Computer-guided 3D targeting to make radiation treatment safer and more precise
Automated interactive definition of the clinical target volume in radiation oncology
This project uses CT scans and AI to help doctors outline 3D radiation target areas for people with brain tumors (glioma) and soft-tissue sarcomas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11259501 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have a glioma or sarcoma, the team is teaching computers to learn how tumors spread using CT imaging and the anatomy around the tumor. The system will automatically expand the visible tumor into a 3D clinical target volume (CTV) that accounts for barriers and preferred directions of spread, like along muscle fibers. Doctors will be able to interact with and edit the computer-made contours through a user interface so the process is transparent and not a black box. The goal is to make contouring faster, more consistent, and to help balance tumor coverage with protecting healthy tissue.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with glioma or soft-tissue sarcoma who are being considered for radiation therapy and have CT or MRI imaging available.
Not a fit: People with cancers not treated with radiation, those with widespread metastatic disease where local control is not the priority, or patients without diagnostic imaging are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make radiation plans more accurate and reduce side effects by better covering microscopic tumor while sparing healthy tissue.
How similar studies have performed: Automated tools for outlining visible tumors and organs have shown promise, but automatic 3D prediction of microscopic CTV spread is newer and less proven.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bortfeld, Thomas R. — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Bortfeld, Thomas R.
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 below.