A Phase I clinical trial at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is testing ConformalFLASH, a precision form of FLASH proton therapy that delivers radiation in under a second to reduce toxicity while keeping the dose equivalent to conventional therapy.

The study could shorten radiation regimens from five to six weeks to roughly five sessions over about 10 days, helping patients maintain quality of life and spend more time with family.

ConformalFLASH uses 3D conformal targeting and engineered materials to shape the proton beam, delivering a high, rapid dose while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

The trial is conducted at the Roberts Proton Therapy Center of Penn Medicine, as part of a progression from preclinical studies to human testing with potential broader applications if successful.

The Phase I study plans to enroll 10 participants, transitioning from prior animal work to initial human testing.

If safe and feasible, the research could expand to other cancers and progress to Phase II/III trials to evaluate outcomes and effectiveness.

Researchers, including Dr. Lin, describe the approach as promising with potential to extend FLASH radiation to more cancer types if results hold up.

A successful trial could lead to nationwide expansion and eventual standardization of FLASH proton therapy as a treatment option.

Enrollment is coordinated at the Roberts Proton Therapy Center in Philadelphia, with contact details for Ching Lai provided for potential participants.

The Penn team envisions expanding the trial to additional cancers and larger studies if results are favorable.

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Key investigators Alexander Lin, MD, and James Metz, MD, emphasize aligning radiation with patient quality of life and minimizing toxicity while maintaining tumor control.