Robert L. Foote, M.D.

Location

SUMMARY

The research interests of Robert L. Foote, M.D., include treatment of malignant and benign tumors of the skin, head and neck (including endocrine neoplasms such as thyroid and parathyroid cancer).

Much of Dr. Foote's research has been conducted in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, North Central Cancer Treatment Group, Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology and the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group with NRG Oncology.

Focus areas

• Evaluating new radiotherapy fractionation schemes
• Combining radiotherapy with chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted biological agents
• Evaluating new technology such as electronic portal imaging devices, stereotactic radiosurgery, intensity-modulated radiotherapy including volumetric-modulated arc therapy, 4D radiotherapy simulation, and assessing treatment delivery including respiratory and cardiac gaiting, adaptive radiotherapy, image-guided radiotherapy, and particle radiotherapy (proton and carbon ions)
• Investigating methods to prevent and manage acute and chronic effects of radiotherapy such as mucositis, xerostomia, dysgeusia, osteoradionecrosis and carotid artery stenosis
• Cost-effectiveness analysis

Significance to patient care

Through optimizing radiotherapy fractionation schemes, combining radiotherapy with other agents, and improving the accuracy and precision of radiotherapy delivery (imaging guidance, adaptive treatment planning and particle therapy), Dr. Foote and his research team have:

• Improved patient survival rates
• Reduced incidence and severity of acute- and late-adverse events associated with treatment
• Improved quality-of-life and functional outcomes for patients
• Reduced overall cost of care by reducing the number of treatments, costs of treating complications and need for treatment of recurrent cancer

Professional highlights

• Fellow, American Society for Radiation Oncology, 2010-present
• Fellow, American College of Radiology, 2008-present
• Named, Hitachi Professor in Radiation Oncology Research, 2018
• Recipient, Mayo Clinic Distinguished Clinician Award, 2016
• Recipient, Mayo Clinic Excellence in Leadership Award, 2016