Real-time tracking of radiation dose during cancer radiotherapy
Quantitative in vivo dosimetry for radiotherapy using model-based X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography
This project develops a way to turn tiny sounds made by X-rays into images so doctors can see where radiation actually goes during cancer treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181648 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When pulsed X-rays hit tissue they create very small acoustic waves, and the team will use ultrasound sensors around the treatment area to pick up those waves. Advanced computer algorithms will convert the detected sounds into maps showing how much X-ray energy was deposited across the tumor and nearby tissues. The work focuses on improving signal quality and speeding up the reconstructions so dose maps can be produced in real time or near real time. The approach is designed to be added to existing radiotherapy machines by integrating a transducer array without major changes to current clinical workflows.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients receiving external beam radiotherapy for cancers in locations accessible to ultrasound sensors (for example superficial or moderately deep tumors) would be the likely candidates for future clinical testing.
Not a fit: Patients with tumors that are very deep, behind bone or air-filled structures, or treated with radiation setups that cannot accommodate ultrasonic transducers may not benefit initially.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let clinicians confirm the delivered radiation dose to the tumor during treatment, reducing missed targets and limiting exposure to healthy tissue.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical, phantom, and early-lab studies of X-ray–induced acoustic computed tomography have shown promising dose-mapping results, but routine clinical use has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pandey, Prabodh Kumar — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Pandey, Prabodh Kumar
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.