A MRI-based method to track tumor oxygen levels during radiation therapy
Official title: Developing a quantitative MRI application to monitor hypoxia during radiation therapy for improved outcomes
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11344793 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing MRI-based ways to monitor oxygen in tumors during radiation treatment to tailor doses and improve outcomes for cancer patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 3, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $692,609 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA312358-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11344793 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer where tumor oxygenation is a relevant factor and who can undergo MRI-based monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not exhibit measurable oxygenation differences or who cannot undergo MRI-based monitoring may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to validate two noninvasive technologies, OxyTrackIMT and OE-MRI, for measuring tumor oxygen levels over the course of radiation therapy. By tracking how oxygenation changes in real tumors, clinicians could adjust treatment to target hypoxic areas more effectively. The work builds on prior animal studies and explores how these MRI-based sensors perform in a clinical-like setting. If successful, it could reduce the need for invasive probes and help personalize radiation plans. The study is led by Johns Hopkins University with a focus on improving precision in cancer radiotherapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more effective and personalized radiation therapy with fewer invasive procedures.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal work and early translational efforts showed promise for noninvasive oxygen monitoring, but human validation is still needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sheikh, Khadija — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Sheikh, Khadija
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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.