Improving drug delivery for safer cancer treatment using radiation

Imaging radiation-enhanced drug delivery for safer and more effective chemoradiotherapy

['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11127053

This study is looking at how using radiation therapy can help make chemotherapy work better for people with advanced head and neck cancers, aiming to improve treatment results while reducing side effects.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11127053 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how radiation therapy can enhance the delivery of chemotherapy specifically to tumors, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and anaplastic thyroid cancer. By examining the effects of radiation on the tumor microenvironment, the study aims to identify ways to increase the effectiveness of drug delivery while minimizing side effects. The approach includes advanced imaging techniques and immune response analysis in both mouse models and patient-derived samples. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a safer and more effective combination of radiation and chemotherapy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma or anaplastic thyroid cancer who are undergoing chemoradiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers or those not receiving chemoradiotherapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments with fewer side effects for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have shown promise in enhancing drug delivery through radiation, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: anaplastic thyroid cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.