Wenyin Shi1-3, Jin Ye Yeo4
1Department of Radiation Oncology, 2Jefferson Brain Tumor Center, and 3Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; 4CCO Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company
Correspondence to: Jin Ye Yeo. CCO Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company. Email: editor@thecco.net
Expert introduction
Dr. Wenyin Shi (Figure 1) is a board-certified radiation oncologist with extensive expertise in the treatment of both benign and malignant brain tumors. He earned his medical degree from Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University (formerly known as Shanghai Medical University), and went on to complete a PhD in biomedical sciences at the University of Florida.Following his residency, Dr. Shi joined the faculty at Thomas Jefferson University, where he has made significant contributions to the field of radiation oncology. Currently, he holds the position of professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology and the Department of Neurological Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University. In addition to his academic role, Dr. Shi serves as the medical director of Radiation Oncology at Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience. He also co-directs the Jefferson Brain Tumor Center.
His research focuses on innovative clinical trials incorporating novel therapeutic agents with radiation, including molecular targeting, anti-angiogenic, and immune checkpoint agents. He has been principal investigator of multiple investigator initiated trials. He also focuses on radiation technology innovations, particularly radiosurgery, and stereotactic body radiotherapy. He has published over 140 peer-reviewed manuscripts, and 8 book chapters. He has been named “Castle Connolly top doctors” since 2015.
Figure 1 Dr. Wenyin Shi
Interview
CCO: Could you tell us about your journey in oncology and what inspired you to specialize in radiation oncology?
Dr. Shi: Cancer remains one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. During my medical education in China, I observed firsthand how many patients presented with very advanced-stage cancer due to limited medical knowledge and access to advanced oncology care. This experience profoundly inspired me to delve deeper into the field. After completing medical school, I pursued a PhD program focused on preclinical drug development in oncology and the interactions of radiation. This research not only solidified my passion for oncology but also introduced me to the specialized field of radiation oncology.
I found that radiation oncology was the perfect fit for me, as it uniquely integrates biology, medicine, and technology. My PhD training deepened my interest in enhancing radiation therapy through innovative combinations with systemic therapies. I specifically explored the synergy between radiation and vascular targeting and antiangiogenesis agents across various cancer models. These experiences fueled my enthusiasm to pursue a residency in radiation oncology and a faculty position, where I could further contribute to advancing cancer treatment.
CCO: What are some significant advancements in radiation oncology that you have witnessed throughout your career?
Dr. Shi: As a central nervous system (CNS) radiation oncologist, one of the most significant advancements I have witnessed in radiation oncology is the continuous technological evolution of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and its expanding role in the management of CNS diseases, particularly brain metastases. SRS has become increasingly patient-friendly, transitioning from frame-based treatments to more comfortable mask-based systems. The efficacy and precision of SRS radiation planning have improved dramatically with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven autoplanning solutions. Modern techniques also facilitate the concurrent treatment of multiple brain metastases, significantly reducing treatment time while preserving high quality.
In addition to its applications for intracranial pathologies, stereotactic radiation for extracranial diseases has also shown markedly improved efficacy compared to conventional techniques. The excellent local control achieved with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has made it a standard approach for early-stage lung cancer, lung metastases, spine metastases, and other oligometastatic conditions.
CCO: Your work often involves both clinical practice and research. How do you balance these two aspects of your career, and how do they complement each other?
Dr. Shi: Clinical practice and research are inherently complementary, with the overarching aim of enhancing patient outcomes. As an academic physician, I am allocated dedicated time for research, focusing primarily on clinical research and clinical trials. My clinical experience directly informs my research by identifying critical areas of need and generating hypotheses, which can rapidly evolve into investigator-initiated clinical trials.
A primary focus of my research is glioblastoma, an exceptionally aggressive and malignant brain cancer. Due to the limited efficacy of conventional radiation therapy for this condition, I have spearheaded multiple clinical trials investigating the combination of radiation with novel agents, such as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, aurora kinase inhibitors, and innovative technologies like tumor-treating fields.
The synergy between my clinical practice and research is evident in our recent work. For example, our investigator-initiated trial examining the combination of radiation and tumor-treating fields has advanced to a global Phase 3 randomized trial (Trident trial, NCT04471844) [1]. The findings from this research are anticipated to contribute significantly to evolving clinical practice and improving treatment strategies.
CCO: Can you share a particularly challenging case that you have encountered and how it influenced your approach to patient care and treatment planning?
Dr.Shi: Every case in oncology presents unique challenges, requiring a coordinated approach from the patient’s healthcare team to devise a plan that optimizes survival outcomes while carefully balancing potential toxicities and tolerances.
A notable example that underscores the importance of multidisciplinary care involved a young woman in her early twenties with localized synovial sarcoma of the orbit. The conventional treatment for this condition typically involves orbital exenteration followed by radiation therapy. However, this standard approach would not only result in the loss of the patient’s functional eye but also cause significant disfigurement.
By collaborating closely with an oculoplastic surgeon, we developed a novel eye-preservation strategy. This approach involved specialized orbital stereotactic radiation prior to surgery, followed by a surgical resection designed to preserve the eye. The patient is now five years post-treatment, free of cancer, and retains the eye and vision. This case exemplifies how interdisciplinary collaboration can lead to innovative solutions that significantly enhance patient quality of life.
CCO: What role do you see emerging technologies, such as AI and machine learning, playing in the future of radiation oncology?
Dr. Shi: AI has become deeply integrated into modern radiation oncology practice. As a technology-intensive specialty, AI can be applied at virtually every step of the radiation oncology workflow. For instance, AI-driven imaging tools enhance the radiation simulation process by routinely auto-segmenting normal structures and, in various stages of development, auto-detecting and segmenting tumors.
AI algorithms also play a critical role in radiation treatment planning. They significantly enhance efficiency and reduce interobserver variation, ensuring the consistent production of high-quality treatment plans. Additionally, AI is utilized in radiation quality assurance, adaptive radiation therapy, patient management, and workflow optimization. Novel AI models are being developed for predictive analytics, including survival rates, local control, and patterns of progression.
AI is poised to further transform radiation oncology by improving precision, efficiency, and overall quality of care. Most importantly, AI can alleviate physicians from repetitive tasks, thereby allowing them more time to focus on direct patient care.
CCO: How has your experience been as an Editorial Board Member of CCO?
Dr. Shi: My experience as an Editorial Board Member of CCO has been highly rewarding. I had the opportunity to edit two special issues on neuro-oncology (2,3), which allowed me to engage with many leading investigators and physicians from around the world. The most recent issue centered on the latest developments in glioblastoma (2).
A standout aspect of this experience was coordinating and collaborating with authors globally. This collaboration enabled us to present a comprehensive overview of current perspectives and advancements, ensuring diverse and international representation. The special issues were well-received by the scientific community, reflecting their impact and relevance.
I am deeply satisfied with the opportunity to contribute to the dissemination of cutting-edge knowledge through CCO. This role has not only enhanced my professional growth but also reinforced the journal’s commitment to advancing the field of oncology.
CCO: As the Associate Editor-in-Chief, what are your expectations for CCO?
Dr. Shi: Since its inception, CCO has experienced substantial growth, marked by a rising readership and a steady increase in its impact factor. As a successful journal, CCO should remain committed to publishing high-quality research, with a particular emphasis on original, innovative basic and translational research, as well as clinical trials.
The special editions have been very well-received, highlighting the journal's capacity to address significant and timely oncology topics. Moving forward, it is crucial to continue expanding coverage to encompass a wide range of relevant and current oncology issues, ensuring the journal's sustained relevance and impact in the field.
Besides, CCO should continue to offer exceptional support for authors, especially for those from global regions where English may not be the primary language. In addition to maintaining rigorous peer review and providing constructive feedback, the journal should ensure that clear guidelines and resources are readily available to assist authors through the submission and publication process. This may also include providing comprehensive editorial services, including language editing for manuscripts.
Reference
- Shi W, Roberge D, Kleinberg L, et al. Phase 3 TRIDENT study (EF-32): Tumor treating fields (TTFields; 200 kHz) concomitant with chemoradiation, and maintenance TTFields therapy/temozolomide in newly diagnosed glioblastoma. JCO 2023;41(16_suppl):TPS2083-TPS2083.
- Shi W, Palmer JD, Alnahhas I, et al. Recent advances in Neuro-Oncology. Chinese Clinical Oncology 2024. Published online: https://cco.amegroups.org/post/view/recent-advances-in-neuro-oncology
- Shi W, Palmer JD. Neuro-oncology. Chinese Clinical Oncology 2017. Published online: https://cco.amegroups.org/issue/view/601