FLASH carbon, proton, and electron radiation to reduce lung injury in non-small cell lung cancer
Project 3: Carbon and Electron FLASH radiotherapy for mitigation of normal lung injury in NSCLC
This project tests whether ultra‑fast 'FLASH' radiation using carbon, protons, or electrons can spare healthy lung, heart, and esophagus tissue while still controlling non‑small cell lung tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11298925 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are comparing ultra‑high dose‑rate FLASH beams delivered by carbon ions, protons, and electrons against standard proton therapy to see if FLASH causes less early and late damage to the lungs, heart, blood vessels, and esophagus while keeping the same tumor control. They will use whole‑thorax and focused radiation approaches and study effects on lung microvasculature, inflammatory responses (including M2 polarization), and development of fibrosis. The team will also examine how tissue oxygen levels influence the FLASH protective effect and whether high‑LET carbon behaves differently from other particles. Results will inform whether FLASH approaches can be moved toward clinical testing for people with NSCLC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with non‑small cell lung cancer who need thoracic radiation with curative intent would be the likely candidates for future clinical testing of these FLASH approaches.
Not a fit: Patients without chest tumors, those not receiving thoracic radiation, or those with cancer types not involving the lung are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce short‑ and long‑term damage to the lungs and nearby organs, improving quality of life while preserving cancer control.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical electron‑FLASH studies have shown notable normal tissue sparing, but delivery of FLASH with carbon or protons for deep thoracic tumors is newer and less proven.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abdollahi, Amir — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Abdollahi, Amir
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.