Improving the accuracy of proton therapy for cancer treatment
Thermoacoustic Range Verification During Delivery of a Clinical Plan by a Synchrocyclotron: transition from research prototype to turnkey clinical device
This study is looking to make proton therapy, a special cancer treatment, even better by using new technology to make sure patients are positioned correctly during their sessions, so the treatment can hit tumors accurately while protecting healthy tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Acoustic Range Estimates, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10827457 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing proton therapy, a cancer treatment that uses charged particles to target tumors more precisely than traditional x-ray radiation. The study aims to develop a thermoacoustic range verification system that ensures accurate patient positioning during treatment, accounting for changes in soft tissue and other factors that can affect the delivery of radiation. By using advanced technology, the research seeks to minimize damage to healthy tissues while maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment on tumors. Patients will be monitored closely to ensure that the radiation is delivered precisely where it is needed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with solid tumors, particularly those located near sensitive areas such as the neck, spine, or eye.
Not a fit: Patients with tumors that are not suitable for proton therapy or those who do not require precise radiation targeting may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer cancer treatments with fewer side effects for patients undergoing proton therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in improving proton therapy techniques, but this specific approach using thermoacoustic verification is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- Acoustic Range Estimates, LLC — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patch, Sarah Kathryn — Acoustic Range Estimates, LLC
- Study coordinator: Patch, Sarah Kathryn
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.