Improving safety in proton therapy for head and neck cancer
Official title: Dose Linear Energy Transfer Volume Histogram and Dosimetric Seed Spot Analysis in Spot Scanning Proton Therapy
Funded at Mayo Clinic Arizona · NIH-10800540 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to make proton therapy safer for people with head and neck cancer by creating a new tool that helps doctors see how radiation affects different parts of the body, so they can better protect healthy tissues while treating the cancer.
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 | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $613,827 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA280134-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10800540 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with head and neck cancers who are undergoing proton therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers outside of the head and neck region or those not receiving proton therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the safety of spot scanning proton therapy (SSPT) for patients with head and neck cancer by developing a new tool called the dose-LET volume histogram (DLVH). This tool aims to visualize the relationship between the dose of radiation, the linear energy transfer (LET), and the affected organ volumes in a 3D format. By correlating adverse events with specific dose and LET quantities, the research seeks to establish safer dose-LET volume constraints to minimize risks associated with radiation therapy. Patients will be monitored through follow-up imaging techniques such as CT, PET, and MRI to assess the effectiveness of this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of severe side effects from radiation therapy, improving the quality of life for patients undergoing treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging and modeling techniques to improve radiation therapy outcomes, indicating that this approach could be a meaningful advancement.
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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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.
-
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
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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.