Development of a clinical microscale dosimetry framework for radiopharmaceutical therapy.

Radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) is transforming cancer treatment by delivering radioactive isotopes directly to tumor cells, offering high precision and reduced side effects. Today, most patients receive fixed activity regimens and whole-organ dosimetry, which overlook the heterogeneous distribution of radiopharmaceuticals within organs. This could be critical for absorbed dose-limiting organs such as the kidneys, where localized high doses may lead to toxicity even when average kidney dose appears safe.

This PhD project aims to push the boundaries of precision medicine by developing a clinical microscale dosimetry framework for PSMA-targeted RPT in prostate cancer. The innovative core of the project lies in combining high-resolution anatomical modeling with mechanistic physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models, enabling simulation of radiopharmaceutical distribution at sub-compartment level. By integrating high-resolution preclinical data, advanced imaging from PET and SPECT scans, and Monte Carlo-based absorbed dose calculations, the project will contribute to more accurate dose–response assessments and inform future strategies for individualized treatment planning.

The research will integrate cutting-edge experimental techniques for micro-scale spatial activity quantification and Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations, with advanced imaging data from clinical PET and SPECT scans. By predicting patient-specific time–activity curves and benchmarking micro-scale dosimetry against conventional approaches, the project will contribute to more accurate absorbed dose-response assessments and inform future strategies for individualized treatment planning.

This PhD is part of a broader research initiative, offering a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of physics, computational modeling, and clinical translation. The candidate will benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, direct collaboration with clinical experts, and the excitement of contributing to a research initiative that could redefine how radiopharmaceutical therapies are planned and delivered.