RESEARCH UPDATE

Unprecedented Growth Driven by Proton Therapy Studies

Meet Avani Rao, MD

Dr. Rao has seen firsthand the importance philanthropy plays in research. In 2021, Dr. Rao’s position was funded as part of a transformational gift by Dr. Gary D. Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather to create the Mather Proton Therapy Center. Since then, she has seen tremendous changes in the program.

“Proton therapy has opened doors for us in terms of joining national research studies. From a research perspective, our footprint has grown and will continue to grow, ” says Dr Rao “Before we had proton therapy available, the majority of trials were not radiation-centric. Once we opened the Mather Proton Therapy Center, we were able to significantly expand our portfolio of clinical trials. ”

As for future research, Dr. Rao sees tremendous growth potential ahead. “As our program expands, I see more opportunities for us to expand our research and engage the next generation of investigators. ” Dr. Rao was awarded young investigator awards in 2022 for both NRG Oncology and Children's Oncology Group and serves on the Core Voting Committee of the Non-Colorectal GI Committee and the Cervix/Vulvar Subcommittee.

Research highlights:

Largest community-based enroller in the U.S. to a phase 3 breast cancer study for proton therapy versus standard photon radiation. This study is designed to help discover if one type of radiation is better, about the same, or worse in terms of side effects, cure rates, length of life or quality of life after radiation

Abstracts presented at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiation and Oncology (ASTRO) and original research papers submitted to Alternative Payment Model (APM), the highest volume in recent history

18 research studies, including cooperative research with the Proton Collaborative Group and National Research Group to compare proton and photon therapy in certain cancers, including:

Adjuvant or Salvage Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Comparing Proton Therapy to Photon Radiation Therapy for Esophageal Cancer

Comparing Photon Therapy To Proton Therapy To Treat Patients With Lung Cancer

Dr. Gopal Bajaj, President of Radiation

Oncology Associates, gave an educational session presentation at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)’s 2022 Annual Meeting, where he spoke about “The Role of Clinical Leadership in Mitigating Staff Burnout. ” Dr. Bajaj is the Chair of the Government Relations Council on the Board of Directors for ASTRO and serves on the Finance and Practice Accreditation Committees.