AI-driven automatic treatment planning for brain metastases radiotherapy
Official title: Artificial Intelligence Driven Automatic Treatment Planning of Stereotactic Radiosurgery for the Management of Multiple Brain Metastases
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11408679 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new AI-based system helps plan precise stereotactic radiosurgery for people with multiple brain metastases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $362,894 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA272755-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11408679 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with multiple brain metastases who are potential candidates for stereotactic radiosurgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with brain metastases not eligible for SRS or with conditions unsuitable for AI-assisted planning.
What this research studies
This project aims to use artificial intelligence to automatically create high-quality SRS treatment plans for patients with many brain metastases, reducing manual planning time and variability. It builds on evidence that SRS can control tumors while preserving cognitive function compared with whole-brain radiation. By capturing physician preferences and clinical priorities, the system seeks to produce patient-specific plans that balance tumor control with safety. The study will compare AI-generated plans to expert plans to ensure accuracy and safety before any wider clinical use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive faster, more consistent SRS plans that maintain cognition and improve comfort.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows AI can aid radiotherapy planning, but this application to multi-lesion SRS is innovative and promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tian, Zhen — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Tian, Zhen
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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.