Radiation Medicine Commons^™

Perceptions Of Radiology Residency Staffing Models Across Years Of Training, Alex Zhang, Alexander Swantek, Adela Pouzar, Sayf Al-Katib

Posters

Case staffing is the primary method by which radiology residencies teach at the workstation. Despite this, the styles and methods for how staffing is performed have not yet been comprehensively described. Understanding these models and evaluating resident perspectives can inform best practices and enhance radiology education.

Influence Of Background Music On Proton Dose Monitors, Julia Colangeli, Rachel Felder, Nicole Geer, Favour Ihenwe, Shermineh Roodi, Sandra John Baptiste

Research Methods Poster Session 2026

This study examines the effects of background music, particularly varying bass frequencies, on dose monitor accuracy in proton therapy using the Hitachi PROBEAT-FR proton accelerator.

Clinical Outcomes Of Neoadjuvant Chemoimmunotherapy Vs. Chemoradiotherapy In Operable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Tal Sherman, Nikta Nair, Marli Meller, Raleigh Anderson, Guillermo Jimenez, Elizaveta Flevora, Charalambos Solomides, Rita Axelrod, Sarah Gordon, Ida Micaily, Maria Werner-Wasik, Sung Whang, Tyler Grenda, Olugbenga Okusanya, Nathaniel R. Evans, Iii, Nilanjan Haldar, Erik Blomain

Department of Radiation Oncology Posters

Introduction

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for ~85% of lung cancers and remains the leading cause of cancer death.
• Surgery is curative for early-stage disease, but recurrence rates remain high.
• CheckMate-816 trial established neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy (chemo-IO) as a new standard for resectable NSCLC, demonstrating improved pathologic response and event-free survival.
• PACIFIC trial showed the survival benefit of consolidative immunotherapy after chemoradiotherapy (chemo-RT) in unresectable stage III NSCLC, highlighting the synergy between radiation and immune checkpoint blockade.
• Despite these advances, there is little comparative data on the role of chemo-IO versus chemo-RT in the neoadjuvant, operable setting.
• Objective: To compare …

Anatomically Accurate, Low-Cost 3d-Printed Nasopharynx Simulator For Nasolaryngoscopy Training, Tal Sherman, Robert Walker, Voichita Bar-Ad, Firas Mourtada

Department of Radiation Oncology Posters

Introduction

- Flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy (NPL) is a core diagnostic and procedural skill in otolaryngology, radiation oncology, and related specialties. Early mastery is essential for safe patient care, but traditional training is limited by:

• Reliance on patient encounters, which may cause discomfort and restrict practice opportunities.
• High cost of commercial simulators(often $3,000–$5,000), restricting access across many programs.
• Lack of anatomical accuracyin available models, limiting their educational value.

- Gap: There is currently no accessible, anatomically faithful, and affordable tool for widespread trainee use.

- Objective: To design, fabricate, and validate a low-cost, anatomically accurate 3D-printed simulator for training in flexible NPL

Advances In Minimally Invasive Hepatobiliary Interventions For Non-Operative Candidates, Tulasi Talluri, Philip Cieplinski, Kristian Loveridge

Posters

Cholangioscopy is a technique used for diagnosing and treating patients with pathologies of the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. It has been available since 1976 but with limited use in interventional radiology (IR) due to issues with steerability, irrigation capabilities, requirement for more than one operator, and poor percutaneous access options; however, direct intraluminal visualization of the gallbladder, common bile ducts, and even the ampulla and duodenum has become more practical with the advent of single operator percutaneous systems. Access to the biliary system can now be made through smaller 11 French sheath/delivery systems allowing for improved maneuverability into the common …

Toxicity And Clinical Outcomes Following Brachytherapy Using 3-D Dosimetric Planning In Patients With Cervical Cancer: An Institutional Experience, Nikita M. Patel, Jacob F. Oyeniyi, Maha Saada Jawad

Posters

• Cervical cancer is the most common gynecological cancer worldwide.1

• The standard of care for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) includes primary chemoradiation, brachytherapy, and external-beam radiotherapy.2

• Brachytherapy (BT) involves the targeted delivery of radiation to the cervix (Fig 1). However, radiation can be toxic to surrounding structures, most commonly affecting the gynecological, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal systems.3

• Historically, brachytherapy was planned using a 2-D approach, which had limitations in accuracy and increased toxicity to the adjacent bowel and bladder. 3-D planning using CT or MRI has been shown to have improved dose precision and reduced toxicity.4

• …

Comparison Of Two Adjuvant High-Dose Rate Vaginal Cuff Brachytherapy Dose Fractionation Regimens For Treatment Of Early-Stage Uterine Cancer, Catherine Raciti, Hong Ye, Allison J. Hazy, Maha Saada Jawad

Posters

• Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in the United States, with peak incidence at 63 years of age.¹

• PORTEC-2 trial established VBT alone as an effective modality for select high-intermediate risk patients.2

• There was no strict ABS guideline for dose fractionation; our institution adopted a 30Gy in 6 fractions regimen based on radiobiological calculations.3,4

• COVID-19 pandemic led to a shift towards 22Gy in 4 fractions

• Objective: Compare oncologic outcomes and toxicity between the 30Gy/6fx and 22Gy/4fx regimens.

• Hypothesis: Both regimens are well-tolerated and equally effective.

• Impact: Findings will inform clinical practice …

Organ-Specific Dosimetry Following Radiopharmaceutical Therapy For Metastatic Prostate Cancer, Frank J. Arturi, Nilanjan Haldar, Shray Jain, Gia Nguyen, Jessie Dinome, Firas Mourtada, Lydia J. Wilson, Phd

Department of Radiation Oncology Posters

Introduction

• Radiopharmaceutical Therapy (RPT) uses radioactive agents to target cancer at the cellular level
• Lu-177 targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), known as 177Lu- PSMA-617, can be used to treat metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)
• 177Lu-PSMA-617 treatments use a standard dose and treatment regimen for all patients
• Patients exhibit different side effects and tumor response during treatment

Inducing Accelerated Lung Toxicity In Mice Using A Partial Arc Sbrt Technique, Andrew Gerry, Charita Kunta, Noelle Francois, Tiziana Deangelis, Anuradha Shastri, Nicole Simone, Reza Taleei

Department of Radiation Oncology Posters

Background

• Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is a frequent outcome of thoracic radiation therapy, constraining safe tumor radiation dosage. Various animal models, such as mice, rats, and pigs, have been devised to study RIPF
• Current methods for inducing lung fibrosis in mice involve whole lung irradiation with doses between 2-20 Gy. These methods used fixed anterior and posterior (AP/PA) x-ray beams at 0º and 180º with analysis typically commencing 24 to 52 weeks post-radiation
• Current methods are unrepresentative of modern radiation therapy techniques and are limited by the associated long latency of RIPF

Tumor Locations Impact On Cardiac Toxicity In Women That Received Partial Breast Irradiation, Sara Diltz, Muayad Almahariq, Joshua Dilworth

Posters

Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is an appropriate modality for select women with low-risk breast cancer. While APBI delivers radiation dose to a smaller volume of breast tissue compared to whole breast irradiation, dose to the heart and coronary vessels may be relatively high, depending on the proximity of the treatment device to these structures. The primary goal of this study is to determine if the risk of adverse cardiac events depends on tumor location in women receiving APBI.

High Dose Rate Brachytherapy Monotherapy Versus External Beam Radiotherapy With Hdr Brachytherapy Boost For Unfavorable Intermediate Prostate Cancer Patients, Doyle Lang, Benjamin Willen, Daniel J. Krauss, Sirisha R. Nandalur

Posters

Prostate cancer is the most common male malignancy by incidence in the world. Treatment differs by the patient’s risk stratification. For the treatment of unfavorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer, external beam radiotherapy with high-dose-rate brachytherapy boost was the accepted treatment but high-dose-rate brachytherapy as monotherapy has been proposed as a potentially viable treatment option. External beam radiotherapy treatment involves shooting high-energy photons or particle radiation through normal healthy tissue to hit the tumor directly. High-dose-rate brachytherapy involves inserting radioactive seeds into the tumor. Studies are needed to compare toxicity profiles and relative outcomes between the two treatment options.

Impact Of Structured Reporting Template On The Quality Of Hrct Radiology Reports For Interstitial Lung Disease, Han G. Ngo, Girish B. Nair, Sayf Al-Katib

Posters

This QI study compared the completeness of HRCT radiology reports before and after the implementation of a disease-specific structured reporting template for suspected cases of interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Dose To The Left Anterior Descending Artery Correlates With Cardiac Events After Irradiation For Breast Cancer, Brittany Silverman, Andrew Zureick, Vincent Grzywacz, Muayad Almahariq, Aleksander Vayntraub, Joshua Dilworth

Posters

Although global heart dose has been associated with late cardiac toxic effects in patients who received radiation therapy for breast cancer, data detailing the clinical significance of cardiac substructure dosimetry are limited. We investigated whether dose to the left anterior descending artery (LAD) correlates with adverse cardiac events.

Influence Of Pretreatment Magnetic Resonance Imaging On Local Therapy Decisions For Intermediate-Risk Prostate Cancer Patients, Christian Skowronski, Andrew Shanholtzer, Brent Yelton, Muayad Almahariq, Daniel Krauss

Posters

Prostate cancer has the third highest incidence rate and is the second leading cause of cancer death for men in the United States. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides superior soft tissue delineation serving as a valuable tool for both diagnosis and treatment planning. With minimal data regarding utility on diagnosis and treatment planning for intermediate-risk prostate cancer, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s guidelines indicate MRI as optional in intermediate-risk prostate cancer evaluation. This project aims to elucidate whether MRI affects radiation treatment decisions for intermediate-risk prostate cancer.

Outcomes Of Locally Advanced Lung Cancer Patients Treated With 60 Gy Vs. 70 Gy, Batoul Nasser, Muyad Almahariq, Inga Grills

Posters

The standard form of treatment for locally advanced lung cancer is to prescribe the conventional dose of 60 Gy radiation therapy (RT) concurrently with chemotherapy. However, five-year overall survival is still less than 20%. These outcomes remain poor due to both distant and local regional recurrence. The literature suggests that local regional control and overall survival is strongly associated with doses of radiotherapy that are higher than 60 Gy. However, when escalating radiation dose was prescribed exceeding 70 Gy, the overall survival rates plateaued. The primary goal of this study is to determine if there is a marked difference in …

Fluoroscopic Demonstration Of Thoracic Tumor Immobilization With High Frequency Percussive Ventilation, Cristian Solano, Ina M. Sala, Beverly Maurer, Ronald Levitin, Thomas M. Guerrero

Posters

INTRODUCTION
High frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV) is a novel immobilization technique that utilizes high frequency low tidal volume ventilation to produce endotracheal percussion. In a previous departmental study of chest wall motion immobilization, it was found that volunteers were able to tolerate HFPV for varying lengths of time – from a few to tens of minutes. By investigating a novel process to immobilize the chest wall, and thus thoracic tumors, it can allow for more localized radiation delivery and reduction of healthy tissue irradiation.

Development Of A Deep Neural Network For Synthesis Of Non-Contrast Cranial T1-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Agueda M. Taylor, Evan Porter, Thomas Guerrero

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Although 122 out of 1000 people in the US have MRI’s done each year, there are over 4 million with contraindications that subsequently forgo the diagnostic benefits. Studies in recent years have implemented artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms such as deep neural networks (DNN) for production of synthetic medical imaging. The goals of this project are to develop a DNN, specifically a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) that will predict synthetic Cranial T1 Weighted MRI from non-contrast CT, and to evaluate the model quality.

Functional Lung Segmentation From Computed Tomography Images Using Deep Learning, Duyen M. Quach, Evan Porter, Thomas M. Guerrero

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Functional avoidance treatment planning allows radiation oncologists to intentionally minimize radiation dose to higher-functioning lung areas while favoring radiation dose towards lower-functioning regions. This treatment planning method has been shown to reduce pulmonary toxicity for patients receiving radiation therapy. Functional lung information, traditionally ventilation or perfusion SPECT scans, is required to plan for functional avoidance.

Evaluating The Impact Of Software Distortion Correction On Target Doses In Cranial Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Sharjil Shamim, Zachary Seymour

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Brainlab’s Elements suite proposed a novel MR distortion correction method based on CT imaging. This involves registration of sub-volumes from MR imaging to generate single continuous deformation field maps, creating a corrected MR image set. No literature currently exists studying the impact of software correction on target dose for cranial stereotactic radiosurgery. In this study, we aim to evaluate the impact of Brainlab distortion correction on radiation target dose compared to original treatment plans without distortion correction.

The Prognostic Significance Of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase As A Biomarker In Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas Treated With Conventional Chemoradiation, Kenneth H. Barker, Barbara L. Pruetz, Jessica D. Arden, Thomas J. Quinn, George D. Wilson

Posters

INTRODUCTION
The prognosis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated with chemoradiation can be predicted using p16 as a surrogate biomarker of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) status, but a subset of patients continues to do poorly despite a positive or negative p16 status. This project attempted to identify another biomarker, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) as a marker for prognosis in HNSCC patients. Radiation induces oxidative damage to destroy tumor cells, and G6PD is a key enzyme involved in protecting cells from oxidative damage. The goal of this project was to identify a prognostic biomarker that would aid …

The Use Of Nuclear Medicine In Detecting And Treating Mental Health Diseases, Jena Simmons, Gina Capitano, Walter Kierzkowski

Medical Imaging Senior Posters

Mental health disorders affect over 792 million people around the world, and a leading cause for disability. Mental health disorders include a plethora of conditions that affect mood, thinking and behavior, including but not limited to, depression, dementia, anxiety, autism, and schizophrenia. The most common method of diagnosis is a psychological evaluation, which can lack accuracy if performed as the only method of diagnosis. Nuclear Medicine helps aid in diagnosis of these disorders in conjunction with psychological testing. Brain scans can help determine if there is a pathogenic cause for the symptoms. Brain scans are done utilizing Positron Emission Tomography …

Treatment Of Orbital Lesions Using Cyberknife Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Emily Morahan

Student Research Poster Presentations 2021

The purpose of the research done was to evaluate the use of CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) for treating orbital lesions. Efficacy and tolerability of such treatment was analyzed with data drawn from multiple sources, regarding dose and fractionation, quality of life following treatment(s) and prognosis. CyberKnife SRS is the newest, most advanced model of radiation delivery systems, featuring a robotic arm capable of manipulating the linear accelerator into thousands of unique angles. The addition of new angles allows for a more precise concentration of radiation delivered to the lesions. In the case of optic lesions, it is crucial to minimize …

Following The Growth Of Sarah's Baby: An Ipe Activity For Medical Nutrition & Diagnostic Sonography Students, Tanya M. Custer, Megan Timmerman, Cynthia M. Schmidt, Teresa L. Hartman, Harlan Sayles, Kathryn Wampler, Lea Lambing, Kim Michael

Posters and Presentations: Medical Imaging & Therapeutic Sciences

Objectives: Interprofessional education (IPE) involves collaborative learning among students from different professions. While acceptance of these types of activities is increasing, there are opportunities to expand the number of health care professions involved in IPE. The purpose of this study was to explore student perceptions and outcomes after participation in a Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) and Medical Nutrition Education (MNE) interprofessional education activity centered around a clinical case study on fetal growth. Subjects & Methods: The IPE activity was administered to four student cohorts from academic years to 2015-2016 to 2018-2019. Participants included 66 students (n=39 DMS and n=27 MNE). …

Continuity Of Care In The Resected Pancreatic Cancer Patient Population At Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Christian Fernandez, Md, Nazanin Sarpoulaki, Andrew J. Song, Md, Mark D. Hurwitz, Md

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Introduction

• Standard of care for resectable pancreatic cancer according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines includes surgery, chemotherapy, and consideration of radiotherapy
• Thomas Jefferson University Hospital is a high volume institution with over 100 surgical pancreatic cancer cases per year
• Adjuvant treatment at high volume centers is recommended at all stages and inpatients at TJUH routinely receive inpatient radiation and medical oncology consultations prior to discharge to discuss the benefit of adjuvant therapies
• Despite these efforts and potential benefit to patients, the rate of follow up and delivery of adjuvant therapies at TJUH have not be characterized
• We retrospectively …

Mindful Meditation Practice For Imaging Professionals, Tanya M. Custer, Kim Michael

Posters and Presentations: Medical Imaging & Therapeutic Sciences

Although a career in medical imaging is very fulfilling and rewarding, research shows that health care professionals are becoming more prone to burnout. The healthcare environment can be face-paced, stressful and demanding. Burnout syndrome results from emotional exhaustion that causes depersonalization and decreased professional accomplishment.1-3 Burnout can have a negative impact not only on the individual, but the environment as well. Decreased patient satisfaction and increased errors are both associated with burnout in the healthcare setting.2

Mindfulness can be defined as the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of …

Open Book Testing In Health Science Education: Student Perceptions And Outcomes In Ultrasound Physics, Kim Michael, Tanya M. Custer

Posters and Presentations: Medical Imaging & Therapeutic Sciences

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of open book exams (OBE) in the education of imaging students and to assess the beliefs and perceptions of the students in regard to the use of open book testing.

Subjects & Methods: Study participants included twenty-seven sonography students enrolled in an academic health sciences center. OBE was implemented in two ultrasound physics courses. Data was collected through focus groups & exam outcomes. Creswell’s procedure for data analysis & representation was followed.

Results: Overall outcomes showed no statistically significant difference between exam grades for the different cohorts with the …

Bezoar: Imaging Findings & Case Study Of A Rare Pathology, Tanya M. Custer, Kim Michael

Posters and Presentations: Medical Imaging & Therapeutic Sciences

A bezoar is a hard, indigestible mass of material that forms within the alimentary canal, most commonly the stomach.1 Bezoars are classified according to composition. The most common type of bezoar is a phytobezoar composed of indigestible food fibers that occur in fruits & vegetables, including celery, pumpkin, prunes, raisins, & sunflower-seed shells. Other common types of bezoars include trichobezoars, composed of hair, & pharmacobezoars, made of undissolved medications.

A number of risk factors have been associated with bezoar development. Patients who have undergone gastric surgery, such as partial gastrectomy, are at an increased risk of developing a bezoar due …

The Interprofessional Academy Of Educators: Inclusive, Collaborative, Innovative, Tanya M. Custer, Kim Michael

Posters and Presentations: Medical Imaging & Therapeutic Sciences

Issue to be addressed: To elevate the educational mission of the institution, UNMC established the Interprofessional Academy of Educators in 2016. Designed by educators for educators, this interprofessional community strives to improve health professions education by encouraging curricular innovation, supporting educational scholarship & offering mentorship for early career and seasoned educators.

Method: The inaugural class included a unique blend of medical scholars from 8 Colleges, 2 Institutes, Academic Affairs, IT Services, and Library Sciences. Members span a 500-mile wide campus. Eight SIGs foster interprofessional collaboration & scholarship. An academically diverse leadership team of five oversees the Academy.

Imaging The Transgender Patient, Tanya M. Custer, Kim Michael

Posters and Presentations: Medical Imaging & Therapeutic Sciences

Within the health care system, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons face many obstacles that lead to health disparities. These disparities include social stigma, lack of provider knowledge and training, lack of sufficient health insurance coverage, and layout of physician practice. As noted by the Joint Commission, federal law prohibits the discrimination of individuals based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, and sex within the health care system.1 It is essential for all health care providers to be educated on the best practices in regard to caring for the LGBT patient.

The focus of this exhibit is to …

The Utilization Of The Anatomage Virtual Dissection Table In The Education Of Imaging Science Students, Tanya M. Custer, Kim Michael

Posters and Presentations: Medical Imaging & Therapeutic Sciences

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to investigate the use of the Anatomage Virtual Dissection Table in the education of imaging science students and to assess the beliefs and perceptions of the students in regard to using the Table for teaching imaging-based anatomy & pathology.

Subjects & Methods: Study participants included 17 medical imaging students to include 9 Diagnostic Medical Sonography students, 2 Magnetic Resonance Imaging students, 2 Nuclear Medicine Technology students, 2 Radiation Therapy students and 2 Cardiovascular Interventional Technology students. Data was collected through focus groups and course/instructor evaluations. The researchers followed Creswell’s procedure for data analysis …