Comparing FLASH proton therapy to standard radiation for treating sarcoma
Official title: Project 2: Mitigation of radiation toxicity in treatment of sarcoma with FLASH vs. Standard dose rates
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11030333 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new type of radiation therapy called FLASH proton radiotherapy to see if it can treat soft tissue sarcomas while causing fewer side effects than the usual radiation therapy, so patients can have a better experience and healthier outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $512,648 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA257904-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030333 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with soft tissue sarcomas who require radiation therapy as part of their treatment plan.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with sarcomas that do not require radiation therapy or those who are not eligible for radiation treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of FLASH proton radiotherapy (F-PRT) as a treatment for soft tissue sarcomas, aiming to reduce the harmful side effects associated with traditional radiation therapy. The study will compare F-PRT to standard proton radiotherapy (S-PRT) to determine if it can effectively spare normal tissues and bones from damage while still controlling tumor growth. Patients receiving radiation therapy often face severe complications, and this research seeks to improve their treatment experience and outcomes. By analyzing the effects of both therapies, the project aims to establish a safer and more effective approach to radiation treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a significant reduction in radiation-related side effects for patients undergoing treatment for sarcoma.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggests that FLASH proton therapy has shown promise in reducing side effects compared to standard radiation, indicating potential success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Busch, Theresa M — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Busch, Theresa M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Reducing radiation damage for sarcoma with ultra-fast 'FLASH' proton therapy
This project compares ultra-fast 'FLASH' proton radiation with standard proton therapy to see if people treated for sarcoma have fewer side effects.
-
Testing new therapies for pediatric and young adult sarcoma, kidney, and liver cancers
Researchers are testing new drugs and smart combinations in models of pediatric cancers to help guide future treatments for kids and young adults.
-
Precision 3D Imaging to Monitor Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) with SkinScan3D
A new portable 3D imaging tool called SkinScan3D will help doctors measure KS skin lesions more accurately and quickly, especially in people living with HIV.
-
Precision 3D Imaging to Track Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) with SkinScan3D
A new 3D imaging tool called SkinScan3D helps doctors monitor Kaposi sarcoma lesions more accurately and quickly, especially in settings with high KS burden like East Africa and in U.S. clinics with HIV patients.
-
Rapid, bedside KS diagnosis in Africa with KS-COMPLETE
A fast, point-of-care test using skin biopsies to diagnose Kaposi’s sarcoma in sub-Saharan Africa, helping patients get results in about an hour.
-
Kaposi Sarcoma care and research in Africa during ART era
A collaborative program to better understand and improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Kaposi sarcoma for people living with HIV in Zambia and Tanzania.
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.