Our research is aimed at improving the therapeutic ratio in patients receiving radiotherapy for prostate cancer and other genitourinary (GU) malignancies. Our research focus is to improve the therapeutic ratio for prostate cancer by developing image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy techniques (IG-IMRT) that more precisely deliver radiotherapy to the target and away from critical normal tissues. We work in close collaboration with others in the GU group who are investigating novel imaging techniques intended to identify more precisely the gross tumor volume (GTV) for treatment planning purposes, and to evaluate response and identify new factors predictive of radiation response. We are evaluating acute and late toxicities of treatment and developing dose-volume models to predict toxicity.
  • Image-guided radiotherapy for genitourinary tumors
    • Assessment of prostate and normal tissue motion using cone beam computed tomography (CT) and four-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging.

    • Evaluation of online imaging techniques for measuring target motion during radiotherapy.

    • Development of intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) approaches for treating prostate cancer, including dose escalation to pelvic lymph nodes and post-operative IMRT treatment techniques.

    • Prospective evaluation of late effects and mathematical modeling of dose-volume relationship to late effects.

    • In collaboration with Dr. Cynthia Ménard (Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Clinical Scientist), development and implementation of MR-guided brachytherapy for prostate cancer, with treatment optimization in individual patients.

    • Phase II and III trials evaluating dose escalation for high-risk prostate cancer, novel fractionation schemes for intermediate risk prostate cancer, and timing of radiation treatment for post-operative prostate cancer.

For a list of Dr. Catton's publications, please visit PubMed or Scopus.

Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto