Cancer treatment is on the verge of a revolution with the emergence of a radiation therapy method known as Flash therapy.
This treatment delivers radiation in less than a second, promising a safer and more effective solution for patients.

Unlike traditional radiation therapy, which typically requires dozens of sessions and can damage healthy tissues surrounding the tumor, Flash therapy uses an extremely high dose of radiation over just a few milliseconds. This allows precise targeting of the tumor while preserving healthy cells, which is particularly crucial for sensitive areas such as the brain.

Marie-Catherine Vozenin was the first to demonstrate the feasibility of this method in the early 2010s. Animal studies have shown that Flash therapy can eliminate tumors while minimizing severe side effects, such as organ dysfunction or growth delays in children. This method enables oncologists to use higher radiation doses, enhancing the ability to destroy hard-to-treat cancers.

Human trials have been conducted and show promise in treating complex tumors and metastatic cancers, such as glioblastomas and recurrent head and neck cancers. These conditions are often difficult to treat and pose a high risk of damage to healthy tissues, making Flash therapy a potential alternative.

Proton therapy, a particle-based radiation treatment, is emerging as a leading approach in Flash radiation therapy trials. Protons can penetrate deep into the body, allowing the treatment of internal organs without harming surrounding tissues. Additionally, researchers are exploring alternative methods, such as electron and carbon ion therapy, to expand its applications.

However, the biggest challenge remains accessibility. Flash radiation therapy requires advanced, large, and expensive particle accelerators, with only 14 facilities worldwide currently capable of operating them. If smaller and more affordable accelerators can be developed, Flash therapy could become one of the most effective cancer treatments in the future.