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Radiation Biology Branch

Research

Radiation Biology Branch

The Radiation Biology Branch research activities are focused on pre-clinical basic science research aimed at identifying and incorporating novel approaches to cancer treatment and evaluation. Emphasis is placed on gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms of cell killing and protection at the molecular, biochemical, cellular, and physiological levels for a variety of cancer treatment modalities including ionizing radiation, cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic drugs, combinations of drugs and radiation, biological modifiers, sonosensitizers, and a variety of agents that impose oxidative stress. The central and unifying research theme of the Branch is focused on oxidative stress. Oxidative stress, which results from ionizing radiation, is presently emerging as a major field of research that encompasses many human disease states including heart disease, neurological disorders, aging, and cancer. Additionally, the development of novel functional imaging devices has progressed to the point that we can now evaluate the efficacy of non-invasive in vivo oxygen concentration assessment and the potential application of tissue redox mapping.

The Branch is divided into three sections: Tumor Biology, Molecular Mechanisms, and Biophysical Spectroscopy. The Tumor Biology Section employs a variety of experimental models (both in vitro and in vivo) with the aim of identifying ways to improve cancer treatment. A variety of cancer treatment modalities are evaluated both alone and in combination with the purpose of understanding chemical and biochemical modes of action. The Molecular Mechanisms Section is currently conducting studies to better understand the complex molecular events associated with radiation-induced normal tissue injury. Likewise the section provides molecular biology support/collaboration for the other sections. The focus of the Biophysical Spectroscopy Section is the development, testing, and refinement of low-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) functional imaging devices suitable for in vivo imaging of paramagnetic species. Additionally, the potential for sonodynamic therapy, which is a promising new modality for cancer treatment based on the synergistic effect on cell killing by the combination of ultrasound and a drug (sonosensitizer) is under study.

This page was last updated on 12/16/2005.