Experimental demonstration of mice tumor control with a laser-accelerated high-energy electron radiotherapy prototype

Abstract

Radiotherapy using very-high-energy electron (VHEE) beams (50-300 MeV) has attracted considerable attention due to its advantageous dose deposition characteristics, enabling deep penetration and the potential for ultra-high dose rate treatment. One promising approach to compactly delivering these high energy electron beams in a cost-effective manner is laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA), which offers ultra-strong accelerating gradients. However, the transition from this concept to a functional machine intended for tumor treatment is still being investigated. Here we present the first self-developed prototype for LWFA-based VHEE radiotherapy, exhibiting high compactness (occupying less than 5 square meters) and high operational stability (validated over a period of one month). Subsequently, we employed this device to irradiate a tumor implanted in a mouse model. Following a dose delivery of $5.8\pm0.2$ Gy with precise tumor conformity, all irradiated mice exhibited pronounced control of tumor growth. For comparison, this tumor-control efficacy was similar to that achieved using commercial X-ray radiotherapy equipment operating at equivalent doses. These results demonstrate the potential of a compact laser-driven VHEE system for preclinical studies involving small animal models and its promising prospects for future clinical translation in cancer therapy.