Summary

The group Translational Radiation Oncology represents the liaison between basic science in the laboratories and the research within the group Clinical Radiation Oncology. Within the framework of the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) this group was newly established. Together with the Clinical Radiation Oncology group on site and in cooperation with all further DKTK partner sites (Heidelberg, Berlin, Essen/Düsseldorf, Frankfurt/Mainz, Freiburg, München and Tübingen) the focus is on high-precision technologies, including particle therapy and biological-driven individualization of radiotherapy. Considerable progress is expected from following three major projects: Proton Therapy, RadPlanBio-Platform and Biological Individualization of Radiotherapy.

Within the proton experimental and clinical research facility the clinical gantry is used for patient studies since December 2014. The trial protocols are developed in a tight cooperation between the sections Clinical and Translational Radiation Oncology. Aims of the clinical trials are the reduction of the toxicity of proton therapy versus standard radiotherapy. In a second step also dose escalation trials for high-risk patients are intended. The trial protocols always consider translational aspects to evaluate biological mechanisms and biomarkers. Furthermore, preclinical (translational) studies intend to characterize the impact of proton radiotherapy to advance the biological treatment planning for particle therapy.