Precision Radiotherapy with Integrated Magnetic Resonance (PRIMR) Program

The PRIMR Program is dedicated to advancing the clinical and research applications of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) simulation in radiation therapy. Our mission is to harness the fundamental advantages of MRI, including its unparalleled soft tissue contrast and functional imaging capabilities, to improve the precision, safety, and personalization of cancer treatment.

To achieve this vision, PRIMR brings together a multidisciplinary team of experts from leading academic institutions, departments, and industry collaborators, including UCSF Radiation Oncology, UCSF Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Advanced Imaging and Technologies Resource Group, CAMPEP-accredited UC Berkeley Nuclear Engineering Medical Physics Track, UC Berkeley / UCSF Joint Program in Bioengineering, and Siemens Healthineers. 

Despite growing adoption of MRI in radiation oncology, there are still significant knowledge gaps in how to effectively and safely integrate MRI systems into clinical workflows. PRIMR aims to close these gaps through three primary initiatives:

1. Integration: Safely and efficiently embed MRI simulation into clinical treatment planning and adaptive radiotherapy workflows.

2. Innovation: Develop and optimize novel MRI sequences tailored for radiotherapy applications.

3. Education: Provide comprehensive education and training in MRI-based radiation therapy for clinicians, physicists, and researchers.

Through collaboration, innovation, and education, PRIMR is building the future of precision radiotherapy using MRI technology to empower clinicians to deliver more accurate, effective, and patient-centered cancer care.

Our Radiation Oncology-dedicated MRI Simulator is located at the UCSF Mission Bay campus on the 1st Floor of the Baker Precision Cancer Medicine Building.

Please contact Dr. Jess Scholey ([email protected]) with questions about our program.