Lung function imaging to lower lung side effects from radiation plus immunotherapy

Quantitative Lung Function Imaging to Reduce Toxicity for patients treated with Radiation and Immunotherapy

NIH-funded research Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11189626

This project uses CT-based lung function maps to guide radiation planning for people with lung cancer who are getting immunotherapy so they may have fewer lung side effects.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionThomas Jefferson University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11189626 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would have lung motion data from routine 4DCT scans processed with special software to create maps showing which parts of your lung are working best. Those maps are used to design a personalized radiation plan that deliberately spares the most functional lung tissue. The approach aims to reduce overlapping lung toxicity (pneumonitis) that can come from combining radiotherapy and immunotherapy. If successful, the method could allow safer use of more effective combined treatments while protecting breathing and quality of life.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with lung cancer who are planned to receive thoracic radiotherapy together with immunotherapy are the most likely candidates for participation.

Not a fit: Patients not receiving thoracic radiation or immunotherapy, or those with very diffuse or end-stage lung disease that cannot be spared by planning, are unlikely to benefit from this approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could reduce rates of pneumonitis and breathing problems after combined radiation and immunotherapy, improving quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Prior pilot work on imaging-based functional avoidance has shown promise in lowering radiation lung toxicity, but combining this approach specifically with immunotherapy is relatively new.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancer Patient
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.