Using alpha particles to improve cancer treatment
Official title: Microscale Radionuclide S-values for αRPT
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10931444 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new type of cancer treatment that uses special particles to target and destroy tumor cells while keeping healthy tissue safe, and it's designed to create personalized plans for patients with advanced-stage cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $425,895 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA272222-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931444 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced-stage cancer who have not responded well to traditional therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancer or those who do not have tumors suitable for alpha-particle therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing radiopharmaceuticals that use alpha-particle emitters to treat advanced-stage cancer. By utilizing the unique properties of alpha particles, which can effectively target and sterilize tumor cells with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissues, the study aims to create patient-specific treatment plans. The methodology involves calculating the radiation dose to ensure it remains below toxicity thresholds for normal organs while maximizing the therapeutic effect on tumors. This approach seeks to overcome challenges such as chemoresistance and radioresistance commonly faced in cancer therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer cancer treatments that minimize harm to healthy tissues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with alpha-particle therapies, indicating potential for significant advancements in cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bolch, Wesley E — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Bolch, Wesley E
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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.