# Dosimetry, Physics & Modeling Core

> **NIH NIH P01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · 2020 · $362,495

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY: DOSIMETRY, PHYSICS & MODELING CORE
We are proposing the creation of a research program entitled, “Increasing the therapeutic index of brain tumor
treatment through innovative FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT), focused on translating a novel irradiation
modality rapidly into the clinic. The overall hypothesis to be tested is whether radiation delivered at ultra high
dose rates (compared to the much lower dose rates used in current clinical practice) can significantly ameliorate
normal tissue complications while maintaining acceptable if not improved tumor control. To test this hypothesis,
the program will deploy a comprehensive series of preclinical studies that will critically evaluate tumor control,
neurocognitive outcomes and resultant radiation injury to the brain following FLASH-RT and conventional dose
rate irradiation. Collectively, these studies will generate the requisite data sets required for the rapid translation
of the novel FLASH irradiation platform to the clinical scenario. Preclinical studies in mice assessing orthotopic
tumor control, cognition, neuronal and vascular structural plasticity, immune-modulation and oxygen dependent
mechanisms of radiation injury are coupled with a clinical trial in GBM dog patients to inform the oncologists of
the potential benefits of this potentially paradigm shifting technology. The objectives of this program project will
be facilitated by the activities conducted by the Dosimetry, Physics & Modeling Core (Core 2) and the
Neurobehavioral Core (Core 3).
The Core 2 will develop three key innovations that will enable the rapid translation of FLASH-RT in to the clinic.
First, we will develop and characterize dosimetric tools to accurately measure ultra-high dose rate beams. This
will allow us to cross-validate the dosimetry between electron and photon FLASH radiation beams at each
participating institution (Lausanne University Hospital, Stanford and Indiana Universities). Second, we will build
and commission the first small animal conformal photon FLASH irradiation platform that will allow us to
characterize the FLASH phenomenon with greater clinical relevance. Third, we will develop and implement the
“turn-key” technology for the conversion of a clinical medical linear accelerator to an experimental FLASH
irradiator (Indiana University).
The success of this innovative program project grant is bolstered by the unparalleled breadth and depth of
our multi-disciplinary investigative team at UC Irvine, Stanford University, SLAC National Accelerator
Laboratory, CHUV and Indiana University that has pioneered the development of the initial experimental
infrastructure for conducting FLASH RT research and produced strong preclinical evidence of increased
therapeutic index, comprising expertise in radiation oncology, radiobiology, medical physics, and preclinical
imaging and accelerator science.
In summary, Core 2 will develop the necessary dosimetric tools to support all projects, enable the cross...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9854761
- **Project number:** 1P01CA244091-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Charles Limoli
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $362,495
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9854761

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9854761, Dosimetry, Physics & Modeling Core (1P01CA244091-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9854761. Licensed CC0.

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