Optimizing proton therapy to deliver ultra‑high‑rate FLASH treatments
Simultaneous dose and dose rate optimization for clinical FLASH proton radiotherapy
This project develops new treatment planning to deliver proton radiation at ultra‑high 'FLASH' dose rates to try to reduce side effects for people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11402379 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is creating a planning system that controls both radiation dose and the very fast dose rates needed for proton FLASH therapy. They will adapt the SDDRO optimization method for clinical proton machines and test it on patient imaging and treatment plans. Work includes comparing FLASH‑optimized plans with standard proton plans and preparing the method for clinical trials at specialized centers. The goal is to make FLASH proton treatments practical for patients while protecting nearby healthy tissue.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who are candidates for proton radiation therapy—for example certain lung or other tumors near sensitive normal tissues—would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People whose cancers are not treated with proton therapy or who do not have access to a FLASH‑capable proton center are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower damage to healthy tissues during radiation and reduce treatment side effects while keeping tumor control.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical animal studies and a few early human reports suggest a FLASH effect, but clinical use is still experimental and the SDDRO planning approach is a new technology.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gao, Hao — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Gao, Hao
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.