The Department of Medical Biophysics is an interdisciplinary department with a strong history of excellence and discovery in cancer research, treatment, and beyond. Located primarily at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, and SickKids Research Institute, the department offers research training leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The multidisciplinary program in cancer research and broader biomedical research cuts across the conventional boundaries of biology, physics, translational medicine and engineering to deliver a modern, advanced academic curriculum and world-class research training.
In this specialization within our PhD program, students complete a thesis-based PhD, while completing a structured medical physics course curriculum. The specialized program provides a research-intensive environment that immerses students in clinical technologies pertinent to medical imaging, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy. Cutting edge research involving machine learning, theranostics, and heavy particle therapy are ongoing. Students gain skills to pursue the production of high quality research and develop leadership skills.
Medical Biophysics was founded on the development of advanced approaches for the detection and treatment of cancer. MBP researchers work with a variety of diagnostic techniques such as advanced molecular profiling for the detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs) or soluble protein signatures through technologies such as next-generation sequencing and proteomics. In addition, imaging approaches for cancer detection are actively pursued. MBP research is examining new methods of cancer therapy, such as drug repurposing and focussed ultrasound, and methods to improve the efficacy of current cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, stem cell transplants and hormone therapy.
