Imaging innovations to protect head and neck cancer patients during treatment
Official title: InHANCE: Imaging Innovation for Head And Neck Cancer Evaluation & Treatment Delivery
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11535341 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing program uses advanced imaging to guide treatment and reduce side effects for people with head and neck cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| 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 | August 18, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $64,620 |
| NIH project number | 3P01CA278716-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11535341 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with head and neck cancer who are receiving locoregional therapy and are eligible for imaging-guided treatment approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing radiotherapy or surgery, or those whose cancer biology requires alternative treatments.
What this research studies
This grant supports using high-tech imaging and computer analysis to tailor surgery or radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, aiming to minimize tissue injury and improve quality of life. The approach focuses on planning and real-time guidance to spare normal tissues while effectively treating the tumor. If successful, patients could benefit from fewer dry mouth, swallowing problems, and other treatment-related complications. The work involves collaborations across imaging, computation, and clinical care teams at MD Anderson.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potentially fewer long-term side effects and better preserved function for head and neck cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior imaging-guided approaches have shown promise in reducing tissue injury and guiding interventions, with ongoing research building on these concepts.
Where this research is happening
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University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brock, Kristy — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Brock, Kristy
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AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
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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.