Using digital models to estimate and reduce immune suppression from radiation therapy
Digital Twin for Radiation-Induced Immune Suppression Estimation and Reduction
This study is looking at ways to help cancer patients avoid a drop in their immune system after radiation therapy by using smart technology to predict who might be affected, so they can get better treatment tailored just for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11056996 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding and mitigating radiation-induced lymphopenia (RIL), a condition that weakens the immune system after radiation therapy. By developing personalized machine learning models, the project aims to predict RIL in patients undergoing treatment for various cancers, including esophageal, lung, brain, liver, and pancreas cancers. The researchers will utilize advanced proton therapy techniques to minimize immune toxicity while optimizing treatment plans based on individual patient responses. This approach seeks to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy and improve overall patient outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with cancers of the esophagus, lung, brain, liver, or pancreas who are scheduled to receive radiation therapy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing radiation therapy or who have cancers not included in the study may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved survival rates and treatment effectiveness for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using personalized approaches to mitigate radiation-induced immune suppression, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hong, Theodore S — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Hong, Theodore S
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.