RADIATION ONCOLOGY

BME/MEDPHYS 566

Ionizing radiation use in radiation therapy to cause controlled biological effects in cancer patients. Physics of the interaction of the various radiation modalities with body-equivalent materials, and physical aspects of clinical applications.

HONCOL 692

Independent research in the area of human oncology including biology, medical physics, or clinical oncology. A written thesis is required in the final semester.

MEDPHYS 772

Physics of clinical, computer-based radiotherapy planning is taught. Topics include dose algorithms, measurement data, commissioning, contouring and volume definition, beam placement, modifiers and apertures and plan evaluation. Forward based and inverse planning (including IMRT optimization) are taught.

HONCOL 911

Gain a greater understanding of the basic and translational science that is fueling the ongoing immuno-oncology revolution in cancer care. Explore the tumor-immune microenvironment and modern approaches to cancer immunotherapy. Evaluate pertinent primary literature in this arena and exposure to the technological resources (e.g. flow cytometry, clinical pathology, cell therapeutics infrastructure) that are critical to implementing immunotherapies in the clinic. Tumor board attendance will highlight the clinical reasoning and toxicity management in the clinical use of immunotherapies for cancer treatment.

HONCOL 912

Radiation therapy has been used in treatment of cancer and other diseases for over 100 years. Gain a comprehensive overview of how modern technology allows us to precisely target the tumor while maintaining the function of normal tissues (i.e. the physics and biology underlying the use of radiation therapy). Develop a strong foundational knowledge of basic oncology principles, begin to understand the biology and physics underlying radiation oncology treatments, interpret dose/volume histograms and normal-tissue complication probabilities, understand the role of modern imaging in the workup, treatment, and follow-up of cancer patients, and be able to discuss the major financial issues associated with various treatment modalities. It is anticipated that students will incorporate these concepts, knowledge, experiences, and evidence in their future clinical practice.