Minibeam Radiation therapy: Dosimetry, Physics, Radiobiology, and Emerging Clinical Insights
Yolanda Prezado1,2, Fabio Di Martino3,4,5, Francesco Romano6
1New Approaches in Radiotherapy Lab, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Instituto de Investigaci'on Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
The British Journal of Radiology
|July 27, 2026
Summary
Minibeam radiotherapy (MBRT) offers improved tumor control with reduced toxicity by delivering radiation in small beams. This biologically distinct approach shows promise but requires advanced dosimetry and standardized parameters for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Radiation Oncology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Minibeam radiotherapy (MBRT) is a spatially fractionated radiation technique using submillimetric beamlets.
- MBRT creates heterogeneous dose distributions with high-dose peaks and low-dose valleys.
- Preclinical data suggest MBRT can enhance tumor control while minimizing normal tissue toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence and challenges for clinical implementation of MBRT.
- To highlight the unique biological responses induced by MBRT.
- To discuss the need for advanced dosimetry and standardized parameters.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical, veterinary, and early human studies on MBRT.
- Analysis of physical characteristics and biological effects of MBRT.
- Discussion of dosimetry, treatment planning, and delivery challenges.
Main Results:
- MBRT demonstrates potential for improved therapeutic ratio in radiation therapy.
- MBRT elicits distinct biological effects, including immune modulation and altered signaling.
- Challenges include the need for high-resolution dosimetry, advanced planning, and consistent parameter definitions.
Conclusions:
- MBRT represents a promising, biologically distinct radiotherapy paradigm.
- Further development in dosimetry and standardization is crucial for clinical adoption.
- MBRT has the potential to widen the therapeutic window in radiation oncology.
