SUMMARY
Michael S. Rutenberg, M.D., Ph.D., is a radiation oncologist with a focus on gastrointestinal cancers and bone and soft tissue cancers (sarcomas). His research interests focus on making radiotherapy as effective as possible to treat cancer, while reducing injury to healthy tissue and treatment-associated side effects. The goal of this work is to improve disease control outcomes while maintaining patient quality of life.
Dr. Rutenberg also conducts clinical research on multiple diseases, including esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, anorectal cancer and sarcomas — particularly chordoma and chondrosarcoma.
Focus areas
- Advanced radiotherapy. Dr. Rutenberg studies the use of advanced radiotherapy techniques, including X-ray radiotherapy and particle (proton and carbon ion) therapy. He aims to improve clinical outcomes for diseases such as esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer and anorectal cancer.
- New techniques for treating radioresistant tumors. Dr. Rutenberg researches the use of new radiotherapy techniques to improve treatments for radioresistant tumors such as chordoma and chondrosarcoma.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Rutenberg's work aims to improve the clinical outcomes of people with cancer who require radiation therapy. With better and more effective treatments, people with cancer can maintain or improve their quality of life.
Professional highlights
- Chair, Reirradiation Subcommittee, Proton Collaborative Group, 2014-present
- Co-chair, Allyship Subcommittee, Women in Medicine and Science, University of Florida Health Jacksonville, 2021-2022
- Brain Tumor Core Committee, NRG Oncology, 2016-2022
- Faculty Enhancement Opportunity Award, Radiosurgery, University of Florida, 2019