Almon S. Shiu, Ph.D. 1988, The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Department of Radiation Physics Contact Information

Research Interests:

• Image-guided stereotactic radiotherapy (IGRT)
• Non-invasive head frame for stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy (SRS/SRT)
• Verification of radiotherapy treatment delivery and small field radiation dosimetry

My major research interests are presently in IGRT. We are focused on the development of IGRT technique for spinal and paraspinal treatment. Our technique has overcome the difficulties related to creating a reliable spatial relationship between patient anatomy and the stereotactic coordinate system. The 3D-3D image registration and verification software was developed at MDACC and used for precisely delivering radiotherapy to the spinal lesions while avoiding damage to the spinal cord. In addition, we have incorporated a 6D robotic couch top for our LINAC/CT-on-Rails unit. This feature provides the automatic patient repositioning process, which could remove the possibility of human errors for updating the target isocenter incorrectly and improves the treatment-process efficiency. Furthermore, we have extended this concept to develop a non-invasive frame for SRS/SRT treatment of brain and cervical spine using Gamma Knife Perfexion unit.

Publications

Program Affiliation:

Program in Medical Physics