DHO Welcomes New Medical Physicist Alison Arnold
Alison Arnold, who earned her MS in medical physics at Oregon State University/Oregon Health and Science University and most recently served as chief medical physicist at Turville Bay Radiation Oncology Center in Madison, joined the Department of Human Oncology as a staff medical physicist in December. Read more.
Dr. Zachary Morris and Team Earn 2021 WARF Innovation Award
Dr. Zachary Morris, associate professor in the Department of Human Oncology (DHO), and an interdisciplinary team of researchers earned a 2021 Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) Innovation Award for their project, “Nanoparticle to Render Tumors More Susceptible to Treatment.” Read more.
Kimple Lab Awarded Two Grants to Advance Head and Neck Cancer Research
The Kimple Lab was recently awarded two grants to advance head and neck cancer research. One is a $2.6 million grant from the National Cancer Institute for research aimed at improving the use of patient-derived xenografts animal models. The other is a $2 million grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research to investigate a treatment for radiation-induced xerostomia (dry mouth). Read more.
DHO Faculty Share Research at 2021 Retreat
The Department of Human Oncology (DHO) recently held a Research Retreat at Epic Systems Headquarters in Verona to share research, celebrate successes, and explore new research opportunities. Read more.
Dr. Shuang (George) Zhao Earns NIH High Risk, High Reward Innovator Award
Dr. Shuang (George) Zhao, an assistant professor in the Department of Human Oncology, has earned a National Institutes of Health 2021 High Risk, High Reward New Innovator Award for research aimed at understanding the dynamic evolution of treatment-resistant cancers. Read more.
New DHO Faculty Member: Tara Tyson, PhD
Dr. Tara Tyson, who earned her PhD in medical physics at the State University of New York at Buffalo and recently completed her medical physics residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, joined the Department of Human Oncology as an assistant professor (CHS) in August. Read more.
Dr. Pippa Cosper Named Forbeck Scholar
Dr. Pippa Cosper, an instructor in the Department of Human Oncology and Bentson Translational Research Fellow alumna, has been named a Forbeck Scholar. This highly prestigious award is intended to “foster research and encourage cooperation among the most brilliant minds in cancer research,” according to the William Guy Forbeck Research Foundation’s website. Read more.
William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital Opening New Radiation Oncology Clinic
This winter, the William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital will open its new state-of-the-art radiation oncology clinic, providing patients convenient access to radiation therapy in an integrated, multidisciplinary cancer care facility. On August 13, a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring the Secretary of Veteran Affairs, Denis Richard McDonough was held to inaugurate the new Middleton VA Cancer Center. Drs. Jessica Schuster and Jennifer Smilowitz from the Department of Human Oncology joined Secretary McDonough for the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon. Read more.
15th Annual Heads Up! Golf Outing Raises $39,000 for Head and Neck Cancer Research
An enthusiastic group of 130 participants attended the Heads Up! Golf Outing at University Ridge Golf Course on July 26 to raise money for head and neck cancer research and treatment at the University of Wisconsin and to honor those affected by head and neck cancer as well as those working to improve treatments. This year’s event raised over $39,000 for head and neck cancer research activities. Read more.
Combining Low-Dose Radiotherapy with Immunotherapy Eradicates Metastatic Cancer in Mice
Research by Drs. Zachary Morris, associate professor in the Department of Human Oncology, and Ravi Patel, Bentson Translational Research Fellow alum, finds that combining targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy with immunotherapy significantly boosts eradication of metastatic cancer in mice, even when the radiation is given in doses too low to destroy the cancer outright. Their research appears in the journal Science Translational Medicine. Read more.
New Faculty: Gemma Davies, PhD, DABR
Dr. Gemma Davies, who earned her PhD in medical physics at the Institute of Cancer Research and the Royal Marsden Hospital in the U.K. and most recently served as a senior clinical physicist at Johns Hopkins Hospital, joined the Department of Human Oncology as an assistant professor (CHS) in February. Read more.
DHO Celebrates 2021 Graduates
The Department of Human Oncology (DHO) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison recently celebrated the graduation of two radiation oncology residents, two radiation oncology physics residents, and a Bentson Translational Research fellow. Read more.
Students and DHO Faculty Mentors Awarded Research Fellowships
The Department of Human Oncology (DHO) has a strong commitment to training undergraduates who are interested in careers in cancer research. Through their work with faculty mentors, these students learn to think like scientists, gain hands-on skills, and begin to consider their future career paths. They also contribute to the DHO research agenda by conducting experiments and analyzing data. In recognition of successful undergraduate research and the mentoring that facilitates this important activity, at least nine students will perform research in DHO this summer through specific research fellowships. Read more.
Dr. Grace Blitzer Earns ASCO’s Conquer Cancer Young Investigator Award
Dr. Grace Blitzer, a University of Wisconsin radiation oncology resident, has earned a Conquer Cancer Young Investigator Award from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). This one-year $50,000 award will help fund a clinical trial to investigate a treatment for radiation-induced xerostomia (dry mouth) in head and neck cancer patients. Read more.
Dr. Carri Glide-Hurst to Mentor Two AAPM Undergraduate Fellows
This summer, Dr. Carri Glide-Hurst, Department of Human Oncology (DHO) director of Radiation Oncology Physics, will mentor two American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) undergraduate fellows. During these 10-week, virtual fellowships, the students will conduct research, interact with the DHO’s world-class faculty and technologies, and gain an overview of what it means to be a medical physicist. Read more.
Tribute to Professor Emeritus Michael Nathan Gould
Dr. Michael Gould, who served as a faculty member in the Department of Human Oncology from 1979 to 1998 before joining the Department of Oncology/McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, has died. Dr. Gould was a prolific and versatile researcher. His research focused primarily on identifying genetic factors that contribute to breast cancer. He also trained and mentored dozens of graduate students and post-docs, clearly leaving his mark on the next generation of cancer researchers. Read more.
Thank You, Doctors!
Doctors and countless other healthcare providers have risen to meet the tremendous challenges of the last year in a way that showed just how dedicated they are to our patients, community, and each other. On National Doctors’ Day, we say “thank you” to our UW Health physicians for all that they do for us and our loved ones.
Lexi Luo, Kimple Lab Member, Named Goldwater Scholar
Qianyun “Lexi” Luo, a junior life sciences major who works in the lab of Department of Human Oncology Associate Professor Randy Kimple, was awarded a 2021 Barry Goldwater Scholarship, one of the most prestigious undergraduate science awards in the United States. Read more.
Amy Heath Named ASRT Fellow
Amy Heath, program manager for the University of Wisconsin School of Radiation Therapy, will be named an American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Fellow at its annual meeting in June. Read more.
Dr. Zachary Morris Featured on WPR Program
Dr. Zachary Morris, vice chairman in the Department of Human Oncology, and Dr. Jamey Weichert, professor in the Department of Radiology, discussed their research on the combined use of immunotherapy and targeted radionuclide therapy as a potential treatment for metastatic cancer on Wisconsin Public Radio’s The Larry Meiller Show.” Listen here.
DHO Researchers Demonstrate Feasibility of Multi-Purpose Brachytherapy Catheter
Preclinical research by a team of Department of Human Oncology researchers and UW biomedical engineering students has demonstrated the feasibility of using a multi-purpose catheter to deliver brachytherapy and intratumoral injection. Read more.
Morris Lab Member (Jagodinsky) Earns NIH F30 Award
Justin Jagodinsky, an MD-PhD student in the Morris Lab in the Department of Human Oncology, has earned an NIH F30 award. This award, which totals $97,000 over 2.5 years, supports his preclinical research on the combined use of brachytherapy and immunotherapy to improve cure rates for metastatic cancer. Read more.
DHO and Radiology Advance Collaborations with New MRI Scanner
The Departments of Human Oncology and Radiology recently unveiled a new MRI scanner in the radiation oncology clinic at University Hospital. This machine will enhance patient care and provide opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration aimed at advancing MRI use in radiation oncology. Read more.
Department Gets into the Halloween Spirit
The UW Health Radiation Oncology Clinic celebrated Halloween with costumes and a Pumpkin Decorating Contest, creating a festive environment for patients, families, and staff. Read more.
Remembering Kelly Clifton, Human Oncology Professor Emeritus
Dr. Kelly Clifton, a professor emeritus in the Department of Human Oncology who helped establish the department’s excellence in radiation biology and carcinogenesis and mentored scientists who went on to highly successful research careers, died on August 24 in Madison. He was 93. Read more.
Drs. Zachary Morris and Jamey Weichert co-lead UW Team Earning $12.5 Million NIH P01 Grant
Dr. Zachary Morris, vice chairman in the Department of Human Oncology and Dr. Jamey Weichert, professor in the Department of Radiology, along with a talented team of UW researchers, have earned a five-year, $12.5 million National Institutes of Health Research Program (P01) Grant (plus $2 million in institutional matching funds) to study the combined use of immunotherapy and targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) to treat metastatic cancer. Read more.
Dr. Randy Kimple to Lead Phase I Clinical Trial of a Therapy for Dry Mouth in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Dr. Randy Kimple, associate professor in the Department of Human Oncology, will lead a Phase I clinical trial of a new cell therapy for radiation-induced xerostomia, or dry mouth. Xerostomia is a common long-term side effect of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer that can result in problems eating, speaking and sleeping and can cause pain, fatigue and contribute to tooth decay. Read more.
New Faculty Member: Shuang (George) Zhao, MD
Dr. Shuang (George) Zhao, who earned his MS/MD and completed his radiation oncology residency training at the University of Michigan, joined the Department of Human Oncology as an assistant professor in August. Read more.
New Faculty Member: Adam Burr, MD, PhD
Dr. Adam Burr joined the Department of Human Oncology (DHO) as an assistant professor in July 2020 after completing his radiation oncology residency in the department. Read more.
RADIATION ONCOLOGY CLINIC EARNS APEX ACCREDITATION FROM ASTRO
The UW Health Radiation Oncology Clinic at University Hospital recently earned national recognition for its exceptional quality of cancer care from the American Society for Radiation Oncology’s (ASTRO) Accreditation Program for Excellence (APEx®). Read more.
DHO CELEBRATES 2020 GRADUATES
The Department of Human Oncology (DHO) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison recently celebrated the graduation of three radiation oncology residents, two radiation oncology physics residents, and two radiation oncology fellows. Read more.
Elizabeth Sumiec, Member of the Morris Lab, Named Goldwater Scholar
Elizabeth Sumiec, a junior biochemistry major who works in the lab of Department of Human Oncology Assistant Professor Zachary Morris, has been awarded a 2020 Barry Goldwater Scholarship, one of the most prestigious science awards conferred upon undergraduates in the United States. Read more.
UW Health Radiation Oncology Clinic Takes Precautions During Covid-19 Outbreak
The UW Health Radiation Oncology Clinic continues to provide high quality cancer care amid the Covid-19 outbreak. As the situation evolves, clinic staff are regularly implementing new safety precautions. Some of these occur “behind the scenes,” while others are more visible as patients and staff navigate through the radiation oncology clinic. Read more.
Drs. Blitzer And Kuczmarska-Haas Earn Awards At Uwccc Research Retreat
UW Radiation Oncology Residents Drs. Grace Blitzer and Aleksandra Kuczmarska-Haas received first and third place awards, respectively, for their presentations at the 2020 UW Carbone Cancer Center Research Retreat.
New Faculty: Craig Hullett, MD, PhD
Dr. Craig Hullett, who completed his radiation oncology residency at the University of Wisconsin in 2018, returned to the Department of Human Oncology as an assistant professor in August. Read more.
New Faculty: Mitchell Carroll, PhD
Dr. Mitchell Carroll, who earned his PhD in medical physics at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, joined the Department of Human Oncology as an assistant professor in September. Read more.
New Faculty: Brendan Barraclough, PhD
Dr. Brendan Barraclough joined the Department of Human Oncology as an assistant professor in July after completing his radiation oncology physics residency in the department. Read more.
NEW FACULTY: JOHN FLOBERG, MD, PHD
Dr. John Floberg, who earned his MD and PhD in medical physics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and completed his radiation oncology residency at Washington University in St. Louis, joined the Department of Human Oncology as an assistant professor in August. Read more.
Dr. Sangjune Laurence Lee Earns RSNA and UWCCC Grants to Study MRI-Guided Radiation
Dr. Sangjune Laurence Lee, a Wolfe Clinical Research Fellow in the Department of Human Oncology, recently earned a Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Fellow Grant and a UW Carbone Cancer Center grant in support of his research on MRI-guided radiation therapy. Read more.
Dr. Steven Howard Selected as HEADRUSH Professor
Dr. Steven Howard, associate professor of human oncology, has been awarded the HEADRUSH Brain Tumor Professorship, an endowed professorship that will provide support for his research aimed at improving care for patients with brain tumors. Read more.
DHO Members Present Their Research at Radiation Research Society Annual Meeting
The Department of Human Oncology (DHO) was well-represented at the Radiation Research Society (RRS) Annual Meeting in early November 2019. DHO presenters included faculty members Drs. Randy Kimple and Andrew Baschnagel, Bentson Translational Research Fellows Drs. Ravi Patel and Pippa Cosper, DHO graduate students Aaron Lee and Justin Jagodinsky and DHO Scientist Paul Clark. Read more.
Margaret Straub Named Wisconsin Academy of Physician Assistants’ 2019 PA Leader of the Year
Margaret Straub, a physician assistant in the Department of Human Oncology, was awarded the 2019 PA Leader of the Year award by the Wisconsin Academy of Physician Assistants. The award recognizes her leadership within the PA profession, UW Health and the community. Read more.
Dr. Paul Harari Testifies Before Congress on Prior Authorization
Dr. Paul Harari, chairman of the Department of Human Oncology, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Small Business about the challenges prior authorization creates for patients and health care providers. Read more.
13TH ANNUAL HEADS UP! GOLF OUTING RAISES $22K FOR HEAD AND NECK CANCER
The 13th Annual Heads Up! Golf Outing, a fundraiser for head and neck cancer research and treatment at the University of Wisconsin, drew 125 golfers at University Ridge Golf Course on July 29. This year’s event raised $22,000 for research. Read more.
DHO Faculty Mentor Aspiring Scientists
Mentoring aspiring cancer scientists is an important part of the Department of Human Oncology’s teaching mission. By working closely with mentors, medical, graduate and undergraduate students learn to think like scientists, gain insights into the connection between the lab and clinic, acquire hands-on skills and identify career their paths.
Read more.
DHO Celebrates Residency Program Graduates, Fellow and Educators
The Department of Human Oncology (DHO) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison recently celebrated the graduation of two radiation oncology residents, two radiation oncology physics residents and a Bentson Translational Research Fellow and honored two educators. Read more.
Concert for a Cause: Local Dance School Raises Funds for Breast Cancer Research
Midwest Performing Arts, a dance school in Waunakee, raised nearly $5,000 from its recent Concert for a Cause to support the cancer research efforts of Dr. Bethany Anderson, an associate professor in the Department of Human Oncology at the University of Wisconsin. Read more.
Head and Neck SPORE Team Highlights Progress, Looks Toward 2020 Grant Renewal
The UW HN SPORE team recently hosted its third annual retreat and external advisory board (EAB) meeting. During this one-and-a-half-day event, team members highlighted the progress of SPORE projects and core support programs while soliciting feedback from the EAB as the team begins to focus on renewal themes for this five-year NIH grant.
Dr. Jessie Huang-Vredevoogd Evaluates Clinical Capabilities of Dose Calculation Algorithm
Dr. Jessie Huang-Vredevoogd, assistant professor in the Department of Human Oncology, evaluated the capabilities of the RayStation’s Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm for electron planning. This research, co-authored with with Dr. David Dunkerley, UW radiation oncology physics resident, and Dr. Jennifer Smilowitz, DHO professor, appears in the June issue of the Journal of Applied Medical Physics. Read more.
Dr. Grace Blitzer Earns RSNA Grant for Research on Salivary Function in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Dr. Grace Blitzer, a UW radiation oncology resident, recently earned a Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Resident Research Grant. This $30,000 award supports a project that will generate preliminary data on the use of stem cell therapy for radiation-induced xerostomia, or dry mouth, in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Read more.
Dr. Jessica Schuster Wins UW Health Regional Services Excellence Award
Dr. Jessica Schuster, assistant professor in the Department of Human Oncology and radiation oncologist at UW Cancer Center Johnson Creek, recently received a UW Health Regional Services Excellence Award. Read more.
Dr. Rupak Das Retires After 22 Years in DHO
Dr. Rupak Das, professor in the Department of Human Oncology, retired from active clinical service on May 30 after 22 years. During his time in the department, Das made significant contributions, most notably in brachytherapy and resident education. In a recent interview, he shared thoughts on his career. Read more.
Dr. Zachary Morris Receives Shaw Scientist Award
Dr. Zachary Morris, assistant professor in the Department of Human Oncology, received the 2019 Shaw Scientist Award from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. The award, which comes with $200,000 in seed funding, will support Morris’ research on how different doses of radiation therapy may impact the ability of a patient’s immune system to recognize their cancer and how radiation dose may affect the susceptibility of cancer cells to that immune response. Read more.
Dr. Pippa Cosper Earns ASCO Young Investigator Award and RSNA Research Fellow Grant
Dr. Pippa Cosper, a Bentson Translational Research Fellow in the Department of Human Oncology, recently received two grants to support her study of the role of chromosomal instability as a potential mechanism and marker of radiation sensitivity in head and neck and cervical cancer: an American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Young Investigator Award and a Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Research Fellow Grant. Read more.
Dr. Jacob Witt Earns 2nd Place at UWCCC Research Retreat for Presentation on MRI-Guided SBRT
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)—a technique for delivering precise high dose external beam radiation—can be used to target metastatic lesions in the spine. But treating certain spinal lesions can be challenging given their proximity to the spinal cord and nerve roots. In a presentation that won second place for trainee oral presentations at the recent UW Carbone Cancer Center Research Retreat, Dr. Jacob Witt, a UW radiation oncology resident, outlined a new MRI-guided SBRT approach for spine metastases that potentially offers “higher confidence in terms of what we’re treating and, importantly, what we’re not treating.” Read more.
Dr. Matthew Witek Featured in Story about UW Health’s Free Head and Neck Cancer Screening
Dr. Matthew Witek, assistant professor in the Department of Human Oncology, was featured in a Spectrum News story about UW Health’s recent free head and neck cancer screening. The screening, which took place on April 12, is an annual event intended to detect head and neck cancer in its early stages. Early detection can increase a patient’s likelihood of survival and reduce treatment side effects.
DHO Excels in MR-Guided Pancreas Competition
Congratulations to Tera Kruser, UW Health dosimetrist, and Dr. Kate Mittauer, DHO staff physicist, for their excellent showing in the recent MR-guided pancreas ProKnow Plan Study. Each participant in this competition, which was open to all ViewRay Users, created a pancreas stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) plan for the same case study. Kruser’s plan came in fourth place and Mittauer’s ranked fifth. Their performance is a testament to the success of the department’s MR-guided radiation therapy program, and their plans will serve as a resource for others to improve their radiation treatment planning techniques.
UW Cancer Center Johnson Creek Begins Treatment with New State-of-the-Art Radiation Therapy Technology
On Jan. 14, the UW Cancer Center Johnson Creek commenced cancer patient treatments in a freshly upgraded radiation oncology clinic. At the heart of this upgrade is a highly sophisticated and newly commissioned Varian TrueBeam Radiotherapy System. This state-of-the-art linear accelerator will enable the clinic to provide cancer patients in Southeastern Wisconsin convenient access to many high-precision radiation treatments available at the UW Carbone Cancer Center in Madison. Read more.
Handmade Quilts of Compassion
Denise Wright recently delivered 27 handmade quilts to the Radiation Oncology Clinic at University of Wisconsin Hospital, where her brother completed treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer eight years ago and remains cancer-free. The quilts—and others she will make in the future—are intended for patients who are having a particularly difficult treatment experience or whose family is struggling emotionally or financially. Read more.
Dr. Zachary Morris and Colleagues Earn NIH Cancer Moonshot Grant
Dr. Zachary Morris, assistant professor in the University of Wisconsin Department of Human Oncology, Dr. Jamey Weichert, associate professor in the Department of Radiology, and their team of collaborators have earned a five-year, $2.5 million National Institutes of Health Cancer Moonshot grant for research aimed at improving cancer immunotherapy. Read more.
Hockey Champs
When not caring for cancer patients at UW, Radiation Oncologists Michael Bassetti and Matthew Witek are leading Team World Domination to a Sun Prairie Hockey League Championship and bringing the “Stanley” cup home to the Department of Human Oncology. Beautifully done, Mike and Matt.
New Frameless Stereotactic Radiosurgery Technique Improves Patient Experience
The Radiation Oncology Clinic at University of Wisconsin Hospital recently implemented a new method of performing stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)—a single high dose of radiation to precisely treat small primary or metastatic brain tumors and other intracranial conditions. Read more.
U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan Visits DHO Labs and Clinic
On August 27, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan visited the Department of Human Oncology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine. There he met with radiation oncologists and medical physicists to learn about the department’s cancer research and latest treatment advances. Read more.
DHO Physician Assistant Margaret Straub Earns UW Health Provider Champion Award
Margaret Straub, a physician assistant in the Department of Human Oncology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, recently received a 2017 UW Health Provider Champion Award. Read more.
Jennifer Smilowitz Elected Fellow of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine
Dr. Jennifer Smilowitz, clinical professor in the Department of Human Oncology (DHO) at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, has been elected a Fellow of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM). Read more.
Head and Neck Cancer Survivors Share their Stories at 2018 Heads Up! Golf Outing
This year’s Heads Up! outing raised $30,000 to support advances in H&N cancer research and clinical care. Click here to read more and view photos from this event.
Dr. Mark Ritter Retires after 30 Years in DHO
Dr. Mark Ritter, professor in the Department of Human Oncology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, retired from active clinical service on June 30. In a recent interview, he shared thoughts on his career, the department, the field of radiation oncology and his retirement. Read more.
DHO Celebrates Residency Program Graduates
The Department of Human Oncology (DHO) recently celebrated the graduation of three talented residents—Drs. Stephen Rosenberg, Craig Hullett and Abigail Besemer. Read more.
Dr. Michael Bassetti Receives UW Health Rising Star Award
Dr. Michael Bassetti, assistant professor in the Department of Human Oncology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, recently received a UW Health Rising Star Clinical Excellence Award. Read more.
Next Generation Cancer Trials Should Combine Radiation Therapy With Promising New Cancer Drugs
Patients could see powerful benefits if cancer research included more clinical trials that combined radiation with new targeted therapies and immunotherapy drugs, according to a white paper authored by leading University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center researcher Dr. Paul Harari.
Read more.
Dr. Ravi Patel Earns ASCO Young Investigator Award
Dr. Ravi Patel, a Bentson Translational Research Fellow in the Department of Human Oncology, recently received an American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Young Investigator Award in support of his research aimed at improving cancer immunotherapies. Read more.
Dr. Randy Kimple Named Co-Leader of UW Carbone Cancer Center’s Imaging and Radiation Sciences Program
Dr. Randy Kimple, radiation oncology faculty member in the Department of Human Oncology (DHO), has been named co-leader of the UW Carbone Cancer Center’s Imaging and Radiation Sciences (IR) Program. Read more.
DHO Implements the latest MRI-Guided Radiotherapy Technology
In 2014, the radiation oncology clinic at the University of Wisconsin Hospital became one of the first sites in the world to begin treating patients using ViewRay MRIdian, an MRI-guided radiation therapy system. This system enables clinicians to monitor tumors and surrounding tissues during treatment to ensure accurate delivery of radiation. The department continues to lead in this area with its upgrade to a ViewRay MRIdian Linac, the only FDA-cleared radiation therapy system to combine MRI guidance with a linear accelerator (linac). Read more.
Dr. Andrew Baschnagel Honored with ARRO Educator of the Year Award
Dr. Andrew Baschnagel, assistant professor in the Department of Human Oncology, recently received the 2017-2018 Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology (ARRO) Educator of the Year Award in recognition of his outstanding teaching and mentoring of residents in the department. Read more.
Reducing Side Effects During Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer
Radiation is a very effective treatment for prostate cancer, but in a small percentage of patients it also can cause toxicities to nearby organs, particularly the rectum. To reduce complications for these patients, Dr. Greg Cooley, Department of Human Oncology (DHO) clinical associate professor and radiation oncologist at UW Health East, uses an injectable hydrogel to separate the prostate from the rectum during treatment. Read more.
Dr. Kathryn Mittauer Receives Early Career Medical Physicist Scholarship Award
Dr. Kathryn Mittauer, Department of Human Oncology Bentson Clinical Research Fellow/staff medical physicist, received an Early Career Medical Physicist Scholarship Award at the Winter Institute of Medical Physics. At the meeting, Mittauer gave a presentation about her work on commissioning the department’s ViewRay MRIdian Linac, an MRI-guided radiation therapy system that enables high-precision motion management and on-table adaptive radiotherapy. Congratulations, Dr. Mittauer!
Dr. Zachary Morris Featured in UW Carbone Cancer Center Advances Newsletter
The April issue of Advances, the UW Carbone Cancer Center’s newsletter, includes an article about Human Oncology Assistant Professor Dr. Zachary Morris’ research on combining radiation therapy and immunotherapies to teach the immune system to fight cancer. Read more.
Dr. Zachary Morris’ Research Featured on NIH Director’s Blog
Dr. Zachary Morris, an assistant professor in the Department of Human Oncology (DHO) at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, studies the combined use of radiation therapy and immunotherapy to treat cancer. His work was recently featured on NIH Director Francis Collins’ blog. Read more.
Patient Benefits from Specialized Use of Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is a technique in which radioactive seeds are inserted directly into the tumor bed to deliver a precise localized dose of radiation. It is most commonly used to treat cancers of the breast, prostate and gynecological tract. In some instances, it also offers an excellent option for other disease sites when typical treatment methods are not possible. Read more.
Grateful Patient Donates Bell to UW Cancer Center–Johnson Creek
One year after completing treatment for prostate cancer, Brad Glassel donated a bell to UW Cancer Center–Johnson Creek for patients to ring to celebrate the end of their treatment. Read more.
Radiation Oncology Shows Its Halloween Spirit
Radiation Oncology personnel show Department Chairman Dr. Paul Harari why the UW Radiation Oncology Clinic is a perennial leader in patient satisfaction every year. Halloween is just one of the many holidays where creative fun and team spirit can help our patients and families through the challenges of cancer treatments. Read more.
Radiation Oncology Resident Dr. Stephen Rosenberg’s Book Clarifies Cancer Concepts for Patients
Dr. Stephen Rosenberg, a UW radiation oncology chief resident, is hoping to help patients and their loved ones understand the complex information that comes with a cancer diagnosis with his book “Cancer: What You Need to Know.” Read more.
Dr. Thomas J. Pugh, Visiting Professor
On Oct. 20, the University of Wisconsin Department of Human Oncology (DHO) had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Thomas J. Pugh, associate professor of radiation oncology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Pugh, a talented clinician and researcher with special expertise in genitourinary cancer, served as a visiting professor and shared his perspectives with DHO residents and fellows. Read more.
Dr. Zachary Morris Wins Prestigious NIH Director’s Early Independence Award
Dr. Zachary Morris, an assistant professor in the Department of Human Oncology (DHO) at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, has won a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director’s Early Independence Award. Read more.
Dr. Alan Rapraeger Awarded NCI Funding to Study Myeloma Cell Signaling
Dr. Alan Rapraeger, professor of human oncology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, has been awarded a five-year, $1.9 million R01 grant from the National Cancer Institute to investigate signaling mechanisms that drive myeloma cell proliferation, survival and invasion. Read more.
11th Annual Heads Up! Golf Outing More Than $20,000 for Head and Neck Cancer
The 11th Annual Heads Up! Golf Outing, a fundraiser for head and neck cancer research and treatment at the University of Wisconsin, brought together 130 golfers and more than 180 dinner guests at University Ridge Golf Course on July 24. This year’s outing raised more than $20,000. Read more.
Dr. Andrew Baschnagel Earns Carbone Young Investigator Award
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a difficult disease to treat and cure. The prognosis is particularly poor if it spreads to the brain, which can occur in 20 to 30 percent of patients with this disease. Read more.
DHO Explores New Technique to Improve the Daily Precision of Radiation Therapy
Faculty and staff in the Department of Human Oncology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health are investigating a new way to adjust radiation treatment plans rapidly to account for subtle anatomical changes that may occur daily during the course of treatment. Read More.