The Department of Radiation OncologyAdvancing cancer care through discovery, training, and life-saving results.

Radiation Oncology is one of the three foundational pillars of modern cancer care, alongside surgical and medical oncology. Its clinical impact depends on the ability to deliver highly precise radiation doses that maximize tumor control while preserving surrounding normal tissue. At UTMB, this precision is achieved through advanced treatment platforms and AI-enabled planning systems that support individualized, data-driven care.

Our program offers a comprehensive suite of state-of-the-art radiation technologies, including VMAT-IMRT, HDR brachytherapy for gynecologic malignancies, motion-managed radiation delivery, and a robust SRS and SBRT program for early-stage disease and oligometastatic cancer. These capabilities enable hypofractionated and ultra-hypofractionated treatment approaches, such as five-day breast radiation protocols that replace traditional five- to six-week regimens. In addition to oncologic care, our department maintains an active clinical program treating select benign conditions, including osteoarthritis.

As part of our long-term strategic vision, UTMB is investing in next-generation technologies such as RapidArc Dynamic, HyperSight, and HyperArc. These platforms will further advance conformal planning, treatment accuracy, and toxicity reduction, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, safety, and clinical excellence.

Upendra Parvathaneni headshot

Upendra Parvathaneni, MBBS, FRANZCR

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UTMB’s Commitment to Cancer Care and Research

Cancer is the second leading cause of death before the age of 70 worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, with 9–10 million deaths reported in 2018. It is poised to become the single major obstacle to increasing life expectancy in the 21st century. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 599,099 cancer deaths in the United States in 2017. The economic and emotional costs for both individuals with cancer and society are enormous. The American Cancer Society and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality estimated that direct medical costs for cancer in the United States totaled $80.2 billion in 2015.

UTMB’s cancer care and research initiatives are fully aligned with the United States’ War on Cancer campaign and focus on four major objectives: screening, treatment, research, and education.

Screening
Our cancer screening programs follow national guidelines for lung, breast, prostate, cervical, and colorectal cancers—helping detect disease early, improve cure rates, and reduce treatment costs.
Treatment

Cancer treatment approaches vary depending on the type, stage, location, and biology of the disease. Major categories include:

Research
UTMB’s cancer research is supported through collaborations and funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Department of Health and Human Services, and leading pharmaceutical partners. Research efforts focus on understanding the origins and progression of cancer and developing innovative therapeutic strategies.
Education and Outreach
UTMB trains the next generation of radiation oncologists, clinicians, and scientists through hands-on education, research opportunities, and mentorship. In addition, faculty and students are actively involved in community cancer awareness and prevention campaigns across the region.