https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9068-6872Dr. Dawson’s research interests include implementation of advanced radiation technologies (e.g. stereotactic body radiation therapy [SBRT], image guidance, including MRI-guided radiation therapy) to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of toxicity in patients receiving radiation therapy. She also investigates novel uses of radiation therapy, such as SBRT for the treatment of liver cancer, as well as innovative combinations of therapies including SBRT and immunotherapy. Additionally, she is interested in innovations that reduce the risk of radiation-related toxicities.
Dr. Dawson has recently led two practice-changing Phase 3 randomized clinical trials (NRG/RTOG 1112 and CCTG HE1) investigating the use of radiation therapy in patients with primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC) and/or liver metastases. The NRG/RTOG 1112 trial established stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) as the new standard of care for HCC in patients who are not candidates for resection or other local treatments. In this trial, patients were randomized to receive either systemic sorafenib or SBRT followed by sorafenib. The transformative findings demonstrated that SBRT substantially improved both progression-free survival and overall survival (Dawson et al., JAMA Oncology 2024). In the Canadian Clinical Trials Group (CCTG) study HE1, Dr. Dawson showed that compared to best supportive care alone, single-fraction radiotherapy combined with best supportive care significantly alleviated pain (Dawson et al., Lancet Oncology 2024). This pivotal study established a new standard of palliative care for patients suffering from severe hepatic pain due to cancer. Dr. Dawson is also an investigator in numerous other trials exploring the use of radiation therapy, with or without immunotherapy.
Dr. Dawson is the founder and current co-chair of the highly regarded Accelerated Education Program (AEP), titled "Liver, Pancreas, and Upper GI Oligometastases Imaging and SBRT." This program is the only AEP course held annually at the PM Cancer Centre, owing to its sustained global demand. It has attracted over 300 participants from around the world, including countries such as Finland, the Netherlands, Italy, England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Japan, India, Ethiopia, Singapore. Initially launched in 2011 with a focus on liver treatments, the course has since broadened its scope to include a wider range of expertise in the field.