معرفی
Theresa M. Busch, Ph.D., serves as Research Professor and Associate Director of Research in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. Her work bridges translational cancer research and clinical applications, focusing on optimizing radiation-based therapies through mechanistic understanding of tumor microenvironment dynamics.
Her educational background includes:
- B.S. in Biophysics from the University of Scranton (1993)
- Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University at Buffalo, Roswell Park Cancer Institute Division (1998)
Dr. Busch's research investigates photodynamic therapy (PDT) and FLASH radiotherapy mechanisms, with emphasis on vascular function, tissue oxygenation, and immune dynamics. Her lab examines how heterogeneities in oxygen, photosensitizer distribution, and light fluence impact treatment efficacy, utilizing murine models, large animals, and human clinical trials to translate findings into improved therapeutic strategies.
Analysis of her 2024-2025 publications reveals dominant trends in FLASH proton therapy for normal tissue sparing, PDT-immunotherapy combinations for mesothelioma, and nanotechnology-enhanced drug delivery. These works consistently address biophysical limitations in cancer treatment while advancing dosimetry techniques and microenvironmental modulation.
Dr. Busch mentors graduate students and research specialists including Master's candidate Lyna Dinh. Her collaborative projects span:
- Photodynamic therapy optimization for solid malignancies
- FLASH radiotherapy mechanisms for reducing chronic toxicity
- Immune checkpoint blockade to counteract surgery-induced immunosuppression
The Busch Lab, located at the Smilow Center for Translational Research, comprises Senior Research Investigator Anastasia Velalopoulou, Ph.D., and specialists Shirron Carter, Min Yuan, and Joann Miller. The team collaborates with the Clinical Research Unit and Radiation Biology division to advance translational studies in radiation oncology, with particular focus on prostate cancer, pleural mesothelioma, and head and neck cancers.
