Study Start | Find Courses From Every Campus

Purpose and Rationale

Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is to further qualify the graduate in well-developed skills and ensure that he/she is able to initiate research and write and complete a protocol in an area concerning Radiation Oncology. Once qualified, the student will be converse in the area of further research and demonstrate craftsmanship. The graduate will successfully complete a dissertation on the relevant research. A life-long learning attitude and continual self-development will be ensured.

Outcomes

Have the basic knowledge of ongoing clinical research in the Department of Radiation Oncology.
Research and identify any areas in Radiation Oncology where an in-depth study would be useful. This would include literature studies and research of the existing data available.
Have the ability to initiate and write a research protocol, which is acceptable by the Ethics Committee.
Perform and manage the relevant research.
Complete the research and finalise an acceptable thesis, according to international standards.

Assessment Criteria

Research Proposal:

Title: Impact of Novel Radiation Techniques on Treatment Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Introduction:

Head and neck cancer poses a significant health burden globally. Recent advancements in radiation oncology have introduced novel techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and proton therapy. These techniques offer improved tumor targeting and reduced toxicity to surrounding healthy tissues. This study aims to evaluate the impact of these novel radiation techniques on treatment outcomes in head and neck cancer patients.

Objectives:

To compare the efficacy of IMRT and proton therapy in terms of tumor control rates.
To assess the incidence of acute and late toxicities associated with each radiation technique.
To analyze the overall survival and progression-free survival of patients treated with IMRT and proton therapy.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of medical records of head and neck cancer patients treated with IMRT or proton therapy in the Department of Radiation Oncology.
Data collection on tumor characteristics, treatment modalities, toxicities, and survival outcomes.
Statistical analysis using appropriate tests to compare outcomes between IMRT and proton therapy groups.

Expected Outcomes:

We hypothesize that proton therapy will demonstrate superior tumor control rates and reduced toxicities compared to IMRT.
The results of this study will provide valuable insights into the optimal radiation technique for head and neck cancer treatment, guiding treatment decisions and improving patient outcomes.

Conclusion:

By conducting this research, we aim to contribute to the existing knowledge in the field of radiation oncology and provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of head and neck cancer patients. The results of this study will have implications for clinical practice and may pave the way for further research in optimizing radiation therapy techniques for improved patient care.

Assessment:

The research proposal demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the research field in the Department of Radiation Oncology. The proposal identifies a relevant area for further research studies and outlines a feasible research protocol. The objectives are clear, and the methods are well-defined. The expected outcomes are supported by a strong hypothesis. Statistical analysis is planned to draw valid conclusions from the data. Overall, the proposal meets international standards for research in radiation oncology.

Bachelor of Science Honours in Radiation Oncology