Radiation therapy and data science to help kids with cancer
Official title: Radiation Oncology at the Interface of Pediatric Cancer Biology and Data Science
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11415772 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists from two top cancer centers are teaming up to make radiation for pediatric cancers more powerful and precise, using data science to guide treatment for children with two tough tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,531,447 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA274516-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415772 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children with diffuse midline glioma (DMG) or high-risk neuroblastoma eligible for radiotherapy at participating centers.
✕Less likely to help
If a child’s tumor biology does not reflect the studied mechanisms or if radiotherapy regimens differ from those studied, direct benefit may be limited.
What this research studies
This grant brings pediatric cancer biology together with advanced data analytics to study how external beam radiation and radiopharmaceuticals affect tumors like diffuse midline glioma and high-risk neuroblastoma. Researchers will compare tumor samples before and after radiation from children treated with a standard regimen to understand why some cancers resist radiation. The project uses a ROBIN Center framework to test ideas in two linked projects, aiming to uncover radiation-response mechanisms tied to developmental stages. The ultimate goal is to tailor radiation approaches to improve outcomes while minimizing harm for young patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective, personalized radiation strategies for children with certain aggressive tumors.
How similar studies have gone: There is growing evidence that tumor genetics and developmental context influence radiation response, but this specific pediatric-focused ROBIN Center approach is innovative.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haas-Kogan, Daphne a. — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Haas-Kogan, Daphne a.
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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.