Moving tumors pose a significant challenge in radiation therapy, as their shifting position during treatment can reduce precision and increase the risk of damaging healthy tissue. Researchers in Dresden are working on a novel approach that could transform how such cancers are treated, combining real-time imaging with adaptive radiation delivery to maintain accuracy even when tumors move.
The project, led by a team from Technische Universität Dresden and involving clinicians from the university hospital, focuses on improving outcomes for patients with tumors in organs that shift due to breathing or bodily functions, such as the lungs or liver. By integrating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) directly into the radiation process, the team aims to visualize tumor position continuously and adjust the radiation beam accordingly.
This initiative has recently received substantial funding to advance its development and testing phases. According to a report from Freie Presse dated April 24, 2026, the Dresden-based research team has been awarded millions in funding to support their innovative tumor treatment method. The financial backing will enable further refinement of the technology and preparation for clinical trials.
The research group includes Dr. Felix Horst, Professor Aswin Hoffmann, PD Dr. Jörg Pawelke, and Professor Esther Troost, who were photographed together in front of the MR research device at TU Dresden. Their collaborative effort brings together expertise in medical physics, radiation oncology, and imaging technology to address one of the persistent difficulties in modern radiotherapy.
While similar efforts are underway globally—such as the German Future Prize-winning MRI prototype developed by researchers at Uniklinik Erlangen and Siemens—the Dresden team’s work specifically targets the clinical application of MRI-guided radiation for moving tumors. This focus on real-time adaptation distinguishes their approach within the broader field of image-guided cancer therapies.
Adaptive radiation therapy, which modifies treatment based on changes in tumor anatomy or position, represents a growing area in oncology. By using live imaging to guide radiation beams, clinicians can potentially deliver higher doses to cancerous tissue while sparing surrounding organs—a balance critical to both treatment effectiveness and quality of life.
The integration of MRI into linear accelerator systems (MRI-linacs) has been explored in several international centers, but widespread clinical use remains limited due to technical complexity, cost, and the need for specialized training. The Dresden project aims to overcome some of these barriers through innovation in hardware synchronization and software-driven beam control.
Professor Esther Troost, a leading figure in radiation oncology at TU Dresden, has been involved in advancing imaging-guided radiotherapy for years. Her contributions to the field include work on standardization and quality assurance in advanced radiotherapy techniques, lending significant expertise to the current initiative.
As the project progresses, the team plans to validate their system through preclinical testing before moving toward human trials. Success could lead to a new standard in treating cancers where tumor motion has historically compromised therapeutic precision, offering hope for improved outcomes in difficult-to-treat cases.
For now, the funding marks a pivotal step forward, allowing the Dresden researchers to advance their vision of a more responsive, accurate form of radiation therapy—one that moves with the tumor, rather than assuming it stays still.