Radiation oncology continues to evolve with the integration of advanced technologies and innovative treatment methodologies. Precision, efficiency, and patient-centric care remain at the forefront of this field, with professionals driving improvements in treatment planning, quality assurance, and workflow optimization. As cancer treatment becomes increasingly tailored, experts in radiation therapy are pushing the boundaries to ensure higher accuracy, better patient outcomes, and enhanced safety measures.
Priya Jacob has made significant contributions to radiation treatment planning, using her expertise to enhance treatment precision and optimize quality assurance processes. She has played a pivotal role in commissioning state-of-the-art radiation therapy systems, including the Varian TrueBeam SVC with Flattening Filter-Free (FFF) technology, CyberKnife S7 Robot, and Elekta Infinity Linear Accelerator. Her leadership in integrating advanced motion management systems, such as the GE DISCOVERY RT 4DCT Simulator and Varian RGSC, has significantly improved imaging accuracy and patient safety.
“Ensuring seamless clinical implementation of advanced treatment technologies requires a structured approach and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams,” she explains. By leading dosimetry studies and implementing cutting-edge techniques like SBRT, SRS, SRT, and Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH), she has contributed to reducing radiation exposure to healthy tissues while maximizing therapeutic effectiveness. Her role in establishing and refining quality assurance programs has set new benchmarks for accuracy in radiation oncology departments.
Beyond technology integration, Priya has had a profound impact on improving operational efficiency and patient throughput. “By optimizing workflows, we have reduced patient setup time and enhanced overall treatment efficiency, leading to a 25% increase in patient throughput,” she shares. Her expertise in training and developing highly skilled radiation oncology professionals has ensured the sustainability of these advancements. Her efforts in setting up new radiation oncology and nuclear medicine departments demonstrate her leadership in driving institutional growth and technological evolution.
The challenges of integrating multiple advanced technologies into a cohesive workflow have been substantial. “Calibrating new treatment planning systems and securing regulatory approvals require meticulous planning and coordination,” she notes. By navigating the complexities of international equipment procurement, installation, and compliance, Priya has played a key role in improving the adoption of next-generation radiation therapy solutions.
Her published research further highlights her contributions to the field. Her papers on commissioning and validation of Varian TrueBeam Linear Accelerator and HDR Brachytherapy protocols underscore the importance of precision and quality assurance in radiation treatment planning. “Ongoing research and documentation of commissioning protocols are critical to standardizing best practices across institutions,” she emphasizes.
Looking ahead, Priya sees automation, AI-driven dose optimization, and adaptive radiation therapy as key trends shaping the future of treatment planning. “Real-time adaptive planning, combined with AI-powered analytics, will revolutionize personalized radiation therapy, making treatments more precise and efficient,” she predicts. She also highlights the potential of remote treatment planning, which could expand access to care for patients in remote areas while streamlining operational costs for healthcare providers.
With her steadfast commitment to innovation and excellence, Priya Jacob continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of radiation oncology. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, she is driving transformative changes that enhance patient outcomes and set new standards in radiation treatment planning.