Using advanced imaging to reduce heart damage from cancer treatment

Reducing cardiac toxicity with deep learning and MRI-guided radiation therapy

NIH-funded research University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10896146

This study is looking for ways to make radiation therapy safer for cancer patients by using advanced imaging technology to better protect the heart during treatment, especially for those with lung or chest cancers.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project IDNIH-10896146 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on minimizing cardiac toxicity, a serious side effect of radiation therapy for cancer patients, particularly those with thoracic cancers. It aims to develop new technologies that utilize deep learning and MRI to accurately assess radiation doses to specific parts of the heart, which are often overlooked in standard treatment planning. By improving the precision of cardiac dose assessments, the research seeks to enhance patient outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term heart complications. The study will involve innovative imaging techniques to better visualize cardiac substructures during treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients receiving radiation therapy for thoracic cancers such as lymphoma, lung, or esophageal cancer.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing radiation therapy or those with non-thoracic cancers may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of heart-related complications in cancer survivors who undergo radiation therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques to assess cardiac risks in cancer patients, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in patient care.

Where this research is happening

Madison, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.