wipo_pub_gii_2019-chapter10

Chapter 10: How Particle Physics Research at CERN Contributes to Medical Innovation

Introduction

• Significant impact of physics on modern medicine since the discovery of X-rays in the 19th century.

• Advanced techniques and technologies in hospitals for disease diagnosis and treatment (e.g., radiotherapy, MRI, PET imaging).

• Many state-of-the-art technologies developed for particle physics research and applied in healthcare.

Technologies Originating from Particle Physics

• Particle accelerators and detectors are foundational in both research and medical applications.

• Accelerators used in radiotherapy devices.

• PET scanners equipped with photon detectors.

• Computer simulations modeling particle interactions with biological tissues.

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

• Growing interest in AI techniques within the healthcare sector.

• Personalized medicine driving the need for data analytics techniques developed in particle physics.

Challenges in Technology Transfer from Particle Physics to Medtech

• Difficulty in understanding technology transfer processes from particle physics to medical applications.

• Indirect and complex impact of basic research on the medtech market.

Impact of Basic Research

Technological Breakthroughs

• Basic research often leads to significant technological breakthroughs that have unintended medical applications.

• MRI technology evolved due to demand for niobium-titanium magnets from particle physics needs.

• Fermilab's large-scale purchase and collaboration with manufacturers allowed for the development of strong magnets now used in MRI scanners.

Contributions to PET Imaging

• PET scanners exemplify the synergy between particle physics detectors and medical imaging technologies.

• Development of advanced photon-sensitive detectors at Stanford Linear Accelerator Center and CERN pioneering PET scanner technology.

Successful Direct Technology Transfers

• Medipix3 chip developed for LHC experiments applied to spectral computed tomography imaging (color X-ray imaging).

• Medipix3 led to the creation of MARS Bioimaging Ltd., resulting in the first 3D color X-ray images in 2018.

Collaborative Efforts and Applications

• International collaborations promote technology adaptation across fields.

• Geant4 computing simulation toolkit used in various applications, including space radiation studies.

Success Stories of Medtech Applications from CERN

Overview of CERN's Contributions

• CERN actively transfers its technologies outside particle physics since 1954.

• Notable example: Creation of the World Wide Web by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989.

Medical Applications from Early Activities

• Knowledge transfer, through individual research efforts, began around the 1970s.

• Georges Charpak's detector envisioned for particle physics had significant applications in medicine.

PET Imaging Development

• David Townsend and Alan Jeavons advanced PET imaging technology at CERN in collaboration with other institutions.

• Major contributions made to the early development of PET technology.

International Collaborations

• Crystal Clear and Medipix collaborations aimed at detector development and healthcare applications.

• Ensure successful technology transfer from R&D to end-users through partnerships.

Knowledge Transfer Challenges at CERN

Unique Environment at CERN

• CERN funds basic research and cannot operate as an applied laboratory.

• Industries must take CERN technologies to the market, balancing funding and innovation timelines.

• Need to evaluate market needs and healthcare feedback when developing technologies.

The Importance of Early Dialogue

• Critical for particle physics community to engage with medical professionals to tailor technologies to end-user needs.

• Data analytics and machine learning competencies at CERN are essential but require adaptation for medical applications.

Strategies for Optimizing Knowledge Transfer

Building Entrepreneurial Culture

• Early career scientists often transition to industry or entrepreneurship after CERN tenure.

• Growth of start-ups and spin-offs utilizing CERN technologies.

Business Incubation Centers

• CERN supports entrepreneurs through Business Incubation Centers providing resources for technology market entry.

Initiatives for Developing Medical Applications

• Events like the CERN Medical Technology Hackathon address real-world healthcare problems.

• Engagement of students to explore practical applications of CERN’s research in medicine.

Conclusions

• Particle physics research leads to significant technological advancements applicable in medicine.

• Importance of adapting CERN technologies to fulfill actual market needs for a successful impact in the healthcare sector.

• Ongoing efforts at CERN to enhance knowledge transfer processes, ensuring societal benefits from fundamental research.