Radiation Oncology Research

Decades of radiation oncology research have transformed the way cancer patients are treated, leading to better outcomes and longer lives. That's why choosing UMGCCC'S Department of Radiation Oncology, a national leader in radiation therapy research, means that you are choosing exceptional care.

Our patients have access to cutting-edge, investigator-led trials as well as National Cancer Institute (NCI) group trials and do not pay anything additional for their involvement.

UMGCCC received its second, five-year designation as an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in 2021. Cancer centers in this category are among the nation's most elite and focus on research that improves your chances for a successful outcome.

NRG Oncology, a major research group within the NCI National Clinical Trials Network, determined that more patients sign up for clinical trials at UMGCCC, the Maryland Proton Treatment Center (MPTC) and the department's four community practices than do at most cancer treatment centers in the world. UMGCCC, which has consistently ranked among the top 10 of NRG Oncology's member sites worldwide in terms of patient enrollments for clinical trials, was ranked number one in the United States and tied for the number two worldwide ranking as of 2022.

Patients interested in clinical trials at the University of Maryland come from all backgrounds and age groups. Between 2015 and 2019, 48% of patients enrolled in UMGCCC clinical trials were African American/ Black or Hispanic.

Clinical Trials at UM Department of Radiation Oncology

Our own physician-scientists are creating new ways to deliver radiation therapy, including breakthroughs like GammaPod, proton therapy and hyperthermia.

Our team has active research in a number of specialties, including hypofractionation (which means radiation treatments are divided into large doses given up to once a day), hyperthermia and proton therapy.

Our experienced clinical research teams support radiation oncology trials at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) as well as our other programs throughout Maryland, including

• Tate Cancer Center at UM BWMC
• Kaufman Cancer Center at UM UCH
• Shore Regional Health
• Maryland Proton Treatment Center (MPTC)
• Central Maryland Radiation Oncology
• University of Maryland School of Medicine 

Find Open Clinical Trials at All Our Locations

GammaPod

The GammaPod for early-stage breast cancer was invented by doctors and scientists at the University of Maryland and received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance in 2017. The clinical trials that led to full FDA clearance were performed at UMMC.

In ongoing clinical trials, researchers are seeking to identify patients who could potentially be treated with GammaPod radiation alone.

The GammaPod is proven to be safe. Clinical trials with the potential to improve convenience of care, patient comfort and cosmetic outcomes are available.

Learn more about the GammaPod.

Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia therapy uses radio waves to gently heat tumors, making cancer cells more vulnerable to radiation. This treatment can be applied on the surface or in deep-seated areas of the body as well as to tumors that have been previously treated with radiation therapy, known as reirradiation. Clinical trials that combine hyperthermia with other forms of radiation therapy are ongoing at both UMMC and MPTC.

Learn more about Hyperthermia.

Proton Therapy

Proton therapy uses protons to precisely target the cancer cells in many types of localized solid tumors. The Maryland Proton Treatment Center (MPTC) has consistently been one of the top accruing places for clinical trial patients since it first opened in 2016 and currently has every open proton trial in the nation available.

Physicians at MPTC are available to review the clinical trial options that may be right for your treatment plan.

For more information about the wide range of clinical trials offered at MPTC, please visit the MPTC clinical trials website.

Contact Us

For more information on research activities in the Department of Radiation Oncology please call 410-369-5226 or contact:

Mark V Mishra, MD
Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology,
University of Maryland School of Medicine

Director of Clinical Research,
Department of Radiation Oncology

Mmishra@umm.edu