# Improving pediatric brain tumor treatments using FLASH radiotherapy

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · 2023 · $513,465

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 Our R01 application entitled, “Improving pediatric brain tumor treatments using FLASH radiotherapy” is
 focused on translating a novel irradiation modality into clinical practice. Here we will test whether radiation
 delivered in ultra-high dose rate (one-tenth of second), which far exceed the dose rate used in current clinical
 practice (minutes), can significantly reduce normal tissue toxicities associated with the radiotherapeutic
 management of childhood medulloblastoma (MB). The overarching goal is to alleviate the long term
 neurocognitive and cerebrovascular complications that compromise the quality of life of MB survivors while
 maintaining tumor control. To achieve these goals, we will undertake studies using clinically relevant FLASH
 and conventional radiation regimens. Two distinct human MB tumor models will be orthotopically implanted
 in the brain of nude mice to investigate simultaneously tumor response and neurocognitive function after
 irradiation. In addition, for long-term follow up, tumor-free mice will also be subjected to cranial irradiation
 using FLASH or conventional dose rate irradiation. Short-term (1-month) and longer term (4-6 months) studies
 conducted on tumor bearing and tumor free mice respectively, will critically evaluate tumor control,
 neurocognitive, cerebrovascular and molecular outcomes in these cohorts. Preclinical studies investigating the
 response of MB tumors, behavioral performance on multiple learning and memory tasks, vascular structure and
 integrity and the sparing of the neurogenic niche will unambiguously elucidate many of the mechanisms
 underlying the neuroprotective effects of FLASH radiotherapy. Data derived from these collaborative studies
 between UCI and the CHUV will facilitate the clinical translation of FLASH-RT to pediatric oncology, where
 despite the favorable prognosis of children diagnosed with MB, survivors still suffer a lifetime of complications
 caused by their prior radiotherapy, a scenario we hope to ameliorate with our innovative FLASH technology.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10653165
- **Project number:** 5R01CA254892-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Charles Limoli
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $513,465
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-07-01 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10653165

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10653165, Improving pediatric brain tumor treatments using FLASH radiotherapy (5R01CA254892-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10653165. Licensed CC0.

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