William W. Wong, M.D.

Dr. Wong's clinical practice and research interests are focused in the management of genito-urinary and breast cancers.

For patients with prostate cancer, his team has evaluated the integration of prostate MRI scan into treatment planning to target areas of abnormal signal to higher doses of radiation using intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). The goals are to achieve better cancer control while minimizing side effects to surrounding normal tissues. For many patients, proton beam therapy is offered as a treatment option for prostate cancer. Proton beam provides better sparing of normal tissues to radiation while delivering a high dose to the target.

Dr. Wong's team was the first group to evaluate the use of indium-111 capromab pendetide imaging to guide dose escalation for prostate cancer.

For breast cancer, Dr. Wong participated in performing studies evaluating the use of intra-operative irradiation to the tumor bed as a boost after lumpectomy followed by whole breast irradiation for early-stage breast cancer. Hypo-fractionated dose scheme has been integrated into his practice for external beam irradiation after lumpectomy. Most of his patients are treated with hypo-fractionated radiation regimens that reduce the number of treatments from 6 weeks to 1-3 weeks. For some patients who need radiation treatment to the regional lymph nodes after breast cancer surgery, proton beam may be an option to minimize the radiation dose to the heart and lung.

As part of Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, there is close collaboration between Dr. Wong and other specialists to ensure patients get the best personalized care. The team is constantly reviewing treatment outcomes and searching for new and innovative ways to further improve the care of patients. Clinical trials are offered using conventional X-ray treatment as well as proton beam therapy.