The first clinical prototype for proton minibeam radiation therapy
NCI - National Cancer Institute
About This Grant
Project Summary Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy (SFRT) represents a significant advancement over conventional radiation therapy (CONV) by delivering a highly modulated spatial dose pattern, characterized by the peak- valley dose ratio (PVDR). Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that SFRT substantially enhances the therapeutic index by improving normal tissue dose tolerance and tumor control efficacy compared to CONV. The clinical adoption of SFRT is rapidly expanding, now encompassing a variety of disease sites beyond bulky advanced tumors. This project focuses on proton minibeam RT (pMBRT), a versatile SFRT modality that is not yet clinically available, despite compelling evidence from biological studies highlighting its potential to further reduce radiation-induced normal tissue toxicity and improve tumor control compared to CONV and clinically available SFRT techniques. The overarching goal of this project is to develop the first clinical pMBRT prototype and innovative pMBRT methods to drive its clinical translation. This project leverages a well-established academic-industrial partnership (AIP) between KUMC and RaySearch. As RaySearch, the world’s leading TPS company, offers the globally used RayStation TPS, this AIP ensures the seamless translation of project outcomes to end-users, promoting clinical adoption and widespread application of pMBRT for patient benefit. This project introduces three major innovations. (1) First clinical pMBRT prototype: Building upon our preclinical pMBRT system [115,131], this project will develop the first clinical pMBRT prototype, fully integrated with RayStation TPS. This milestone will facilitate patient treatment and pave the way for widespread clinical implementation. (2) Multi-collimator pMBRT (MC-pMBRT): A fundamental challenge for implementing pMBRT in patients is how to achieve sufficient PVDR while maintaining dose objectives. To address this, this project introduces MC-pMBRT, a novel method that uses multiple pre-made, general-purpose collimators with varying minibeam geometries to jointly optimize dose and PVDR. (3) Minibeam-LATTICE: The original form of pMBRT delivers a uniform target dose. This project introduces minibeam-LATTICE, a novel SFRT modality that leverages minibeams to achieve a lattice dose pattern in the target, enabling the treatment of small-to-medium tumor targets that are unsuitable for current clinically available SFRT modalities due to their large beam size. Significance: The completion of the project will provide (1) the first clinical pMBRT prototype integrated with RayStation TPS, enabling patient trials, and (2) novel pMBRT methods, such as minibeam-LATTICE, to expand SFRT’s clinical utility to small-to-medium tumor targets, where current clinically available SFRT cannot provide a spatially-modulated dose pattern due to their large beamlet size. These advancements will enhance the therapeutic potential of SFRT, offering broader treatment options and improved outcomes for patients.
Grant Summary
The first clinical prototype for proton minibeam radiation therapy is a NCI - National Cancer Institute grant providing up to $684K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2031-04-30 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
Focus Areas
Eligibility
How to Apply
Up to $684K
2031-04-30
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for The first clinical prototype for proton minibeam radiation therapy from NCI - National Cancer Institute, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NCI - National Cancer Institute before the deadline.
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The first clinical prototype for proton minibeam radiation therapy: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the The first clinical prototype for proton minibeam radiation therapy?
The first clinical prototype for proton minibeam radiation therapy is offered by NCI - National Cancer Institute and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the The first clinical prototype for proton minibeam radiation therapy provide?
The first clinical prototype for proton minibeam radiation therapy provides up to $684K per award from NCI - National Cancer Institute. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the The first clinical prototype for proton minibeam radiation therapy deadline?
Applications for The first clinical prototype for proton minibeam radiation therapy are due 2031-04-30 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NCI - National Cancer Institute, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the The first clinical prototype for proton minibeam radiation therapy?
To apply for The first clinical prototype for proton minibeam radiation therapy, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NCI - National Cancer Institute.