SUMMARY
The research of Chris J. Beltran, Ph.D., focuses on particle therapy with an emphasis on computational and translational radiation biology.
Dr. Beltran's doctoral degree was based on nuclear and accelerator physics research conducted at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He subsequently led the proton treatment planning section at Mayo Clinic's proton facility in Rochester, Minnesota. He then helped lead a new carbon and proton therapy facility at Mayo Clinic in Florida — the first carbon therapy facility in North America.
Dr. Beltran has written over 100 scientific publications and is a frequent presenter and lecturer at scientific events. He has mentored several junior faculty, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students.
Focus areas
- Carbon ion and proton therapy.
- Computational radiation biology.
- Advanced real-time adaptive radiation therapy.
- Monte Carlo simulations.
- Increased access to particle therapy by reducing the cost and size.
Significance to patient care
Particle therapy brings new advances to people with aggressive cancers that are not responsive to other treatment options. Dr. Beltran's innovation and work in this area has a large impact on individuals and families impacted by cancer. His work improves the computational biological models, allowing more aggressive and simultaneously safer treatments. Dr. Beltran's particle therapy methods increase access to advanced particle therapy so that more people requiring this treatment may receive needed care.
Professional highlights
- Chair, Division of Medical Physics, Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic in Florida, 2020-present.
- Director, particle therapy technical operations, Proton Beam Therapy Program, Mayo Clinic, 2020-present.