Nicholas Henthorn

Nicholas Henthorn is a Research Associate in the Division of Cancer Sciences at the University of Manchester, where he works within the PRECISE group focusing on proton therapy physics. His research is closely aligned with the Manchester Cancer Research Centre, contributing to cancer treatment advancements through computational modeling.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Mechanistic Modelling for Proton Therapy from the University of Manchester (awarded June 2018)
• MSc in Medical Physics from the University of Surrey (awarded November 2013)
• BSc in Physics from the University of Surrey (awarded June 2012)

Henthorn's research focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which protons cause DNA damage and lead to cell death, with particular emphasis on the variable relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of proton therapy. His work employs advanced simulation techniques using the Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit, extended through the Geant4-DNA collaboration, to model proton transport and interactions with biological targets. He investigates double strand breaks (DSBs) as critical indicators of cell death mechanisms, using biological targets ranging from DNA double helix to cellular nucleus models. His research bridges physics and biology through nanodosimetry approaches to connect proton beam physics with early biological effects.

His publication record demonstrates expertise in radiation-induced DNA damage modeling, with recent work examining linear energy transfer effects on micronuclei induction, heterogeneous dynamics of radiation-induced double-strand breaks, VHEE FLASH effects, and clinical modeling of RBE based on proton track-end counts. These publications span interdisciplinary fields including radiation oncology, biophysics, computational biology, and medical physics.

Henthorn collaborates extensively within the PRECISE group, working alongside Karen Kirkby (Group Lead), Norman Kirkby, Michael Taylor, Michael Merchant, Thomas Mee, and Amy Chadwick. His research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to good health and well-being through advancements in cancer treatment technologies.