Medical Physics Research Overview
The goal of our department's medical physics labs is to develop novel imaging and therapy technologies to improve the precision and outcome of radiation treatments with high efficiency and minimal imaging dose.
FLASH Radiotherapy
FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) is a treatment technique that administers ultra-high doses of radiation therapy in less time and spares surrounding healthy tissue without compromising tumor control.
In 2020, the department committed to a $1.8 million investment across all three of our divisions, clinical, physics, and the Division of Translational Radiation Sciences (DTRS), to elucidate the basic science of high-dose-rate FLASH radiotherapy techniques, conduct and report on translational studies, and implement the knowledge gained in clinical applications.
Learn more about department research in FLASH-RT.
Hyperthermia Therapy Program
Hyperthermia therapy uses heat to sensitize tumor cells and increase the effectiveness of other cancer treatments, such as traditional photo radiation therapy, proton therapy, and chemotherapy.
Researchers in the department are looking at novel hyperthermia therapy applications and at the scientific bases that underlie the effectiveness of these treatments.
Learn more about the hyperthermia therapy program.
Imaging and Image Guidance
The overall goal of this research is to establish advanced diagnostic imaging technologies and understand radiation-induced normal tissue toxicities. This group seeks to improve the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer through preclinical and clinical investigations, as well as the translation of novel forms of cancer imaging, radiobiologic agents, and precision radiotherapy.
Major research areas include small animal myocardial functional MRI, small animal image-guided radiotherapy, and next generation motion management.
Lean more about research in imaging and image guidance.
Pre-Clinical Physics Dosimetry
The pre-clinical physics dosimetry group in the Department of Radiation Oncology provides services to internal and external investigators, designing biological experimental irradiation protocols and performing dosimetry work.
Dosimetry Verification Services to NIAID’s Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP)
In 2026, the University of Maryland received a five-year award to provide National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)’s Radiation Dosimetry Verification Services to NIAID’s Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP).
This program will provide independent radiation dosimetry verification and harmonization across NIAID-funded radiation medical countermeasure studies. This effort builds on our broader work in preclinical radiation physics, experimental dosimetry, radiation biology, and FLASH dosimetry at the University of Maryland's Division of Medical Physics and Division of Translational Radiation Sciences (DTRS).
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