Ken Westover, M.D., Ph.D. Answers Questions On: Radiation Oncology and Cancer Care

Patients want to know how they are will feel during treatment. The subtle details of a treatment plan can make a big difference. My goal is to develop the best possible plan for each of my patients, communicate what to expect, and help them through treatment.

I look at cancer from every angle I can. When caring for patients, I work to understand their case and bring the best treatments to bear. I am part of a terrific department and several outstanding teams that enable us to deliver cutting-edge treatments and manage problems if they arise. As a clinician, I strive to push the envelope by improving my practice and the state of the art. As an academic researcher, I constantly look for new openings to advance medical and basic science, often acting as a liaison between the clinical and scientific worlds. I look at cancer from its molecular basis to the physics of radiation treatment. I believe this level of understanding helps us personalize a patient’s care.

I’m interested in understanding how certain mutant proteins cause cancer and in developing new cancer drugs.