Investigating a new type of radiation therapy to reduce side effects in cancer treatment
Translational Studies in FLASH Particle Radiotherapy
This study is looking at a new way to give radiation therapy called FLASH, which aims to treat cancers like pancreatic cancer and sarcomas while protecting healthy tissues, and it includes testing this method on dogs to see how well it works in real life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11030326 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on FLASH radiotherapy, a novel approach that delivers high doses of radiation at ultra-high rates to treat cancers like pancreatic cancer and sarcomas. The study aims to determine how this method can minimize damage to normal tissues while effectively targeting tumors. By using advanced models, including transgenic mice, the researchers will explore the biological mechanisms behind the treatment's effectiveness and safety. Additionally, the project includes a clinical trial involving canine patients to assess the therapy's impact in a real-world setting.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients with pancreatic cancer or sarcomas who are undergoing radiation therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions not related to the cancers being studied or those who are not candidates for radiation therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer radiation therapy options that reduce harmful side effects for cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with FLASH radiotherapy, indicating its potential to improve patient outcomes compared to traditional methods.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koumenis, Constantinos — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Koumenis, Constantinos
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.