Researchers from the University of Michigan developed a real-time 3D imaging technique to know precisely where the X-rays hit and how much radiation is delivered when cancer patients receive radiation therapy. With a lack of precision in current imaging, providers could not specifically see which cells in the tumors were targeted by X-rays, leading to both the killing of cancerous cells and some healthy cells. This breakthrough technology could be used to position patients better and adjust the trajectory and the level of radiation to protect healthy cells in the areas surrounding the tumor. The study was published in Nature Biotechnology.

A paper published by authors from multiple National Cancer Institute consortia in the United States and Europe presents the vision of leaders in the oncology field on next-generation precision oncology. The leaders emphasize the importance of developing “3D patient tumor avatars” to allow testing and identifying optimal treatments before applying them to patients. Those “avatars” and their associated data will increase the precision of cancer treatments, reduce the side effects, and improve treatment outcomes. The authors outline the challenges and processes for widespread tumor “avatars” implementation. The study was published in Cancer Cell.