Imaging AI tool to predict chemo-radiation response in Veterans with throat (oropharyngeal) cancer
An imaging AI-driven predictive chemoradiation response tool for Veterans with oropharyngeal cancer
This project uses medical images and AI to predict which Veterans with oropharyngeal (throat) cancer are likely to respond to chemo‑radiation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11072091 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work will combine CT and other radiology images, pathology images, and clinical records to train an AI model that predicts chemo‑radiation response for Veterans with oropharyngeal cancer. Researchers will build the model using data from about 1,000 patients treated across six VA tertiary medical centers. The approach aims to classify patients into lower- and higher-risk groups so treatment intensity can be matched to tumor biology. If successful, the tool could be used across the VA to help guide safer, more targeted treatment decisions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Veterans with newly diagnosed oropharyngeal (throat) cancer who receive care and have imaging and pathology available through participating VA centers are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Non-Veterans, people with cancers outside the oropharynx, or patients without accessible VA imaging or pathology records are unlikely to be eligible or benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help VA clinicians personalize treatment so some Veterans avoid unnecessary toxic therapy while others receive more aggressive care earlier.
How similar studies have performed: Smaller studies using radiomic and pathomic AI methods have shown encouraging results in predicting response in oropharyngeal cancer, but this VA-focused effort is larger and aims to improve reliability across Veterans.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sandulache, Vlad C — Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Sandulache, Vlad C
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.