NIH-funded research R21 grant

Improving cancer treatment imaging with advanced simulation techniques

Official title: GPU-based SPECT Reconstruction Using Reverse Monte Carlo Simulations

Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10740079 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is working on a new software that helps create better 3D images for cancer treatment, so patients can receive safer and more effective therapies based on more accurate information about their radiation doses.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startSeptember 8, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$422,508
NIH project number1R21CA279068-01A1
Project IDNIH-10740079 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing treatment with radiopharmaceuticals for various types of cancer.

Less likely to help

Patients not receiving radiopharmaceutical treatments or those with non-cancerous conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the imaging techniques used in cancer treatment by developing a new software that utilizes GPU-based reverse Monte Carlo simulations for SPECT reconstruction. By accurately modeling the physical processes involved in radiation transport, the project aims to improve the quality of 3D imaging, which is crucial for determining the appropriate dosages and effectiveness of radiopharmaceutical treatments. Patients will benefit from more precise dosimetry, leading to safer and more effective cancer therapies. The approach involves advanced computational techniques to optimize the imaging process, making it faster and more reliable.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate cancer treatment dosages, improving patient outcomes and safety.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using Monte Carlo simulations for imaging improvements, indicating a promising potential for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Massachusetts General Hospital
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Bertolet Reina, Alejandro — Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Bertolet Reina, Alejandro

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.