Radiation therapy linear particle accelerator FLASHDEEP™

electron beam radiation therapy

Overview
THERYQ is developing FLASHDEEP™, a next-generation FLASH radiotherapy device using Very High Energy Electrons (VHEE) to treat tumors resistant to conventional therapies. The technology increases dose rates and reduces irradiation time to a few milliseconds to induce the FLASH effect, aiming to reduce normal tissue toxicity while preserving tumor control.

Technical concept
FLASHDEEP™ integrates a compact linear accelerator delivering VHEE beams in the 100–200 MeV range, enabling treatment of deeper targets than low-energy electron beams. The design targets ultra-high dose rates within less than 100 milliseconds while remaining compatible with standard hospital infrastructure.

Key advantages of VHEE-FLASH technology

• Increased depth penetration with sharp lateral beam edges compared to low-energy electrons, enabling precise targeting of deep-seated tumors.
• Potential for dose distribution conformality comparable to advanced photon therapy, with additional therapeutic benefit when combined with the FLASH effect.
• Compact linear accelerator architecture that is significantly smaller and potentially more cost-effective than proton therapy facilities.
• Ability to address deep-seated tumors that are challenging for existing modalities by combining VHEE and FLASH.

Expected performances
Design objectives include delivering highly conformal VHEE beams at ultra-high dose rates sufficient to produce the FLASH biological effect, enabling treatment of targets up to approximately 20 cm depth while improving normal tissue tolerance.

Status
FLASHDEEP™ is not commercially available and is not cleared for clinical use. The device is intended for demonstration and research purposes only and must complete regulatory clearance before any medical use.

Technical specifications

• Beam type: Very High Energy Electrons (VHEE)
• Energy range: approx. 100–200 MeV
• Target penetration: up to approximately 20 cm depth
• Dose rate: ultra-high dose rates aiming to trigger the FLASH effect in less than 100 milliseconds
• Accelerator: compact linear accelerator suitable for hospital integration
• Therapeutic goal: improved normal tissue tolerance while maintaining tumor control via the FLASH effect
• Regulatory status: demonstration/research device; not commercially available or cleared for sale