Improving proton therapy for cancer treatment using artificial intelligence
Official title: Online Adaptive Proton Therapy
Funded at Mayo Clinic Arizona · NIH-11132246 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to make proton therapy for head and neck cancer even better by using artificial intelligence to adjust treatment plans on the spot, helping to ensure that patients get the most accurate and effective care as their bodies change during treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scottsdale, United States) |
| Project start | April 9, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $695,814 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EB293388-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11132246 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing proton therapy for head and neck cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not involve the head and neck region may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) for head and neck cancer patients by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to adapt treatment plans in real-time. The study aims to address the challenges posed by anatomical changes that occur during treatment, which can affect the accuracy and effectiveness of therapy. By implementing an AI-driven approach, the project seeks to streamline the re-planning process, making it more efficient and less labor-intensive for healthcare providers. Patients will benefit from improved treatment precision and potentially better outcomes as the therapy adapts to their unique anatomical changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized cancer treatments, improving patient outcomes and reducing side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using AI for adaptive radiation therapy, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Arizona
Scottsdale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Wei — Mayo Clinic Arizona
- Study coordinator: Liu, Wei
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Intelligent and Personalized Online Adaptive Proton Therapy
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Efficient AI-Driven Image Guidance for Upright Lung Proton Therapy
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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.
-
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.