Advancing procedure-based cancer care
Some of the most important advances in cancer treatment are changing how localized disease is removed, targeted, monitored, and treated. Launched in 2023, the Alliance Procedure-Based Therapy Program (PBTP) brings together experts in surgery, radiation oncology, imaging and interventional oncology, to develop and evaluate innovative approaches to procedure-based cancer care.
PBTP focuses on the unique challenges of developing and testing localized therapies, including minimally invasive and endoscopic procedures, brachytherapy, ablation, image-guided interventions, wearable monitoring technologies, and implantable drug delivery systems. The program also advances image analysis to develop biomarkers that can inform treatment, predict outcomes, and support more personalized care.
Bringing disciplines together
PBTP integrates expertise across specialties to design and conduct rigorous clinical research. Surgeons, radiation oncologists, diagnostic and interventional radiologists, medical interventional specialists, biostatisticians, regulatory experts, and patient representatives collaborate to develop studies that evaluate proceduce-based approaches within multidisciplinary cancer care.
PBTP includes four scientific committees:
- Interventional Oncology Working Group: Advances minimally invasive and image-guided approaches to cancer treatment.
- Imaging Committee: Develops and integrates imaging science, biomarkers and advanced imaging technologies into clinical research.
- Radiation Oncology Committee: Advances radiation therapy-based approaches and their integration into multimodality cancer treatment.
- Surgery Committee: Develops and evaluates innovative surgical approaches and strategies to optimize the role of surgery in cancer care.
A focus on meaningful patient impact
PBTP aims to improve outcomes and quality of life for people with cancer by advancing the innovative procedures, devices, and localized cancer treatment approaches that can expand options and improve care.
Principal Investigator and Director
Alliance Program-Based Therapy Program
Isabelle Bedrosian, MD
Professor, Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, Division of Surgery
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center