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University of Missouri

Rongxiao Zhang, PhD

Dr. Rongxiao Zhang portrait

Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine
Division Director of Medical Physics, MU Health Care

NextGen Focus Area: Imaging guidance and molecular imaging, radiation transport modeling, Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART), FLASH therapy, Cherenkov imaging, advanced radiation techniques

Dr. Rongxiao (Ronny) Zhang's academic focus centers on advancing precision and innovation in radiation oncology through cutting-edge research in imaging guidance, radiation transport modeling, and adaptive radiation therapy. With a strong emphasis on FLASH therapy and Cherenkov imaging, Dr. Zhang explores novel approaches to ultra-high dose rate treatments and optical imaging techniques for enhanced treatment accuracy and biological insights. His work integrates advanced computational methods, including Monte Carlo simulations and AI-driven solutions, to address critical challenges in cancer therapy. Dr. Zhang’s dedication to translational research aims to bridge the gap between technological innovation and clinical application, driving impactful advancements in patient care.

  • Imaging Guidance and Molecular Imaging: Developing innovative imaging techniques to improve precision in radiation therapy.
  • Radiation Transport Modeling: Utilizing advanced simulations to study the interactions of radiation with matter, including Monte Carlo methods.
  • Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART): Investigating ways to dynamically adjust treatments based on patient-specific changes during therapy.
  • FLASH Therapy: Exploring ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) radiation therapy for its potential biological and clinical advantages.
  • Cherenkov Imaging: Leveraging Cherenkov light for dosimetry, treatment guidance, and chemical sensing, including first veterinary and human imaging demonstrations.
  • Advanced Radiation Techniques: Working on novel treatment delivery methods and integrating technologies like AI and optical imaging into radiation oncology.

Precision Health Impact:

  • Integrating innovative imaging and radiation therapy techniques to tailor treatments to individual patients. 
  • Enabling more accurate targeting of tumors while sparing healthy tissues, reducing side effects, and improving patient outcomes. 
  • Exploring transformative approaches such as FLASH therapy and Cherenkov imaging to contribute to a deeper understanding of patient-specific responses to treatment with enhanced safety, paving the way for more personalized and effective cancer care.

Publications:

Dai T, Sloop AM, Rahman MR, Sunnerberg JP, Clark MA, Zhang R, et al. First Monte Carlo beam model for ultra-high dose rate radiotherapy with a compact electron LINAC. Med Phys. 2024 Jul;51(7):5109–18.

Hunt B, Gill GS, Alexander DA, Streeter SS, Gladstone DJ, Zhang R, et al. Fast Deformable Image Registration for Real-Time Target Tracking During Radiation Therapy Using Cine MRI and Deep Learning. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2023 Mar 15;115(4):983–93.

Rahman M, Ashraf MR, Gladstone DJ, Bruza P, Jarvis LA, Zhang R, et al. Treatment Planning System for Electron FLASH Radiation Therapy: Open-Source for Clinical Implementation. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2022 Mar 15;112(4):1023–32.

Cao X, Zhang R, Esipova TV, Allu SR, Ashraf R, Rahman M, et al. Quantification of Oxygen Depletion During FLASH Irradiation In Vitro and In Vivo. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2021 Sep 1;111(1):240–8.

Jarvis LA, Zhang R, Gladstone DJ, Jiang S, Hitchcock W, Friedman OD, et al. Cherenkov video imaging allows for the first visualization of radiation therapy in real time. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2014 Jul 1;89(3):615–22.

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Email: rongxiao.zhang@missouri.health.edu
Department website: https://medicine.missouri.edu/faculty/rongxiao-zhang-phd-dabr