ASTRO names distinguished neurosurgeon as 2012 Honorary Member

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has named Mark P. Carol, MD, a distinguished leader in the fields of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), as its 2012 Honorary Member, which is the highest honor the Society bestows upon distinguished cancer researchers and leaders in disciplines other than radiation oncology, radiation physics or radiobiology. Carol will be recognized with this honor during the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, October 30, 2012, at 10:45 a.m., at ASTRO's 54th Annual Meeting, October 28-31, 2012, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

With more than 30 years of experience in the medical device and health care services arenas, Carol is often considered the father of IMRT. Since 1992, he has developed and created many novel and crucial devices and techniques that have influenced and shaped modern radiation oncology, such as CT/MRI image fusion with ultrasound treatment room-based localization, intensity modulated treatment delivery, DVH-based prescriptions, simulated annealing optimization and image-guided therapy. Most recently, Carol has been developing an innovative way to deliver radiation therapy that uses a multiplexed photon beam to treat patients in sitting and standing positions, thereby reducing overall costs while at the same time allowing advanced multimodality imaging to be introduced seamlessly into the treatment room.

"Throughout the years, Dr. Carol, who trained as a neurosurgeon, has been a pioneer and innovator in the field of radiation oncology," said Michael L. Steinberg, MD, FASTRO, ASTRO president. "His groundbreaking approach to the development of IMRT and IGRT has provided tremendous benefits for radiation oncology patients. He is most deserving of this year's honor."