Technologies

BoneOscopy will achieve the scientific breakthrough needed to perform spectroscopy analysis of complex patient environments with very fine resolution

Innovative technologies

BoneOscopy’s core technology involves Nuclear X-ray spectroscopy, also called prompt gamma spectroscopy (PGS), to perform daily assessments of bone cancer during PRT. By using specialised detectors and custom electronics, the system can monitor the calcium content of bones, providing a safe, personalised treatment approach that reduces side effects and optimises radiation use. PGS analysis is a well-known method for analysing the elemental chemical composition of materials by irradiating them with particle beams.

Novel and ambitious approach

PGS analysis of materials is based on precise experimental databases and well described by nuclear shell models, which provide very accurate energy values for the emitted prompt gamma (PG) radiation. However, PGS analysis of tissues had not been previously achieved due to the complexity and the small size of the cellular volumes. BoneOscopy will provide a novel and ambitious approach for daily cancer evaluation during treatment, offering the clinicians updated information on the treatment quality, without giving the patient any additional radiation.

Daily cancer evaluation during treatment

At the heart of BoneOscopy lies the ability to detect prompt gamma rays emitted by cancer during particle radiation therapy, unlocking the full potential of spectroscopy analysis of cancer without any additional dose. BoneOscopy’s prototype consists of a robotic C-arm that supports PGS detectors.

The first in-vivo analysis of calcium content in healthy bone tissues was performed in DKFZ Heidelberg, demonstrating the feasibility of the PGS technology to analyse particle-irradiated bone tissue.

BoneOscopy’s
groundbreaking nature