Research summary
Brachytherapy is a cancer treatment that involves inserting radioactive implants into tumours to deliver a high dose of radiation while protecting surrounding healthy tissues. But current delivery methods can still allow radiation to spill in all directions, including onto healthy tissues. Dr. Shirin Abbasinejad Enger, Canada Research Chair in Medical Physics, is trying to change this.
Enger is working to develop better dose detection strategies and personalized treatments in brachytherapy. She and her research team are using software to develop a new approach to radiation delivery that will direct the radiation toward the tumour and away from healthy tissues. Ultimately, the goal of her research is to improve patients’ quality of life.