Comparing FLASH proton therapy to standard radiation for treating sarcoma

Project 2: Mitigation of radiation toxicity in treatment of sarcoma with FLASH vs. Standard dose rates

['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11030333

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

Phase['FUNDING_P01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11030333 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with soft tissue sarcomas who require radiation therapy as part of their treatment plan.

Not a fit: Patients with sarcomas that do not require radiation therapy or those who are not eligible for radiation treatment may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acute Radiation Syndrome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.