Radiation Oncology research

About our research

Clinical research in a radiotherapy setting looks to improve patient treatments, care and outcomes.

We do this by conducting research on new treatments, new equipment and new ways of working.

Research can be both:

Much of our research involves clinical trials - comparing new treatments with current treatments in a controlled and safe manner.

We are currently conducting the following research projects:

Review of patient outcomes after total body irradiation from two large centres with different practices
A biochemical definition of cure following brachytherapy for prostate cancer
Dosimetric verification and nanoparticle dose enhancement of synchrotron microbeams
Development of real time source tracking systems and dosimetric verification techniques for high dose rate brachytherapy
LDR Brachytherapy Calibration Inter-comparison
Long Term Stability of a HDR Brachytherapy Well Chamber
Metal Artefact Reduction Algorithm Analysis
Dose-response models of urethral strictures for prostate patients treated with HDR brachytherapy boost
Predictive Modelling for Radiotherapy Treatment Planning and Dose Escalation in Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer (Predict-PCa/RT Protocol)
Using deep learning with MRI scanning to improve diagnosis and management of brain tumours
Visualisation of the oesophagus on cone-beam computed tomography with oral contrast during radiotherapy to the chest
3D printing in radiotherapy
Dosimetric impact of catheter displacement
Target coverage and organs-at-risk (OAR) doses of the left breast in female lung cancer patients treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) but not in deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH)
Exhale breath hold in liver
An investigation of parameters affecting grid size dependence in dose distributions

First centre in the world to have real time treatment verification imaging for high dose rate brachytherapy
First centre in Victoria to deliver stereotactic intracranial radiosurgery and radiotherapy treatment (ARO)
First centre in Asia-Pacific to receive the Novalis Certification of the stereotactic program. Received re-certification in 2020 (ARO)
First centre in Victoria to deliver permanent radioactive seed implants for prostate cancer (ARO)
First Australian centre to employ electronic portal imaging (digital real-time imaging that replaced x-ray film) to verify treatment delivery (ARO)
First Australian centre with AlignRT surface-guided imaging (ARO); with Gippsland Radiation Oncology the first regional centre to use AlignRT technology
First centre in Australia to enable skin mark-free set ups using SGRT (ARO/GRO)
Established 3D printing program for tissue equivalent accessories to aid in treatment
Second site in Victoria to implement Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (GRO)