Exploring how radiation therapy can create tiny gas bubbles in tissues
Official title: Investigation of nanobubble nucleation by radiation therapy
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10844608 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny gas bubbles form in tissues when cancer patients receive radiation therapy, and it hopes to find out if these bubbles can help make the treatment more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $231,600 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB034534-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10844608 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving radiation therapy or those with conditions unrelated to cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the phenomenon of gas nanobubble nucleation caused by ionizing radiation, which may enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy for cancer patients. The study aims to determine if these nanobubbles can form in living tissues during radiation treatment, potentially leading to improved therapeutic outcomes. Researchers will use advanced imaging techniques to observe and quantify the presence of these bubbles in irradiated cells, assessing how different types of radiation affect their formation. By understanding this process, the research could pave the way for innovative approaches to enhance cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the efficacy of radiation therapy for cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of nanobubble nucleation in response to radiation is relatively novel, preliminary findings suggest potential for success in enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pratx, Guillem — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Pratx, Guillem
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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.