Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor with a high recurrence rate following standard treatments, presenting a substantial challenge for achieving effective long-term management. Neon ions, with their higher linear energy transfer (LET), tend to exhibit a greater relative biological effectiveness (RBE) than lighter particles, which may contribute to improved tumor control in radiotherapy.

While radiotherapy remains a crucial treatment modality for GBM, it is often associated with adverse effects, including cognitive decline, radiation necrosis, and vascular damage. FLASH radiotherapy, characterized by ultra-high dose rates, has shown potential in reducing damage to healthy brain tissue while preserving anti-tumor efficacy.

This project seeks to explore whether neon FLASH can offer both cognitive protection and effective tumor control, thereby potentially improving the quality of life and treatment outcomes for GBM patients undergoing radiotherapy.