Using radiation to help chemotherapy reach head, neck, and thyroid tumors
Imaging radiation-enhanced drug delivery for safer and more effective chemoradiotherapy
This project looks at whether targeted radiation can change head and neck and anaplastic thyroid tumors so long‑lasting chemotherapy reaches them more safely and works better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294368 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use advanced imaging and detailed laboratory tissue studies to see how repeated radiation changes tumor blood vessels, immune cells, and other features that control drug entry. They will study these effects in mice and in tumor samples taken from patients, using multiplexed microscopy and radiologic imaging. The team will then test whether combining standard chemoradiotherapy with long‑circulating chemotherapy formulations increases drug delivery to tumors while reducing off‑target toxicity. If safe and promising, the findings could guide future treatments and clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma or anaplastic thyroid cancer who are receiving or may receive chemoradiotherapy are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage disease, other cancer types, or those unable to tolerate radiation or long‑circulating chemotherapy are unlikely to benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could concentrate chemotherapy in tumors to improve cancer control while lowering harmful side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical imaging and animal studies have suggested radiation can increase tumor permeability, but applying this to safely combine long‑circulating chemotherapy with standard chemoradiotherapy in patients is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Miles a — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Miller, Miles a
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.