Using high energy electron radiation to improve brain tumor treatment
Official title: Exploring synthetic lethality with a novel very high energy electron FLASH radiation beam
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10987986 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to use a special type of radiation therapy for brain tumors that could make the treatment work better by hitting the tumor harder while keeping healthy brain cells safe, and it's designed for patients who are facing brain tumor treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $413,971 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA286097-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987986 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with brain tumors who are undergoing radiation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-brain tumors or those who are not candidates for radiation therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to radiation therapy for brain tumors using a very high energy electron FLASH radiation beam. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of treatment by increasing the damage to tumor cells while protecting normal brain cells from radiation effects. The study will explore the mechanisms behind this novel radiation technique and its potential to improve patient outcomes. By combining advanced radiation delivery with chemical therapies, the research aims to widen the therapeutic window for brain tumor treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for brain tumors with fewer side effects for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While FLASH radiation therapy is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promising results in protecting normal tissues during radiation treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Floyd, Scott R — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Floyd, Scott 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.