Developing a new AI framework for better cancer treatment imaging

A Fully Decentralized Federated Learning Framework for Automated Image Segmentation in Cancer Radiotherapy

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10831775

This study is working on a new way to use artificial intelligence to help doctors better identify organs in CT scans for patients with liver and head and neck cancers who are getting radiation therapy, all while keeping your personal information safe and secure.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10831775 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating an innovative decentralized framework that utilizes artificial intelligence to improve the accuracy of image segmentation in cancer radiotherapy. By allowing different institutions to train AI models on their local data without sharing sensitive patient information, the approach aims to enhance the generalization capabilities of these models across diverse clinical environments. The framework will specifically target automated organ segmentation in CT images for patients with liver and head and neck cancers undergoing radiation therapy, addressing a critical challenge in accurately delineating organs at risk during treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with liver or head and neck cancers who are undergoing radiation therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers not involving the liver or head and neck, or those not receiving radiation therapy, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more precise and effective radiation therapy for cancer patients, improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using decentralized AI approaches for medical imaging, indicating potential success for this novel method.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.