Patrick Thum

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About

Patrick Thum is a medical physicist whose research focuses on improving the precision and accuracy of prostate cancer radiotherapy. His most cited work, "Prefraction displacement and intrafraction drift of the prostate due to perineal ultrasound probe pressure" (2017, 18 citations), addresses a critical challenge in image-guided radiation therapy: the unintended movement of the prostate caused by the pressure of a perineal ultrasound probe. By quantifying both the initial displacement and the subsequent slow drift of the prostate during treatment, Thum’s study provides essential data for clinicians to account for these motions, reducing the risk of underdosing the tumor or overdosing surrounding healthy tissue. This contribution is particularly valuable for stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and other high-precision techniques where even millimeter-level errors can compromise outcomes. Thum’s work underscores the importance of understanding mechanical interactions between imaging devices and soft tissues, offering practical guidance for treatment planning and delivery. His research has been cited in subsequent studies on motion management and adaptive radiotherapy, reflecting its relevance to ongoing efforts to enhance therapeutic accuracy.