NATIONAL SPACE BIOMEDICAL
RESEARCH INSTITUTE
RESEARCH INSTITUTE
| Reducing Fracture Risk Caused by Radiotherapy In addition to dealing with the dire effects of cancer, patients undergoing radiotherapy treatments are at an increased risk of fractures due to radiation therapy-induced bone loss. This is a serious concern for cancer patients receiving radiation treatments in the pelvic region. Research shows that hip fracture rates increase dramatically in elderly women receiving radiotherapy. Dr. Ted A. Bateman and colleagues are conducting research to understand radiation-induced bone loss, also a concern for astronauts exposed to space radiation. His research for NSBRI has led to the funding of clinical trials by other organizations to look at radiation therapy-induced bone loss in cancer patients. Bateman's NSBRI research will also determine which pharmacological countermeasures can be used to reduce radiation-induced bone loss and lower the risk of fractures. Read News Release Listen to Podcast Read Project Summary NSBRI Investigator: Ted A. Bateman, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Portable Radiation Detectors NSBRI researchers are developing portable radiation detectors designed to provide real-time data during manned space missions. These detectors will be about the size of a deck of cards or cell phone, making them compact enough to be used as area monitors in the spacecraft or integrated into a spacesuit during space walks. The detectors must measure radiation in space that originates from solar flares, trapped particles and galactic cosmic rays. The measurements are required to estimate risk of injury to body tissue that could ultimately result in adverse health effects. The technologies could be adapted for patient monitoring during radiation therapy for treatment of tumors using protons or heavier ions, such as carbon. This is important for verifying the dose outside of the treatment volume where excess radiation can be responsible for induction of secondary cancers. The detectors also have applications for homeland security, for the prevention of nuclear proliferation and for high-altitude military or commercial aviation. Read News Release Listen to Podcast Three NSBRI projects are looking at portable radiation detectors: NSBRI Investigator: Thomas B. Borak, Ph.D., Colorado State University, Project Summary NSBRI Investigator: Vincent L. Pisacane, Ph.D., United States Naval Academy, Project Summary NSBRI Investigator: Tore Straume, Ph.D., NASA Ames Research Center, Project Summary |
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