Improving carbon ion therapy for children's brain tumors
Official title: Optimizing Carbon Ion Therapy for Pediatric CNS Tumors
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10930894 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to make carbon-ion radiation therapy safer and more effective for treating brain tumors in kids, by figuring out the best ways to target the tumors while protecting healthy tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $555,106 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA276936-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930894 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 21 years old diagnosed with primary CNS tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-CNS tumors or those over the age of 21 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing carbon-ion radiation therapy (CIRT) as a treatment for pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors, which are the most common solid tumors in children. The study aims to address concerns about potential damage to healthy tissue by investigating the biological effectiveness of CIRT and how it can be optimized for safety and efficacy. By using advanced computational models, the research will simulate how different doses and energy levels of carbon ions affect both tumors and surrounding healthy tissues. This approach seeks to provide a clearer understanding of how to maximize treatment benefits while minimizing risks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatment options for children with brain tumors, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While carbon ion therapy has been used in adult populations, this specific application for pediatric brain tumors is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eley, John G. — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Eley, John G.
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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.