Breast Cancer Education Series

Partial breast radiation therapy - It's time

23 October 2024

Prof Michael Chao explores partial breast radiation therapy.

Partial breast radiation therapy uses high-powered x-rays to kill breast cancer cells. This type of treatment does not target the entire breast, rather just the area around where the original cancer was located, sparing some normal tissue. 

Chair 

Associate Professor Steven David

Radiation Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Presenter 

Professor Michael Chao
Radiation Oncologist, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre, GenesisCare

Michael is a radiation oncologist specialising in breast and prostate cancers. He has over 18 years of experience as a consultant radiation oncologist.

Michael completed his MBBS at Monash University in 1991 graduating with honours. He received his Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) in 1999. This was followed by two years as a research fellow at the DNA Research Laboratory at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. He was both an NHMRC Scholar and Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop Research Fellow. He commenced as a consultant radiation oncologist in 2000 joining Radiation Oncology Victoria. He has also worked at Royal Melbourne Hospital from 2000 to 2014 before joining The Olivia Newton John Cancer and Wellness Centre.

Michael is a member of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Australasian Society of Breast Diseases, Australian Gastrointestinal Trials Group, American Brachytherapy Society, Australasian Brachytherapy Group and the Victorian Co-operative Oncology Group as a representative in the Colorectal Cancer Committee. He also represented oncology on the Medical Advisory Committee at Freemason's Hospital from 2001-2005.

He has presented and published widely on a range of subjects in radiation oncology. He is involved in clinical trials and currently has a number of ongoing studies in prostate and breast cancer. He regularly attends international conferences, and keeps abreast of all latest developments in radiation oncology, particularly in his areas of interest.

The VCCC Alliance Breast Cancer Grand Round is targeted at a clinical audience and features open discussion about real cases and patients. While these cases are de-identified, the imagery, content and discussion can be graphic. It is not appropriate for consumer participants.