Understanding and Preventing Brain Damage from Radiation Therapy
Characterization of the cellular mechanisms of radiation induced brain necrosis for clinical intervention
This project aims to understand why radiation therapy, especially proton therapy, sometimes causes serious brain damage called necrosis, so we can make treatments safer for cancer survivors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11136923 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many childhood cancer survivors experience long-term side effects from brain radiation, with necrosis being a severe complication that can lead to weakness or paralysis. While proton therapy is often used to reduce damage to healthy tissues, our work suggests certain parts of proton beams might be more harmful. We are developing advanced models, including human brain 'organoids' and animal models, to pinpoint which physical factors of proton therapy contribute to necrosis. By combining these models with real patient data, we hope to design future proton therapy treatments that are more precise and less likely to cause this serious side effect.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for patients who have received or may receive radiation therapy for brain tumors, particularly those concerned about long-term side effects like brain necrosis.
Not a fit: Patients not undergoing radiation therapy for brain tumors or those without concerns about radiation-induced brain damage may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to safer radiation treatments for brain tumors, significantly reducing the risk of severe brain damage for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While proton therapy is established, this research explores novel aspects of its potential for necrosis and the underlying cellular mechanisms, building on recent findings including the researchers' own.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grosshans, David R — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Grosshans, David R
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.