GENOA, Italy and DRESDEN, Germany, January 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ASG Superconductors’ (ASG) MgB2 superconducting technology — already used for energy and medical applications, such as the world’s only truly open MROpenEVO magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system — is at the heart of a global innovation unveiled today at Dresden in the field of proton therapy and cancer treatment using real-time MRI.
World’s first OncoRay scientific prototype combining real-time MRI with proton therapy for tumors
Indeed, MRI offers the advantage over conventional imaging methods of imaging tumors with unsurpassed soft tissue imaging contrast. This enables a better differentiation of the tumor from the surrounding healthy tissue and a more accurate determination of the volume to be irradiated. In addition, the MRI guidance is able to map changes in the shape and size of the volume to be irradiated that occur between successive treatment sessions, allowing the administration of radiation to be adjusted individually and immediately. One of the key points of this scientific-technological breakthrough, which will have an impact on cancer treatment, is precisely the real-time MRI, which allows to visualize the movement of the tumor during a radiation session and to synchronize it with the administration of radiation.
With the prototype presented today in Germany at Oncoray – the National Center for Radiation Oncology Research, it will actually be possible, for the first time in the world, to study the extent to which the accuracy of proton therapy can be improved with real-time whole-body MRI guidance. Head of the research group “Experimental MR-integrated proton therapy” prof. Aswin Hoffmanwith whom ASG engineers have collaborated in the development of the new system over the years, said: “With this new prototype of integrated whole-body MRI, it is possible to visualize moving tumors with high-contrast images in real time. The goal of our work is to develop a technique to irradiate moving tumors only when they are in the right position to be affected by the proton beam. The MRI unit, which can rotate around the patient, offers the possibility of using innovative types of patient positioning for proton therapy treatment in both supine and standing positions..
The prototype, based on the ASG technology already in use for the MROpenEVO system, the only MRI in the world with a fully open design and cryogen-free MgB2 superconducting technology, will be used to demonstrate through research the added value of this new treatment method for tumors in chest, abdomen and pelvis. The development and installation as well as the commissioning were made possible by close cooperation with international technological and industrial partners such as ASG Superconductors, who, in addition to being the manufacturer of the MRI device used as a base, have a historical experience in the development, design and production of superconducting magnets for MRI from 0.5T to Ultra High Field 11.7T, while the company MagnetTx Oncology Solutions, Edmonton/Canadadesigned the rotating technology part.
Marco NasiCEO – ASG Superconductors announced “It is very challenging to contribute to such an innovative technical and scientific project in the field of proton therapy in close cooperation with highly prestigious hospitals, partners and universities. Moreover, we are very proud that our technologies and skills regarding MgB2 superconducting material, magnets and MRI systems can provide a significant contribution to more effective treatment of tumors in the near future.”
For more information on ASG Superconductors
www.asgsuperconductors.com
For more information on MgB2 open MRI technology
www.mropenevo.com
For more information about the research project
https://www.oncoray.de/
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SOURCE ASG Superconductors
