The Radiation Oncology Institute has selected Malolan S. Rajagopalan, MD, a radiation oncology resident at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, to receive a $20,000 grant for a project to compile best practices regarding the management of radiation therapy toxicity. Dr. Rajagopalan’s project proposal includes development of a website and mobile app that will give the Radiation Oncology Institute the capability to continually update this material so that it will remain current. Combined, the website and mobile app will be comprehensive tools that will improve patient quality of life and treatment outcomes.
Vetted By Experts
Dr. Rajagopalan’s team will form a multidisciplinary panel of radiation oncology specialists and various other fields such as palliative care and pulmonology to review all materials to ensure the quality and comprehensiveness of the information and resources provided. Each panel of approximately four to six members will include radiation oncologists from various institutions and, to provide diversity, at least one member who is not a radiation oncologist. The first two symptoms that will be addressed are common side effects of radiation therapy, namely dermatitis and oral mucositis.
Dr. Rajagopalan plans to unveil both the website and app for beta review and testing at the American Society for Radiation Oncology 46th Annual Meeting, September 14-17, 2014, in San Francisco. ■
