National Cancer Institute 1R01CA302738-01

Development of a Virtual Preclinical CT Platform for Advanced Imaging and Theranostics in Head and Neck Cancer Research

Award to Duke University by NIH/NCI to develop a Virtual Preclinical CT platform integrating advanced imaging and computational models for head and neck cancer research, aiming to improve tumor modeling and personalized therapies.

Description

This project aims to develop a Virtual Preclinical CT (VPCT) platform to serve as a digital twin for studying preclinical cancer models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). By integrating advanced photon-counting CT (PCCT) imaging with sophisticated computational models, the platform will simulate tumor behavior, optimize imaging protocols, and evaluate therapeutic interventions in a virtual setting. The VPCT will combine high-resolution tumor and vascular models with PCCT simulations to accurately replicate the anatomical and physiological complexity of mouse cancer models, enabling precise simulations of therapeutic outcomes. The project includes developing detailed vascular and tumor models, validating the platform with empirical data, and leveraging it to optimize radiation therapy and combination treatments, including nanoparticle and chemotherapeutic agents. The goal is to improve tumor modeling, optimize imaging protocols, and enhance predictive accuracy for personalized cancer therapies.

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