A model to predict lymph node cancer spread for targeted radiation therapy
Official title: A Multifaceted Radiomics Model to Predict Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis for Involved Nodal Radiation Therapy
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10873881 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to develop a smart tool that uses special imaging to figure out if lymph nodes in the neck have cancer, so that only the ones that really need treatment get targeted radiation, helping to avoid unnecessary side effects for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $520,602 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA251792-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873881 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer who have lymph nodes that may be affected by the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose lymph nodes are not involved in their cancer diagnosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a predictive model that uses advanced imaging techniques to determine whether lymph nodes in the neck are cancerous. By analyzing data from CT scans and other imaging modalities, the model will help identify which lymph nodes need targeted radiation therapy, potentially reducing unnecessary treatment of benign nodes. This approach seeks to minimize the side effects associated with radiation therapy, such as dry mouth and difficulty swallowing, by ensuring that only affected nodes are treated. Patients will be monitored closely to validate the model's effectiveness in real clinical settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more precise radiation therapy for head and neck cancer patients, reducing side effects and improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using imaging data for predicting cancer spread, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Jing — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wang, Jing
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A smarter radiomics tool to predict lymph node cancer spread for targeted neck cancer radiation
A new radiomics model uses imaging data to predict which cervical lymph nodes are cancerous so doctors can tailor radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
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Better Radiation Planning for Head and Neck Cancer
This work aims to use advanced imaging to accurately find cancer in lymph nodes for people with head and neck cancer, helping doctors target radiation more precisely.
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Lymph node metastasis and immune tolerance in head and neck cancer
A study in people with head and neck cancer looks at how cancer spread to lymph nodes may shape the immune system and help tumors grow.
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How lymph node metastasis affects the body's immune response to tumors
This study is looking at how cancer spreading to lymph nodes affects the body's immune response, especially in people with melanoma and other solid tumors, to find new ways to boost the immune system's ability to fight cancer.
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Targeting how RMS cells fail to mature to slow or stop pediatric muscle cancer spread
A project to understand why a pediatric muscle cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma spreads, and to test ideas that could slow or stop it by helping cancer cells mature properly.
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Centers studying how cancer spreads through the body
A multi-institutional project at Rockefeller University is exploring how nerves, blood vessels, lymphatics, immune cells, and metabolites influence the spread of cancer to help identify new ways to stop metastasis.
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.