Photon-counting CT to improve tumor targeting and dose accuracy in personalized radiotherapy (ANTHEM)

Exploring Photon-Counting CT for Enhanced Target Delineation and Dose Accuracy in Personalized Radiotherapy - ANTHEM

Observational Istituto Clinico Humanitas · NCT07098247

This project will test whether photon-counting CT can help doctors better define tumor borders and calculate radiation doses for adults receiving high-precision radiotherapy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIstituto Clinico Humanitas Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rozzano, Milan)
Trial IDNCT07098247 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational imaging protocol uses photon-counting CT (PCCT) during radiotherapy planning to obtain higher-resolution, spectrally enriched images for patients with challenging tumor locations or who require cardiac-directed radiation. Images and derived tissue-characterization data will be compared with conventional planning information to examine differences in target delineation and dose calculations. The study enrolls adults treated with photon or proton radiotherapy at the enrolling center and collects imaging and dosimetric metrics without changing the prescribed therapy. Results will inform whether PCCT-derived information could be incorporated into routine radiotherapy workflows for more precise planning.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) with tumors in anatomically challenging regions (brain, head and neck, liver, pancreas, prostate) or patients with cardiac disease requiring photon or proton radiotherapy at the enrolling center are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Children and patients treated outside the enrolling hospital, as well as those with tumors in straightforward locations where standard imaging is already sufficient, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, using PCCT could lead to more accurate tumor targeting and reduced radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissues.

How similar studies have performed: Early technical and pilot clinical work has shown that PCCT improves image resolution and tissue contrast, but strong evidence that it improves radiotherapy outcomes is still limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

* ≥18 years old patients
* tumors located in challenging anatomical regions (brain, head and neck, liver, pancreas prostate), or Cardiac disease requiring RT by photon or proton at our Institution.

Exclusion criteria:

\- 18 years old patients

Where this trial is running

Rozzano, Milan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cancer
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.