Dynamic Appointment Scheduling for Radiation Therapy

Radiation treatment (RT) is one of the primary methods for treating cancer. The Radiation Medicine Program (RMP) in Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PMCC) is Canada’s largest of its kind. It delivers around 11,000 courses of radiation treatment for over 8000 patients annually. RT uses Linear Accelerators (LINAC) to deliver high-energy rays to destroy or shrink cancer cells. With 16 LINAC units and uncertainty in future demand, scheduling appointments at RMP is a complex task. Given the increasing demand for RT, reducing waiting times through advanced approaches to scheduling is of high interest. In this project, we will develop new mathematical models and methods for dynamic scheduling of appointments at PMCC and evaluate their performance using both simulation experiments and in a pilot implementation at PMCC. The methods and tools developed through this project are expected to reduce patient waiting times, improve patient outcomes, and reduce costs.

Faculty Supervisor:

Vahid Sarhangian

Student:

Partner:

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Toronto

Program: