Skip to main content

Qiuwen Wu

Professor of Radiation Oncology
Radiation Oncology
Box 3295 Med Ctr, Durham, NC 27710
00568 Duke South White Zone, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


My research interests include intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), Dynamic Electron Arc Radiotherapy (DEAR), and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). For IMRT, my work includes the development of the research platform, fast and accurate dose calculations, optimization based on physical and biological objectives such as generalized equivalent uniform dose (gEUD), and delivery with a dynamic multi-leaf collimator (DMLC). For VMAT, I am interested in optimization, quality assurance, and novel applications. For DEAR, I'm interested in the treatment planning and delivery verifications. For IGRT, my work includes the development of the infrastructure of the online and offline image guidance, characterization of patient anatomic changes and treatment uncertainties, margin calculations, and adaptive treatment planning. My recent research interests also include the use of AI in treatment planning, Brachytherapy dose calculation and plan optimization.

My clinical interests include prostate cancer, head and neck cancer, total body irradiation (TBI), and total skin irradiation (TSI)

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of Radiation Oncology · 2021 - Present Radiation Oncology, Clinical Science Departments

Recent Publications


Accuracy of Photon Dose Calculation on Photon-Counting Computed Tomography—A Comparison Study Based on Virtual Monoenergetic and Electron Density (Rho) Images for Pancreatic Cases

Journal Article Advances in Radiation Oncology · February 1, 2026 Purpose: Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) offers versatile anatomic information because of better energy discrimination and higher spatial resolution than conventional energy-integrating computed tomography (CT). With its rapid applications in di ... Full text Cite

Illusion of convergence: Search space geometry in radiotherapy treatment plan optimization.

Journal Article Med Phys · January 2026 BACKGROUND: Treatment plan optimization is foundational for radiotherapy. However, the geometry of the underlying search space where feasible solutions reside remains poorly characterized. Understanding this search space is crucial as it: (1) Exposes hidde ... Full text Link to item Cite

Foresight planning: Radiotherapy plan optimization via self-supervised model predictive control.

Journal Article Med Phys · November 2025 BACKGROUND: Treatment planning for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) relies on meticulous operation of the inverse optimization, a complex and iterative process of adjusting dose-volume objectives to a ... Full text Link to item Cite
View All Publications

Recent Grants


Knowledge-based Tutoring for Knowledge-based Radiation Therapy

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Varian Medical Systems, Inc. · 2020 - 2022

Cross-disciplinary Training in Medical Physics

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2007 - 2013

Image-Guide Radiation Therapy of Prostate Cancer

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2006 - 2011

View All Grants

Education, Training & Certifications


Columbia University · 1994 Ph.D.