Microscale radiation mapping for alpha-particle cancer therapy
Microscale Radionuclide S-values for αRPT
This project makes tiny-scale maps of how alpha-particle cancer drugs deliver radiation to tumors and nearby healthy cells to help doctors plan safer, more precise treatments for cancer patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180180 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers create detailed 3-D microscopic models of organs and tissues and use computer simulations to track the very short paths of alpha particles. They calculate microscale S-values that estimate the absorbed radiation dose to small groups of cells from radiopharmaceuticals. The team aims to identify which normal tissues are at risk and to refine dose limits so clinicians can tailor treatments to each patient. The work is conducted at Johns Hopkins using imaging, anatomical models, and physics-based dosimetry rather than testing a new drug in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients receiving or being considered for alpha-emitter radiopharmaceutical therapies, particularly those with tumors near sensitive organs, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients who are not treated with alpha-particle radiopharmaceuticals or whose care does not involve targeted radionuclide therapy are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce side effects by allowing clinicians to plan alpha-particle therapies that better protect vulnerable normal cells while still treating tumors effectively.
How similar studies have performed: Microdosimetry and organ-level dosimetry have supported radiotherapy planning before, but microscale S-value mapping specifically for personalized alpha-particle therapy is an emerging and relatively novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bolch, Wesley E — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Bolch, Wesley E
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.