A day where those interested in upright radiotherapy research can connect in person, share expertise, and plan for the future. 

This is an in-person meeting. Unfortunately it will not be possible to join remotely, but where possible recordings will be released afterwards. Breakfast and “coffee connections” will run from 8.30am-9.30am, followed by the main meeting 9.30am-4pm. The venue will be The Haberdashhery, 545 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G3 7PQ (about 25 mins walk from the ESTRO convention centre).

Registration has now closed but last minute spaces may be available due to cancellations - please email hello@uprightresearchconsortium

Dr James Korte

Dr James Korte is an engineer who began medical imaging research during his PhD in magnetic resonance imaging. With a desire to translate technological advances to improved clinical outcomes, he now works at a cancer research hospital, investigating imaging to improve clinical decisions, radiation treatment delivery and developing personalised treatment positions.

James will speak on “Collaborative design of a rotating patient platform for upright cone-beam CT guided radiation therapy with conventional photon therapy machines”.

Presentation details: We have developed a rotating radiation therapy platform, that is designed to integrate with existing photon-based radiation therapy machines, to provide patients with an alternative seated treatment position. The platform is central to a clinical trial (ACTRN12623000498695) that will investigate seated cone-beam CT (CBCT) imaging for positioning patients with lung cancer or head and neck cancer, a first step towards upright treatments in the future.

Chiara Martire

Chiara Martire graduated in Biomedical Engineering at the University “La Sapienza” of Rome in 2022, and started working in the field of particle therapy as a masters student at GSI, with a thesis on carbon ion treatment plans and motion mitigation techniques for lung tumours. Since November 2022, Chiara has been a PhD candidate at GSI. Her research addresses carbon ion treatment planning studies for lung cancers, focusing on upright therapy, motion management and the lung modulation effect.

Chiara will speak on the topic of “Upright particle therapy of lung cancer”.

Presentation details: Upright particle therapy for lung cancer patients combines the effectiveness of particle therapy with economical and technological advantages of the upright position. Possible clinical advantages must be investigated through treatment planning studies. We present the first comparisons between upright and supine particle therapy 4D dose calculation. Initial results were presented as a poster at PTCOG61, where I was awarded the Travel Fellowship.

After a series of online meetings, on Friday May 12th 2023, the “Upright Radiotherapy and Imaging Research Consortium” came together in person, for the first time.

Over 50 delegates attended from countries around the world, including: Australia, Japan, the USA, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Finland, Italy, Austria, France, the UK, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Leading academic institutions and industrial partners were represented. Presentation recordings are available online in the Resources section of this website.

Sincere thanks to everyone who made the day so enjoyable and informative. It was a fantastic opportunity for the upright research community to come together and exchange knowledge and ideas.