Renowned clinical physicist Wu Liu, known for his groundbreaking contributions to cancer imaging techniques and radiation treatments, tragically passed away at the age of 51. Liu, who was an associate professor of radiation oncology at Stanford Medicine, had been diagnosed with brain cancer last year.

Liu's untimely death leaves behind a lasting impact on the field of cancer radiology. As a national expert in radiation treatments for eye cancer, he was a pivotal figure in developing and improving brachytherapy techniques using radioactive sources. His innovative approach involved customizing treatment plaques specifically tailored to each patient, resulting in enhanced comfort and treatment accuracy.

Colleagues fondly remember Liu as an exceptional clinician and indispensable member of Stanford's cancer radiology program. His expertise in brachytherapy, particularly eye plaque brachytherapy, made him the go-to person in the field. Liu's high standard of work, strong sense of responsibility, and collaborative nature made him an ideal colleague to have.

Throughout his career, Liu made significant contributions to the field of medical physics. He authored over 42 peer-reviewed papers in leading journals and played a vital role in teaching medical physics residents. Additionally, Liu helped shape the curriculum for the radiation physics residency program, furthering the advancement of radiation therapy techniques.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Liu was cherished by family and friends for his easygoing and sociable nature. He was described as a family-focused individual with a great sense of humor and optimism. Liu's wife, Nina Hsieh, and daughter, Sienna Liu, recall his love for soccer and his passion for making others laugh.

Born in Beijing, China, Liu's journey in the field of medical physics began with a bachelor's degree in astronomy from Nanjing University and a master's degree in astrophysics from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Liu transitioned to medical physics and earned a master's degree in computer science in 2006, followed by a PhD in medical physics in 2007 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Liu's research focused on addressing patient movement during image-guided radiation therapy, employing artificial intelligence to enhance cancer treatment. After serving as a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford Medicine, Liu joined Yale-New Haven Hospital as an assistant professor of radiation oncology before returning to California in 2019 as an associate professor of radiation oncology at Stanford.

Despite his diagnosis of glioblastoma in August 2023, Liu remained committed to his research and continued to collaborate and provide guidance to his trainees. His dedication to advancing cancer detection and treatment serves as an inspiration to his fellow cancer researchers.

Wu Liu's untimely passing is mourned not only by his family and colleagues but also by the wider medical community. His legacy as a gifted clinical physicist and compassionate family man will continue to inspire future generations in the field of cancer radiology.