In the experimental radiotherapy laboratory of KU Leuven, we are interested in translational research and are strongly tied to the clinical Department of Radiation Oncology in UZ Leuven.
The Department of Radiation Oncology disposes of 5 linear accelerators and a bunker for high dose rate brachytherapy. The proton center is fully integrated within the existing academic hospital. It is situated in close proximity to the existing Radiation Oncology Department, Radiology Department, MIRC (cfr infra) and Nuclear Medicine Department. The center encompasses two vaults: one for the treatment of patients and one dedicated vault for research purposes. Importantly, the two vaults have their own accelerator, i.e. S2C2 synchrocyclotron. A Proteus®ONE system capable of pencil beam scanning is installed with the full scope of imaging modalities (kV-kV, CBCT), including an in-room dual energy CT on-rails.
Website unit
Project
Proton arc therapy offers unprecedented degrees of freedom to concentrate dose to tumor tissues while sparing healthy tissues. Combined with frequent treatment plan adaptations, this may enable significant toxicity reduction. However, such combination of proton arc therapy and adaptation may lead to larger volumes irradiated with low doses, including imaging doses. Moreover, proton arc optimization still requires improvement for efficient clinical execution.
The objective of the PhD thesis is to tailor and improve proton arc optimization techniques for a pediatric population. Then, the particularities of this patient population (sensitivity to low doses) will be integrated in the optimization process. The influence of imaging dose will be investigated as well. The project is part of multi-institutional project called EMPATHY, EU-funded from the Pianoforte call which has a strong emphasis on radioprotection. The other institutions involved in the project are Hospital Clinic Barcelona – IDIBAPS and Oncoray (Dresden).
We are offering a PhD position within an exciting EU-funded project. This position is fully funded until the end of February 2029. The main research tasks will include:
1. Tailor proton arc optimization to a pediatric patient population
2. Develop a pediatric specific (online) plan adaptation workflow
3. Incorporate patient and beam specific proton range uncertainties in robust treatment planning
4. Define quality assurance protocols
We are looking preferably for candidates with a strong background in medical physics, mathematical modeling, computer science, optimization…
Profile
The candidate should:
1. Be interested in an intensive research experience of several years
2. Have a strong scientific and experimental background (master in physics is preferred, but all masters in science and engineering are eligible).
3. Enjoy scientific programming (knowledge of Python and C/C++ is highly appreciated).
4. Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
5. Be open to travel, as secondments in Barcelona and Dresden are foreseen.
Offer
Funding: There is full funding until February 2029 included. This means almost 4 years (the typical duration of a PhD in Belgium). The starting date is as soon as possible, although we aim for July 1st 2025.
We offer:
1. A research project in a highly relevant and timely topic that will ultimately lead to publications with high impact.
2. An enthusiastic multidisciplinary environment in the Protontherapy center in UZ Leuven- Gasthuisberg campus and our collaborators in the MIRO team of UCLouvain (a co-hosting of the PhD between KU Leuven and UCLouvain is envisaged)
3. A close collaboration with the IBA company, leader in proton therapy equipment.
4. A close collaboration with RaySearch, a treatment planning software provider
5. Collaborations with our international partners.
https://www.kuleuven.be/kankerinstituut/en/onderzoek/laboratories/experimental-radiotherapy-laboratory
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Edmond Sterpin, tel.: +32 16 19 42 84, mail: [email protected].
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