Understanding and improving immune responses in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy
Project 2: Radiation-Induced Lymphopenia: Understanding, Predictive Modeling and Developing Photon and Proton-Based Mitigation Strategies.
['FUNDING_P01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-10929963
This study is looking at how radiation treatment can lower immune cell levels in cancer patients and aims to find ways to predict who might be at risk for this side effect, while also comparing two types of radiation therapy to see which one is gentler on the immune system.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10929963 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the common side effect of radiation-induced lymphopenia (RIL) in cancer patients, which can negatively impact their immune response and disease outcomes. The team aims to develop predictive models that consider individual patient factors and radiation dosimetry to better understand the risk of severe RIL. By comparing the effects of proton therapy and photon therapy, the research seeks to identify strategies that can minimize damage to immune cells during treatment, potentially enhancing the overall effectiveness of cancer therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who are scheduled to undergo radiation therapy and may be at risk for radiation-induced lymphopenia.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing radiation therapy or those with conditions unrelated to cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immune function and better treatment outcomes for cancer patients receiving radiation therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using proton therapy to reduce damage to immune cells, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LIN, STEVEN HSESHENG — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: LIN, STEVEN HSESHENG
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.
Conditions: Brain Cancer, Cancer Patient, Cancer Treatment, Cancers