Investigating how radiation therapy affects tumor immunity and cancer treatment outcomes
Official title: Washington University (WU) ROBIN Center: MicroEnvironment and Tumor Effects Of Radiotherapy (METEOR)
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10912695 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how radiation therapy affects the immune system's ability to fight tumors, with the goal of finding better ways to treat advanced cancers, and it’s designed for patients who want to understand how their treatment might work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,477,250 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA274318-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912695 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients with advanced cancers who are undergoing or have undergone radiation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancers or those not receiving radiation therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the effects of radiation therapy on tumor immunity, focusing on how it modifies the tumor microenvironment and influences immune responses. By examining the balance between immune-stimulating and immune-suppressing effects of radiation, the study aims to understand how these interactions can impact the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Patients may benefit from insights gained through a dynamic Molecular Characterization Trial that integrates various research projects and resources, ultimately aiming to improve treatment strategies for advanced cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments by enhancing the immune response against tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the immune effects of radiation therapy, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements in cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwarz, Julie Kristina — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Schwarz, Julie Kristina
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A computer program helps plan radiation therapy for cervical and head-and-neck cancer patients to make treatments faster and more accurate.
-
AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A United Kingdom study is testing AI software that helps plan radiotherapy for cervical and head-and-neck cancer patients to save time and reduce the workload for clinicians in low-resource settings.
-
AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A UK research team is testing an AI-based software to automatically outline cancer areas and plan radiation beams to speed up treatment for cervical and head-and-neck cancers in LMICs.
-
AI-Powered Radiotherapy Planning for Cervical and Head & Neck Cancer
A new AI tool helps plan radiation therapy for cervical and head-and-neck cancers to save time and reduce the need for specialized staff.
-
AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer
A UK study from University College London uses AI to plan radiotherapy for cervical and head-and-neck cancers to save time and reduce the need for specialized staff, aiming to help patients in LMICs.
-
AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head & neck cancer
A non-randomized study will test an AI system that helps plan radiotherapy for cervical and head & neck cancers to save time and resources in LMICs.
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.