Multicentric research in brain radiotherapy
Integrating diffusion MRI to better protect the brain in radiotherapy
PROTECT-DTI is a cross-border research initiative
that leverages diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to identify and protect critical white matter pathways
and brain networks during radiotherapy for brain metastases. The project unites clinical, academic
and industrial partners across the Greater Region to harmonise diffusion MRI workflows, develop
connectivity-based protection strategies and assess their clinical impact on cognition and quality of life.
This collaborative effort is made possible thanks to the financial support of the European Union through the
Interreg Greater Region 2021–2027 program.
Explore the project
Use the shortcuts below to access the four main sections of the project website.
Background & rationale
Brain radiotherapy currently optimises dose mainly for a few anatomical organs-at-risk. Large parts of the brain – including critical white matter pathways and connectivity networks – remain invisible in standard planning. PROTECT-DTI uses diffusion MRI (DTI) and tractography to make these pathways visible and to better protect brain function in a multicentric, cross-border setting.
Clinical need
Only a limited set of anatomical OARs is currently protected in brain SRT, leaving many functionally relevant regions without explicit dose constraints.
Diffusion MRI & tractography
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) maps white matter tracts and connectivity networks, enabling the definition of new, connectivity-based organs-at-risk for radiotherapy.
Multicentric evidence
PROTECT-DTI harmonises DTI across centres in the Greater Region and builds prospective clinical evidence to link dose, connectivity changes and clinical outcomes.
From advanced imaging to safer treatments
Patient & brain networks
Complex white matter pathways underpin cognition and function.
Diffusion MRI (DTI)
Harmonised DTI protocols reveal individual white matter tracts.
Tractography & planning
Tracts are integrated as avoidance structures in SRT planning.
Safer brain radiotherapy
Towards better preservation of cognition and quality of life.
Project Objectives
PROTECT-DTI aims to integrate diffusion MRI and tractography into routine brain radiotherapy through harmonised imaging, reproducible analysis workflows, and prospective multicentric clinical evidence across the Greater Region.
Harmonised Imaging
Standardise diffusion MRI (DTI) protocols and quality assurance across partner centres in the Greater Region.
Tractography Workflows
Develop robust, reproducible pipelines for tractography and connectivity mapping suitable for integration into radiotherapy planning.
Clinical Evidence
Conduct a prospective multicentric study to analyse dose–tract interactions and define connectivity-based organs-at-risk.
Dissemination & Impact
Share guidelines, tools and training to ensure clinical translation across the Greater Region and beyond.
Cross-Border Partnership
PROTECT-DTI unites key radiotherapy centres across France, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium to jointly harmonise DTI imaging, develop advanced SRT workflows, and conduct a multicentre clinical trial.
Geographical footprint
The Greater Region and project sites
Lead Partner
Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital (CHR Metz-Thionville)
Radiotherapy Department – France
Project Partners
- Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine (ICL) – France
- Saarland University – USAAR Radiotherapy Dept. – Germany
- Centre François Baclesse (CFB) – Luxembourg
- University Hospital of Liège (CHUL) – Belgium
- University Hospital of Charleroi-Chimay (HUmani) – Belgium
Methodological Partners
Project hospital partners involved in the clinical trial setup
Contact
If you would like to learn more about PROTECT-DTI, explore collaboration opportunities or obtain details on the clinical study and imaging workflows, you can reach us through the contacts below.
Project management
Lead partner / Interreg
Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital (CHRMT)
Clinical Research & Innovation Office
Ars-Laquenexy, France
E-mail: projet-recherche-clinique@chr-metz-thionville.fr
For questions related to project coordination, Interreg procedures and administrative aspects.
Scientific coordination
Radiotherapy & imaging
Medical Physics Unit
Metz-Thionville Regional Hospital (CHRMT)
Mercy Hospital site – Ars-Laquenexy, France
E-mail: paul.retif@chr-metz-thionville.fr
For scientific questions on DTI protocols, tractography workflows and stereotactic radiotherapy.
General enquiries
Information & media
For general information about PROTECT-DTI, press or outreach activities, please use:
E-mail: contact@protect-dti.org
This address can be adapted to the official project domain once available.
