Dr. Mauro Tambasco stands as a prominent figure in medical physics with a distinguished career dedicated to advancing radiation oncology. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Physics and Director of Medical Physics at San Diego State University, where he leads innovative research at the intersection of physics and cancer treatment. A Board Certified Clinical Medical Physicist in Radiation Therapy Physics, Tambasco brings extensive expertise in applying radiation principles for cancer treatment development and optimization. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to both clinical application and scientific advancement in radiation oncology physics. This dual focus on implementation and innovation has positioned him as a respected leader in the field of medical physics with direct patient care applications.
Dr. Tambasco's groundbreaking research focuses on developing sophisticated 3D bioprinted tumor models to revolutionize our understanding of radiation responses in cancer treatment. His work specifically investigates spatially fractionated radiotherapy techniques including GRID, LATTICE, and PATHY, which represent significant advancements in radiation delivery methods that better spare healthy tissues. He has pioneered applications of 3D tumor bioprinting to study evolutionary dynamics of tumor resistance to radiation treatment, offering insights that could dramatically improve therapeutic outcomes. With over 1,250 citations in Google Scholar, his contributions to radiation biology and medical physics have established him as a thought leader in the field. Tambasco's research bridges the gap between radiation physics principles and biological responses, creating a more comprehensive understanding of how radiation affects complex tumor environments.
Beyond his laboratory research, Dr. Tambasco actively shapes the broader discourse on the future of radiotherapy through his influential presentations and academic leadership. His work addresses the growing need for skilled medical physicists who can advance the implementation of emerging radiation technologies in clinical settings. He is developing innovative educational pathways that prepare students for careers in a rapidly evolving field where physics principles directly impact patient care outcomes. Current research focuses on optimizing SFRT techniques combined with immune checkpoint inhibition and radiosensitizers to overcome treatment-induced evolutionary resistance of tumor cells. Dr. Tambasco's vision for integrating 3D bioprinting with radiation therapy promises to transform how we study, optimize, and deliver cancer treatments in the coming decades.
