Investigating ways to reduce long-term swallowing problems in cancer survivors after radiation therapy.
Official title: Project 3: OPC-RAD
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10933257 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two different types of radiation therapy can help people who have survived throat cancer and are having trouble swallowing, to see which one works better in preventing these long-term issues and improving their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $369,932 |
| NIH project number | 1P01CA285249-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933257 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been treated for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and are at risk of developing late radiation-associated dysphagia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone radiation therapy for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma or those with other unrelated swallowing disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on patients who have survived oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and are experiencing long-term swallowing difficulties known as late radiation-associated dysphagia (L-RAD). The study aims to compare two types of radiation therapy—intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)—to determine which is more effective in preventing these debilitating side effects. By identifying patients who are most likely to benefit from IMPT, the research seeks to improve quality of life and reduce complications associated with L-RAD. The study involves a large multi-site trial across 21 institutions, providing a robust approach to understanding and mitigating these issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for cancer survivors by reducing the incidence of severe swallowing difficulties after treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in reducing radiation-related side effects with advanced radiation techniques, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
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University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frank, Steven Jay — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Frank, Steven Jay
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.