cancer treatment has been commended by Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris. It is hoped that the research will lead to significantly improved treatment outcomes for patients.
Researchers at Tyndall, in partnership with Boston Scientific, clinicians from Cork University Hospital and designers from Design Partners, have developed a smart implantable fiducial marker that accurately measures radiation at the site of a tumour during radiation therapy.
The research has resulted in a prototype of what is possibly the world’s smallest radiation field effect transistor (RadFET) system, packaged within a fiducial coil.
The markers are small metal objects placed on the patient’s skin or implanted within the body in or near a tumour in preparation for radiation therapy. This helps pinpoint the tumour’s location with greater accuracy and allows the treatment team to deliver the maximum radiation dose to the tumour while sparing healthy tissue.
“This research collaboration illustrates how the application of advanced technology, developed at Tyndall, has a profound effect on the lives of citizens, as well as industry, through smart medical devices, high-speed telecommunications, robotics and automation, and the microelectronic chips that enable all of ICT [information and communications technology],” the Minister said as he launched Tyndall’s annual report.
Prof William Scanlon, chief executive of Tyndall, said the collaboration between the University College Cork-based institute and Boston Scientific strengthened its position as a world leader in deep-tech research.
Boston Scientific Cork said it was “proud” to be part of the project. “The research is a significant milestone in the development of this type of sensor system, which can be delivered through minimally invasive procedures,” the biotechnology manufacturing company said.
