Penn Medicine Treats First Patient in FLASH Trial

The clinical trial evaluates fractionated ConformalFLASH proton therapy for head and neck cancer patients.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Cancer

Penn Medicine Treats First Patient in FLASH Trial

IBA has treated the first patient in the C-FLASH-01 human feasibility study at Penn Medicine. The trial utilizes fractionated ConformalFLASH proton therapy for patients with head and neck cancer who are not candidates for surgery.

Why it matters

This study tests a new treatment method for head and neck cancer patients requiring re-irradiation. Success could establish the feasibility of advanced ConformalFLASH technology for complex cases.

The C-FLASH-01 study, registered as NCT07644585, operates under an FDA-authorized Investigational Device Exemption. The process integrates RaySearch Laboratories planning software with 3D-printed devices and precision-milled apertures.

The players

IBA

IBA is a Belgian company specializing in particle accelerator technology with 40 years of experience in the field and 2,300 employees worldwide.

Penn Medicine

Penn Medicine is a major academic medical center in Philadelphia that serves as the site for this clinical research.

The details

The study employs Bragg peak proton beams to deliver fractionated ConformalFLASH therapy to patients ineligible for surgical resection. IBA Dosimetry provides the necessary equipment for this specialized radiation delivery.

October 21, 2026: First patient treated in the C-FLASH-01 clinical trial.

The Big Picture

The study operates under the regulatory framework of an FDA-authorized Investigational Device Exemption. This ensures the trial follows the required safety and development protocols for testing novel proton therapy applications.

This trial offers a potential treatment pathway for head and neck cancer patients who are not candidates for surgery. Participants must meet specific clinical criteria to be eligible for this investigation.

The takeaway

This trial marks a technical step forward in using Bragg peak proton beams for head and neck cancer patients. Future development of ConformalFLASH technology will depend on the outcomes gathered in this initial feasibility study.