A compact proton therapy system for cancer treatment
Official title: Mini-gantry for proton therapy
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10855497 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new, smaller machine for proton therapy that can fit into existing cancer treatment centers, making it easier for patients in cities to get this advanced cancer treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $83,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R03CA280213-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10855497 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who require proton therapy as part of their treatment plan.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not candidates for proton therapy or those receiving other forms of cancer treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the development of a mini-gantry for proton therapy that can fit into existing linear accelerator vaults, making proton therapy more accessible in urban areas. The approach involves designing a room-temperature, 360-degree isocentric gantry that optimizes proton energy and treatment field size while maintaining a smaller footprint. By converting two neighboring vaults into a compact proton therapy center, this project aims to enhance the availability of advanced cancer treatment options for patients who may not have access to traditional proton therapy facilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase access to proton therapy for cancer patients, particularly in densely populated urban areas.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of a compact proton therapy system is innovative, similar approaches in optimizing treatment delivery have shown promise in enhancing accessibility to advanced cancer treatments.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clasie, Benjamin — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Clasie, Benjamin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Dose-LET Volume Histogram to Improve Safe Proton Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer
A Mayo Clinic study will develop a new tool to map dose and LET in spot-scanning proton therapy to reduce severe side effects for head and neck patients.
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AI-guided proton therapy that adapts during treatment for head and neck cancer
Using AI to build 3D images from routine X-rays so proton therapy can be updated during treatment for people with head and neck cancer.
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Real-time guided proton radiation for more precise liver tumor treatment
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.