Amit Sawant

Amit Sawant is a Professor and Vice Chair of Medical Physics in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. His research focuses on advancing image-guided radiotherapy techniques, particularly for stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and motion management in cancer treatment.

His academic background includes:

• B.E.(Hons.) in Biomedical Engineering from University of Mumbai (1996)
• M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from University of Tennessee (1999)
• Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from University of Michigan (2006)

Dr. Sawant's research centers on two interconnected domains: Small Animal Image-Guided Radiotherapy (SA-IGRT) and Next-Generation Motion Management. In SA-IGRT, he develops orthotopic tumor models for prostate, lung, and pancreatic cancer using the SARRP platform, investigates thermally-modulated radiotherapy to widen therapeutic windows, and creates advanced imaging techniques for mapping post-radiotherapy inflammation. His motion management research addresses 4D anatomical changes through patient-specific volumetric motion modeling, GPU-accelerated particle swarm optimization for 4D treatment planning, and real-time tumor tracking with dynamic multileaf collimators (MLC) that compensate for translation, rotation, and deformation.

His publication record (2008-2016) demonstrates consistent innovation in motion-adaptive radiotherapy, with emphasis on lung SBRT. Key themes include 4D treatment planning optimization, real-time MLC tracking systems, motion phantom development, and MRI-based guidance – all converging toward submillimeter targeting accuracy for moving tumors.

His scientific recognition includes:

• John R. Cameron Young Investigator Award (AAPM 2004)
• ASTRO Basic Science Research Grant Award (2008)
• Multiple 'Best in Physics' selections at AAPM/ASTRO meetings (2010, 2014, 2015, 2016)
• ICCR Young Investigator Award (2007)

Dr. Sawant has secured over $4.5 million in research funding as Principal Investigator, including two NIH R01 grants on personalized motion management and radiation injury to pulmonary structures. His industry collaborations with VisionRT and Varian Medical Systems have translated theoretical advances into clinical motion management solutions. He leads active research teams developing orthotopic tumor models and implementing 4D radiotherapy workflows for precision cancer treatment.