Investigating how normal tissue reacts to proton therapy compared to traditional radiation.
Official title: Project 1: Understanding normal tissue toxicity to identify patients most likely to benefit from proton therapy.
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10929958 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of radiation therapy, like proton therapy and regular photon therapy, affect healthy tissues in the body, so we can find out which patients might get the best results from proton therapy and create more tailored treatment plans for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $542,984 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA261669-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929958 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer who may be considered for proton therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving radiation therapy or those whose conditions do not involve the tissues being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand the differences in how normal tissues respond to proton therapy versus conventional photon radiation. By analyzing a large amount of clinical data, the study will assess the toxicity levels associated with both treatment types, focusing on biological markers and dosimetric factors. The goal is to identify which patients are most likely to benefit from proton therapy based on their individual tissue responses. This approach could lead to more personalized and effective treatment plans for patients undergoing radiation therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help tailor proton therapy to patients who will benefit the most, potentially reducing adverse effects and improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the differences in tissue toxicity between various radiation therapies, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paganetti, Harald — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Paganetti, Harald
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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.