Personalized scheduling for radiation therapy in head and neck cancer
Official title: SCH: Personalized Rescheduling of Adaptive Radiation Therapy for Head & Neck Cancer
Funded at Rice University · NIH-11199085 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to make radiation therapy better for people with head and neck cancers by creating personalized treatment plans that adjust based on how the tumor changes during treatment, helping to reduce side effects and improve results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $81,353 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA257814-04S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11199085 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with head and neck cancers who are undergoing radiation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers outside of the head and neck region or those not receiving radiation therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving radiation therapy for patients with head and neck cancers by developing personalized treatment plans. It utilizes advanced optimization models that take into account changes in tumor size and location during treatment, aiming to minimize side effects while maximizing treatment effectiveness. By analyzing imaging data and patient responses, the study seeks to determine the best timing and frequency for treatment adjustments. This approach is designed to enhance patient outcomes through tailored therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer radiation therapy for patients with head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using adaptive radiation therapy techniques, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schaefer, Andrew J — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Schaefer, Andrew J
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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.