Improving proton therapy to better protect healthy tissues during cancer treatment
Sharpening the edge in pencil-beam proton therapy: an aftermarket collimation system to better spare normal tissue during radiation treatment
This study is testing a new way to make proton therapy for cancer even better by adjusting the radiation beam in real-time, which could help more patients with brain tumors or head and neck cancers get more effective treatment while protecting healthy tissues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10930925 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing proton therapy, a type of radiation treatment for cancer, by developing a new system that dynamically adjusts the beam of radiation as it targets tumors. The goal is to improve the precision of the radiation delivery, ensuring that more of the radiation hits the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissues, particularly in sensitive areas like the brain and head and neck. By utilizing advanced technology that allows for rapid changes in beam energy, this approach aims to make proton therapy faster and more effective for patients. Patients receiving treatment for brain tumors or head and neck cancers may particularly benefit from this innovative technique.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with brain tumors or head and neck cancers who are undergoing proton therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not involve the brain or head and neck regions may not receive 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: Other research has shown promising results with advanced proton therapy techniques, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hyer, Daniel Ellis — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Hyer, Daniel Ellis
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 below.