Exploring how FLASH-Radiotherapy affects tumors and healthy tissue
Official title: Investigating the Effect of FLASH-Radiotherapy on Tumor and Normal Tissue
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10834212 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new type of radiation therapy called FLASH-Radiotherapy to see if it can better treat head and neck cancer while causing fewer side effects, so patients might have a safer and more effective treatment option.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $179,870 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA273845-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10834212 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancers or those not diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new form of radiation therapy called FLASH-Radiotherapy, which delivers high doses of radiation to tumors in a very short time frame. The goal is to determine how this method impacts head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and surrounding healthy tissues. By comparing FLASH-Radiotherapy to traditional radiation methods, the researchers aim to find ways to improve tumor control while reducing side effects. Patients may benefit from a more effective and less harmful treatment option if the research proves successful.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for head and neck cancer with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: While FLASH-Radiotherapy is a novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promising results in reducing damage to healthy tissues compared to traditional methods.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frank, Steven Jay — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Frank, Steven Jay
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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.