Speaker: Xuanfeng Ding, Corewell Health and Oakland University

Time: Wednesday, January 21, from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Location for in-person participants: 1146 FAB 

Zoom link for online audience: https://wayne-edu.zoom.us/j/92845590121?pwd=CpRA5Wa5gzSMn2xiVkR2abD83O5nrH.1

Title: Fight Cancer with Physics, Math, and Code

Abstract: Dr. Ding will discuss the role of medical physics in radiation oncology, with particular emphasis on the development of novel planning and treatment technologies for proton beam therapy. One of the main areas of research and development is the introduction of spot-scanning proton arc therapy (SPArc), which delivers proton radiation in a continuous rotating arc around the patient, offering superior dose conformity to tumors while sparing healthy tissue, Development faces engineering challenges in complex treatment planning and ensuring treatment robustness against anatomical changes, requiring advanced optimization and fast, adaptive systems for precise treatment management.  The talk will cover topics including optimization algorithm, prototype proton arc therapy system development, and AI-based synthetic CT to ensure the safety and accuracy of the future clinical implementation worldwide. The audience will learn the (1) physics of proton beam therapy, e.g., dose deposition, and its clinical treatment benefits; (2) challenges and accessibility of the proton beam therapy; (3) the history of the research and development of particle arc therapy; (4) AI application in radiotherapy.

Bio: Dr. Ding is the lead proton physicist at Corewell Health (William Beaumont University Hospital) and associate professor at William Beaumont School of Medicine, Oakland University. He received a B.S. in physics from Fudan University in 2006, a Ph.D. in physics from Wake Forest University in 2012, and residency training from the University of Pennsylvania in 2014. Dr. Ding is the principal investigator of several institutional, industry, and NIH research grants and has published over 80 peer-reviewed articles, three book chapters, and over 200 conference abstracts. He is the leading inventor of particle arc therapy, licensed to IBA, enabling the DynamicARC technique. Dr. Ding also served as the president of the AAPM Great Lakes Chapter in 2020. Co-chair of ESTRO physics workshop in 2022 and 2024. Co-chair of PTCOG particle arc workgroup.  Additionally, he served on different professional, educational, and scientific committees such as the MecaTech consortium (Belgium), DynamicARC consortium (IBA), Proton Therapy Academy (IBA), AAPM research seed funding initiative, AAPM Task Groups 349, 350, and PTCOG particle arc workgroup. He is the associate editor for Medical Physics, Editorial Board of the Journal of Applied Physics in Medicine (JACMP). In 2024, Dr. Ding received AAPM's John Laughlin early-career scientist award for his scientific contributions to medical physics.

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CAD Seminar Series: Advancing Knowledge, Innovation, and Collaboration in Computation, AI, and Data Science (CAD)

The CAD Seminar Series is a dedicated platform for advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and promoting collaboration across the fields of Computation, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science. This series brings together leading experts, researchers, and professionals to explore the latest developments, tackle emerging challenges, and drive forward-thinking solutions at the convergence of these critical disciplines.

Objectives:

• Advance Knowledge: Share cutting-edge research and insights that push the boundaries of what is known in CAD.

• Foster Innovation: Encourage the development of novel ideas and solutions through interdisciplinary dialogue and creative thinking.

• Promote Collaboration: Unite expertise across disciplines and build bridges between academia, industry, and government to address complex problems and create opportunities for joint ventures.

Target Audience: The CAD Seminar Series is designed for a diverse audience, including faculty, researchers, students, and professionals in Computation, AI, Data Science, and related fields. It serves as a forum for exchanging ideas, networking, and contributing to the growth of these rapidly evolving areas. We highly recommend in-person attendance to enhance engagement and networking opportunities with speakers and fellow participants.

Call for Participation: We welcome contributions from researchers, practitioners, and students. Whether presenting your work, participating in discussions, or attending as a learner, your involvement is crucial to the success of this collaborative initiative.