Improving access to radiation therapy for older patients in rural areas.
Improving allocation of scarce medical physics resources through a novel, comprehensive quality assurance device.
This study is working to make sure that older patients in Eastern Kentucky and Appalachia can get safe and effective radiation therapy for smoking-related cancers, by creating a new tool that helps local healthcare facilities provide advanced treatments with fewer visits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wild Dog Physics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nicholasville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11007744 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to address healthcare disparities in access to radiation therapy, particularly for older patients in Eastern Kentucky and Appalachia, where smoking-related cancers are prevalent. It focuses on developing a comprehensive quality assurance device to ensure safe and effective delivery of advanced radiation therapy techniques, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). By enhancing the quality assurance process, the research seeks to enable more rural healthcare facilities to provide these precise treatments, which require fewer visits and can significantly improve patient access. The project will involve collaboration with medical physicists to implement and evaluate the new device in clinical settings.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and over who require radiation therapy for smoking-related cancers and live in rural regions.
Not a fit: Patients who do not require radiation therapy or those living in urban areas with adequate access to treatment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve access to effective radiation therapy for older patients in underserved rural areas.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that improving quality assurance in radiation therapy can enhance patient safety and treatment outcomes, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
Nicholasville, United States
- Wild Dog Physics, LLC — Nicholasville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Molloy, Janelle Arlene — Wild Dog Physics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Molloy, Janelle Arlene
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.