Early Stage Researcher in Italy (18 months): Intra-fraction motion compensation in Image-Guided Hadron Therapy (IGHT)

 

Background with CREATIS

this announce is in the framework of a collaboration between University of Milano and CREATIS. The following position describes the first part of this collaboration, during 18 months. After this one, it will be possible to pursue with another one year contract. The recruited person will spend the majority of his time in Italy (Milano & Pavia), but will also work regularly in Lyon (France). Please, contact us for more information.

 

Intra-fraction motion compensation in Image-Guided Hadron Therapy (IGHT)

 

Context of the recruitment

In the framework of the European Project “PARTNER”, the National Centre for Oncological Hadrontherapy in Italy (CNAO) will host 1 Early Stage Researchers for 18 months. The researcher will be offered specific training in the use of optical tracking technologies and in-room imaging devices for dynamic target localization in hadrontherapy. The candidate will have the opportunity to enter in a collaboration with the largest engineering school in Italy (Politecnico di Milano University) for research activities related to target localization and motion compensation.

Scientific background

In hadrontherapy, the geometrical uncertainties concerning how the beam interacts with the patient are of primary importance. Deviations from the clinical treatment plan are due to different reasons. They can be briefly summarized as follows:

  • patient setup errors
  • inter-fractional morphological variations (e.g. weight loss)
  • tumour shrinkage, i.e., the reduction of the tumour volume
  • Internal movements of the target volume due to organ motion phenomena and/or physiological events (mainly in extra-cranial sites)

5 random movements of the patient before and during the treatment session. All of these factors contribute to modify the dose deposition in tissues, involving changes with respect to the planned treatment. Specifically, intra-fractional motion due to breathing represent a critical issue, out of the patient specific nature and intrinsic variability. Furthermore, the selection of the optimal treatment strategy in terms of motion compensation is an unresolved task. Considering the physic properties of tissue interaction with particle beams, the above mentioned variations are of particular relevance when hadrontherapy is utilized. Density variations along the beam propagation direction result in substantial modifications in the penetration depth. Moreover, the reduced lateral penumbra contributes to increase the dependency of dose deposition from potential inaccuracies in the transversal plane with respect to the beam propagation direction.

Specific goals in the PARTNER program

The PARTNER program is entitled "Intra-fraction motion compensation in Image-Guided Hadron Therapy". The goal is the definition of a methodological tool for a deeper understanding into the irradiation of moving targets with particle beams. This will lead to the identification of specific criteria to support treatment strategy decision when motion compensation is an issue.

Job description

In the first phase of the project, the candidate will acquire expertise on optical/video-based localization systems to be used in 4D treatment planning and 4D dose delivery. Specific attention will be given to the reduction of motion artefacts in 4DCT/4DPET acquisition and to breathing motion measurement during treatment. The available information on patient-specific breathing motion will be exploited to define optimal strategies for treatment planning and to support decisions in terms of motion mitigation strategies (gating, breath hold, tracking, etc…). The final outcome should be the development of a software for intra-fraction motion assessment to aid in the selection of the optimal treatment strategy.

Teamwork environment

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research team including expert physicists, bioengineers and clinicians. The team has been working since the CNAO Foundation was established and it has been taking care of designing, testing and running the first Italian national centre for hadrontherapy. Specific attention has been given in putting together a team that can be the driving force for both clinical and research activities in the field. In the context of PARTNER programme, the candidate will participate to trainings, workshops and conferences organized within the network. 

Profile

  • Master in Physics, Engineering (Biomedical Engineering is preferred) or related field
  • Dynamic and proactive
  • Experienced in image processing and C++ programming (ITK, VTK, IGSTK libraries)
  • Experience in radiotherapy (ideally in hadrontherapy) is preferred
  • Interested in an international and multidisciplinary working environment
  • Interested in a scientific career in an expanding field
  • Fluent in English

How to Apply

Verify that you fulfill the FP7 Marie Curie ITN Eligibility conditions

Send an application to
Prof. Guido Baroni Department of Biongineering Politecnico di Milano- P.zza Leonardo da Vinci 32 20133 Milano ITALY Tel: +39(02)2399-3349/9011 e-mail: guido.baroni@polimi.it

Your application must contain

  • Application letter
  • Curriculum vitae and record of technical/scientific publication
  • A short motivation letter
  • Letters of recommendation