Shane Krafft
Assistant Professor
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Department of Radiation Physics
My primary research interests have been focused in the area of radiation-related normal tissue response and development of models to improve response prediction. In particular, I have sought to better understand severe acute radiation induced lung injury. The threat of this side effect limits the maximum curative potential of the delivered treatment. Some patients may need a higher dose whereas others might benefit from a lower dose. Currently, however, we are unable to accurately identify the optimal dosage on an individual basis. Numerous groups have worked to develop predictive models of this treatment related toxicity. Patient and treatment-related characteristics have been used in these models with limited success. I sought to leverage a different class of data—quantitative computed tomography (CT) image features. Extraction of image features from computed tomography datasets provides potential to better understand progression and risk of lung injury resulting from various radiation therapy treatment modalities.
As a clinical faculty member, I now work heavily on clinical projects that introduce new and improve existing technologies with primary focus on radiation therapy for brain and spine malignancies.
Research Interests:
- Radiation therapy dose response modeling
- Radiation-induced lung injury and prediction modeling
- Computed tomography radiomics
- Stereotactic spine radiosurgery
- Linac and Gamma Knife based treatment of brain metastases
Education & Training
PhD, MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School, 2016