Improving accuracy in proton therapy using advanced detectors
Official title: Real-time in vivo proton range verification in proton therapy with thallium bromide detectors
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10767799 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to make proton therapy for cancer even better by creating special detectors that help doctors see exactly where the treatment is going in real-time, which is especially important for patients with tumors near vital organs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2021 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $608,309 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB029533-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10767799 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing proton therapy for cancers located near critical organs, such as those in the head, neck, or liver.
✕Less likely to help
Patients receiving other forms of radiation therapy or those with cancers not treated by proton therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing proton therapy, a cancer treatment that minimizes damage to healthy tissue. It aims to develop thallium bromide detectors that can accurately verify the range of protons in real-time, which is crucial for effective treatment, especially in complex cases involving critical organs. By utilizing a novel detection method that combines Cerenkov light detection with semiconductor technology, the study seeks to achieve precise monitoring of the proton dose delivery. This could lead to safer and more effective cancer treatments for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the safety and effectiveness of proton therapy for cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced detection methods for radiation therapy, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ariño Estrada, Gerard — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Ariño Estrada, Gerard
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A new, AI-powered online system aims to tailor proton therapy in real time for patients with cancers near vital organs, to reduce side effects and improve outcomes.
-
Efficient AI-Driven Image Guidance for Upright Lung Proton Therapy
A patient-focused AI-powered system helps guide upright proton therapy for lung cancer to improve accuracy and accessibility.
-
3D in vivo dosimetry for FLASH proton therapy
A new protoacoustic dosimeter will help doctors precisely measure dose delivery in proton FLASH therapy for adults with cancer.
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Dose-LET Volume Histogram to Improve Safe Proton Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer
A Mayo Clinic study will develop a new tool to map dose and LET in spot-scanning proton therapy to reduce severe side effects for head and neck patients.
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AI-guided proton therapy that adapts during treatment for head and neck cancer
Using AI to build 3D images from routine X-rays so proton therapy can be updated during treatment for people with head and neck cancer.
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Real-time guided proton radiation for more precise liver tumor treatment
Trying a proton radiation approach that tracks liver tumors in real time to treat people with liver cancer more precisely while protecting healthy liver tissue.
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.