ART-NET

 ART-NET is a CRUK funded Accelerator Award and co-operative network of 8 institutions, bringing together leading radiotherapy research centres across the UK. The network aims to establish a framework for best practice use of new radiotherapy technologies to ensure substantial clinical benefit. Novel technologies in development include Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT/SABR), MR-Linac and Proton Beam Therapy (PBT). The network aims to ensure that implementation of such technologies is carried out with adequate care and quality, to ensure utmost patient benefit. To do so, the network aims to disseminate new technologies to as many researchers as possible. Oxford researchers are leading two of seven working groups and are also members of the ART-NET steering committee.

Functional imaging is led by Tim Maughan and Pratik Samant establishing guidance for treatment outcomes by obtaining functional imaging data throughout the course of treatment. The proton image guidance and dose verification group is led by Frank Van den Heuvel, with Frank and Anna Vella developing imaging methodologies to verify proton treatment (particularly the range).  Alastair Gray and Paolo Candio from the Nuffield Department of Population Health are evaluating the cost of MR guided radiotherapy.