Improving radiation therapy to protect healthy tissues
Optimization of MeV FLASH radiotherapy for normal tissue preservation
This study is exploring a new type of radiation therapy called FLASH radiotherapy, which aims to treat cancer more effectively while causing fewer side effects for patients, especially those with tumors in the brain, colon, lung, or skin.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11063162 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to radiation therapy called FLASH radiotherapy, which uses ultra-high dose rates to minimize damage to normal tissues while effectively treating cancers. By delivering radiation at these high rates, the goal is to achieve a significant reduction in side effects for patients undergoing treatment for conditions affecting areas like the brain, colon, lung, and skin. The research involves advanced technology to measure the effects of this therapy on tissue oxygen levels and free radicals, aiming to understand the mechanisms behind the observed benefits. If successful, this could lead to a major advancement in how radiation therapy is administered.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancers located in sensitive areas such as the brain, colon, lung, or skin.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not require radiation therapy or those with advanced disease stages may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the side effects of radiation therapy, improving the quality of life for cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results with FLASH radiotherapy, indicating that this approach could lead to significant improvements in treatment outcomes.
Where this research is happening
Hanover, United States
- Dartmouth College — Hanover, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pogue, Brian William — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Pogue, Brian William
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.