Research Interests:

• The application of electron beams to radiation oncology
• Dosimetry protocols for treatment machine calibrations
• The development and understanding of neutron therapy

The electron beam work started when only a few centers worldwide had access to electron beams and required developing calibration, quality assurance, and maintenance procedures as well as appropriate clinical techniques. This work has led to extensive collaboration nationally and internationally on electron beam tretments.

The development of dosimetry protocols became necessary w hen the energies and modalities of treatment machines were different from the national standards for measuring radiation, which was and is cobalt-60, 1.25 MeV gamma rays. Treatment machines now use 4-50MV X-rays and 4-25 MeV electrons. This work required developing and using such dosimetry systems as calorimetrs, chemical dosimeters, ionization chambers, and thermoluminescent dosimeters, as well as developing the necessary cavity theory. This work has led to writing national and international calibration protocols.

Although no longer used in this institution, considerable work was done on neutron therapy. A suitable neutron source was developed, as well as calibration and treatment techniques. It also involved participating in the radiobiology studies. This research led to a clearer understanding of the radiobiology and dose-time relationships in conventional radiotherapy.

I continue to be interested in unconventional modality treatments and I am spending time on the health physics and regulatory questions that are posed by proton therapy.

Publications

Program Affiliation:

Program in Medical Physics