1. GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH (Germany)
2. Centre de Lutte Contre Le Cancer Léon Bérard (France)
3. Centro Nazionale di Adroterapia Oncologica (Italy)
The project focuses on developing and defining quality assurance protocols for the innovative upright radiotherapy treatment. As upright radiotherapy (upRT) is a relatively new approach, it presents unique challenges and opportunities. This project aims to establish comprehensive quality assurance procedures tailored specifically for upright positioning, ensuring the treatment is effective and safe. By addressing the distinct requirements of upright treatment, we aim to enhance patient outcomes and streamline clinical workflows.
I am Ruoxu Xia and I am from Shanghai, China. I am a PhD student at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at the University of Ljubljana. My UPLIFT host organization is with Cosylab d.d. My mentors are Kristjan Anderle with Cosylab and Robert Jeraj with the Faculty. I did my bachelor’s degrees in physics and chemistry at Grinnell College in Iowa, USA and my master’s degree in medical physics at Duke University, Kunshan Campus.
In my project within UPLIFT, I am developing a probabilistic optimization framework for radiotherapy treatment planning that compares traditional and upright patient positioning approaches and their outcome. Upright positioning has the potential to be a paradigm shift in radiotherapy: improved patient comfort, reduced side effects from better organ sparing, and expanded treatment access. However, upright delivery introduces unique uncertainties—from patient positioning variability to gravitational effects on anatomy—that needs to be considered in treatment planning. My work focuses on developing optimization methods using uncertainty quantification to explicitly account for these uncertainties throughout the treatment delivery process, ensuring robust plans that maintain quality under realistic variations.
This research perfectly combines my interests in physics, mathematics, and programming while contributing to an approach that could transform cancer treatment. Curiosity has always been my compass, driving me toward physics and applications that meaningfully impact people’s lives—which is what led me to medical physics and this exciting research direction.
In my free time, I love exploring new places, diving into books, and listening to podcasts. My reading interests span from history to science fiction, and I’m always drawn to stories and ideas that offer fresh ways of understanding the world. Whether I’m traveling to a new city, getting lost in a good book, or listening to podcasts about science, culture, or new ideas, I’m constantly seeking experiences that help me grow and see things from different angles.
