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Which 'dose rate' definition describes the FLASH sparing effect for scanned proton beams? A meta-analysis of skin murine data

Colizzi I, Poulsen PR, Sørensen B, Meer D, Lomax AJ, Psoroulas S

Radiotherapy and oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, 2025

2 citations

Abstract

We compiled preclinical proton PBS skin toxicity data to assess how various dose rate definitions (field, average, and dose average) explain the FLASH sparing effect. Only average dose rate (ADR), accounting for 'effective irradiation time,' reliably describes it. We identified high-dose and ADR regions where the effect was consistently observed.

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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in animal, not in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.

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