Hiroki Shirato

About

Hiroki Shirato is a pioneering figure in radiation oncology, renowned for his transformative work in real-time tumor tracking and precision proton therapy. His research centers on integrating advanced motion compensation algorithms with robotic and proton beam systems to treat moving tumors, particularly in the lungs and central nervous system. Shirato’s most influential contribution is the development of the Synchrony Respiratory Tracking System (RTS) for the CyberKnife robotic device, which allows patients to breathe normally during irradiation without loss of linac duty cycle—a breakthrough that has garnered over 260 citations and set a new standard for treating extra-cranial tumors. He further advanced the field by co-developing the Gated Spot Scanning Proton Therapy with Real-Time Tumor-Tracking System, combining his real-time tumor tracking (RTRT) technology with discrete spot scanning for unprecedented accuracy. Clinically, Shirato has demonstrated the benefits of intensity-modulated proton craniospinal irradiation (ipCSI) for pediatric and young adult patients with medulloblastomas and germ cell tumors, using large fields and robotic patient positioning to improve outcomes. His work has earned him international recognition as a leader in adaptive radiotherapy, with his innovations directly influencing modern cancer care.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Accuracy of tumor motion compensation algorithm from a robotic respiratory tracking system: A simulation study

   260 citations · 2007
2. 2
   Development of the compact proton beam therapy system dedicated to spot scanning with real-time tumor-tracking technology

   16 citations · 2013
3. 3
   Clinical experience of craniospinal intensity-modulated spot-scanning proton therapy using large fields for central nervous system medulloblastomas and germ cell tumors in children, adolescents, and young adults

   10 citations · 2019

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links