All residents are required to complete three formal courses during their rotation: Radiation Oncology Physics; Radiation Biology; Practical Treatment Planning and Dosimetry. Organized instruction in medical statistics, general clinical oncology and hyperthermia is also provided.

Instructors: Jointly taught with University of North Carolina Faculty

D. Kirsch, M.D., Ph.D., M.W. Dewhirst, D.V.M, Ph.D., Z. Vujaskovic, Ph.D.

Elaine Zeman, Ph.D. Recipient of 2007-2008 Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology Teacher of the Year Award.

 

This course is offered every other year and consists of lectures surveying the fields of Cancer Biology, Radiation Biology, and Hyperthermia. Lectures include: Introduction to the physics of interaction of ionizing radiation with matter; radiation chemistry; DNA damage and repair, radiation induced gene expression, survival curves; modifiers of radiation effects; cellular, tissue, and whole-body effects of radiation exposure; radiation pathology, growth factors; radiation carcinogenesis; mutagenesis; teratogenesis; genetic hazards; risk benefit analysis; cell kinetic effects; hypoxia and tumor physiology; fractionation and dose rate effects; radiation/chemotherapy interactions; hyperthermia biology; hyperthermia physics and clinical indications for hyperthermia. Evaluation of student learning is assessed via performance on a written examinations and in-class participation. Starting in 2008, this class will be videoconferenced at both UNC and Duke.

Fanf-Fang Yin, Ph.D., Devon Godfrey, Ph.D., and others
Instructor: Radiation Physics Faculty

This course is offered every other year for radiation oncology residents. It is designed to cover a broad range of theoretical and practical topics in general physics and radiation oncology physics. Topics include the structure of matter and nuclear transformations, production of x-rays, clinical radiation generators, interaction of radiation with matter, measurement of radiation, calculation of absorbed dose, elements of treatment planning, electron and particle beam therapy, brachytherapy, medical imaging, and radiation protection. The textbook used for this course is The Physics of Radiation Therapy by Faiz M. Khan. Weekly homework assignments are given from recent RAPHEX physics exams. In alternate years a course discussing special topics in 3D treatment planning and IMRT is offered.

Clinical Rotation: one to two 1 month rotations
Instructor: Kim Light, CMD, and Dosimetry Staff

This is an intensive “hands-on” exposure to all aspects of the dosimetric and treatment planning activities used in the Division of Physics. Residents are required to perform routine monitor unit and treatment plan calculations, generate computer isodose distribution, and learn basic concepts of the development of clinically acceptable treatment plans. They will also learn all aspects of stereotactic, 3D, and IMRT treatment planning including proper immobilization and planning procedures. Residents will learn the use and construction of treatment aids, such as blocks, compensators, bolus, and immobilization devices. All aspects of brachytherapy procedures are covered, including calculation of implant times, production of isodose curves, and radiation safety procedures.

Number of Lecture Hours: 4
Coordinators:

Bercedes Peterson, Ph.D (Cancer Center Biostatistics) and L. Marks, M.D.

This course is taught by members of the Cancer Center Biostatistics Center. It is designed to familiarize residents with statistical methods commonly used in radiation oncology. Topics to be discussed include univariate and multivariate analyses, survival calculations, meta-analysis, experimental design, and common pitfalls in understanding the medical literature.

Number of Lecture Hours: 30
Coordinators: S.S. Smith, M.D. and others

 

The class goal of Clinical Oncology is to systematically cover standard management approaches for each type/site of cancer (Head and Neck, Gyn, GU, Pediatrics, etc). It is a review course that allows residents to focus intensively on one topic and its pertinent literature. Radiation therapy risks, benefits, techniques, doses and outcomes are covered. The appropriate uses of surgery and chemotherapy are emphasized. Reading for the class consists of selected key journal articles. The class meets weekly throughout most of the year. At the completion of each topic, mock oral boards are given by the faculty.

Instructors: may be Jointly taught with North Carolina State University Faculty

M.W. Dewhirst, D.V.M, Ph.D., L. Prosnitz, M.D., Ellen Jones, M.D., Ph.D., Paul Stauffer, M.S., Zeljko Vujaskovic, Ph.D.

Donald Thrall, D.V.M., Ph.D.

The hyperthermia rotation generally spans a two-month period during the PGY-4 year. This experience is often combined with Dr. Jones’ clinical GYN rotation. This period will involve evaluation of prospective patients for hyperthermia treatments; participation in treatment administration and quality assurance; basic experiments demonstrating physical characteristics of hyperthermia applicators and thermometry methods; assigned reading covering hyperthermia biology, physics, and medicine; participation in chart rounds; and completion of an individual project.

S.B. Field and J.W. Hand, Eds., An Introduction to the Practical Aspects of Clinical Hyperthermia, Taylor & Francis, London, 1990.