Making proton therapy more effective against tumors
Project 3: Enhanced Sensitivity of Tumors to Proton Beam Therapy: Mechanisms and Biomarkers.
We are looking for genomic signs in tumors that show when proton radiation damages cancer cells more than standard radiation, to help personalize treatment for people with cancer.
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 ID | NIH-11184393 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project compares the biological effects of proton beams versus standard photon radiation using advanced physics simulations and lab experiments. Researchers will map DNA damage at very high resolution and link those patterns to tumor genomes. The team will search for genomic biomarkers that predict when a tumor is especially sensitive to protons. Work is led by teams at Massachusetts General Hospital and MD Anderson and combines computational, laboratory, and genomic profiling approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with solid tumors who are being considered for radiation—especially those who can provide tumor samples or undergo genomic testing—are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors lack the genomic markers identified by this project or who are not receiving proton therapy are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors choose or tailor proton therapy for patients whose tumors are most likely to respond, potentially improving tumor control and reducing side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have suggested that proton biological effectiveness can vary across tumors, but translating genomic biomarkers into clinical decision-making is still a new area.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grosshans, David R — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Grosshans, David R
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.