Do We Need a New Approach to Cancer Biology Education for Radiation Oncology Residents?

Traditional radiation oncology biology courses largely focus on radiation biology and oncology as needed for passing the boards. Changes in the landscape of oncology necessitate a broader scope. Radiotherapy is an important component of cancer care. Approximately 70% of all cancer patients receive radiotherapy during the course of their disease. With the revolution in precision medicine that is unfolding, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics are being ever more integrated into the treatment of cancer. Comprehensive knowledge of cancer biology beyond traditional radiation biology is essential for future advances in radiotherapy and unavoidable for radiation oncology trainees. The importance of a newly designed curriculum to impart broader knowledge to future radiation oncologists is emphasized in this report. A paradigm shift in the approach to the traditional radiation biology course is required to train residents for the future of oncology.