The National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO) has selected HiFuture, the Teoresi Group company specialized in embedded systems, and the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) to contribute to the realization of the INSpIRIT project: an ambitious initiative aimed at developing advanced cancer treatments through precision hadrontherapy.
A Project of Value and Innovation
With a total investment of 10 million euros, of which 3.8 million euros are funded by Regione Lombardia, INSpIRIT aimed to develop advanced cancer treatments using precision hadron therapy and to technologically upgrade Italy’s only synchrotron, hosted at the CNAO center in Pavia, for accelerating hadronic particles. This advanced form of radiotherapy employs these particles to target cancer cells, providing an alternative to traditional X-rays.
Engineering for Human Life: HiFuture’s Contribution
As part of the project, HiFuture was responsible for three fundamental operations. Firstly, it developed the control system for the new and third hadronic source of the synchrotron, dedicated to producing particle beams of new ionic species for clinical treatments and experimental research. Additionally, HiFuture collaborated in creating new controllers for the linear accelerator magnets and was involved in validating the dose delivery system software to ensure compatibility with treatments based on new ionic species.
A New Chapter in Advanced Hadron Therapy
The new source, developed with the significant contribution of the National Laboratories of the South of INFN, can produce various ionic species such as helium, oxygen, and lithium. These ions have distinct radiobiological characteristics compared to protons and carbon ions, opening new prospects for both radiotherapy treatments and radiobiological studies. Additionally, this source will also produce iron beams, which are of great interest in the aerospace sector for experiments involving the irradiation of materials used in space missions.
The INSpIRIT project represents a major advancement in oncological technology, with the potential to revolutionize treatments for inoperable tumors or those resistant to conventional therapies. Teoresi Group, with HiFuture, reaffirms its commitment to innovation and research alongside leading scientific partners in Italy and Europe.
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