Christopher Peeler
Assistant Professor
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Department of Radiation Physics
My contributions to the field of medical physics research have thus far primarily focused on the investigation of patient outcomes in proton radiotherapy. This has included a study focused on the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of proton therapy in the treatment of pediatric ependymoma patients. In this study I utilized post-treatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to develop a model to predict the risk of post-treatment image change based on the dose and linear energy transfer (LET) of the delivered proton treatment plan. Other studies have involved modeling of tumor control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) for several different treatment sites. My ongoing research interests involve the application of machine learning techniques for the development of treatment outcome models based on patient clinical data and pre-, during, and post-treatment quantitative imaging. Such studies can be carried out irrespective of treatment modality (e.g. photon therapy, proton therapy, heavy ion therapy, etc.). As a member of the thoracic physics service at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, some of my work will focus on the improvement of simulation and radiation treatment techniques for thoracic cancer patients, which could involve stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), breath-hold simulation and treatment, and 4D computed tomography (4DCT), as these are all integral techniques and tools utilized on our service.
Education & Training
PhD, MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School, 2016