Since its inception in 1939, the U-M Department of Radiation Oncology has built and maintained its distinguished position as a national leader in providing first-rate cancer care and producing cutting-edge research to advance the effectiveness and success of cancer treatment. Today, under the leadership of director Dr. Theodore Lawrence, Isadore Lampe Professor and Chair, the Department enjoys a well-earned reputation as an authority in liver, head and neck, prostate and breast cancer treatment.

Why are we the best? It's simple. The Department practices outstanding patient care, produces and implements revolutionary research and technology and relies on a talented pool of acclaimed faculty to train tomorrow's top radiation oncologists. Our priority is to explore and apply new ideas in the constantly-changing field of therapeutic radiology.

Here's a closer look at what sets U-M Radiation Oncology apart:

• The Department is part of the U-M's cancer treatment division which ranked 7 th in the 2004 U.S. News & World Report analysis of the nation's best hospitals and specialists.
  
• By working collaboratively with the U-M's renowned Comprehensive Cancer Center as well as our statewide Radiation Oncology Network, we provide accessible, appropriate patient care throughout Michigan and across multiple disciplines. We bring fundamental discoveries in cancer biology and medical physics directly to the clinic to help patients.
  
• The Department has developed breakthrough treatments for patients with brain, head and neck, breast, lung, liver, pancreas and prostate cancers, including expertise in combining radiation with chemotherapy and developing a new generation of molecular targeted treatments.
  
• We produce competent clinical and scientific leaders with a training program that integrates biology laboratory, medical physics, clinic experience and symptom management.
  
• In an industry where research funding is critical to survival and growth, U-M Radiation Oncology receives the most NIH funding of any like department in the nation.
  
• We are pioneers. Our physicists invented Three-Dimensional Treatment Planning which is now a standard practice in radiation oncology throughout the world. Gemcitabine, a drug used worldwide to make certain tumor cells more susceptible to radiation damage is the result of groundbreaking work in a U-M lab. These are just two of the innovations responsible for our reputation as a world leader in technical and chemical advancements.
  
• Dr. Lichter, Dean from 1990 to 2006, is only the second radiation oncologist in this country to hold this esteemed position at any university.

The U-M's Radiation Oncology Department's success in achieving its clinical, research and academic goals means better, constantly evolving care and education for everyone we serve - patients, physicians, students, local communities and nations.