Proton FLASH Immunotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer
Official title: Project #2
Funded at Howard University · NIH-11419205 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach combines fast, high-dose proton therapy with immune-delivering materials to target pancreatic cancer while sparing nearby organs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Howard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $169,433 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA295337-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11419205 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with pancreatic cancer who are candidates for radiotherapy and immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancer is not accessible to radiotherapy or does not respond to immunotherapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a platform called PERFECT that uses FLASH proton therapy together with smart biomaterials to deliver immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer. The research will develop optimal treatment parameters and collect safety and pharmacokinetic data to prepare for possible future trials. It focuses on improving survival and quality of life with fewer side effects by targeting both the primary tumor and potential metastases. Patients could benefit if this approach translates to better tumor control with less damage to surrounding tissues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve survival and reduce treatment-related toxicity for pancreatic cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior FLASH radiotherapy studies show promise for reducing normal-tissue damage, but applying it with immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer is exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Howard University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hudson, Tamaro Syton — Howard University
- Study coordinator: Hudson, Tamaro Syton
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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.