Experimental Radiation Oncology
Research in our department encompasses cellular, molecular, genetic, and tissue-microenvironmental aspects of the biology of neoplastic- and normal-tissue interactions with ionizing radiation and other cytotoxic agents. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these interactions is essential for improving radiotherapy.
Research in tumor biology involves both in vitro and in vivo models and covers a broad range of topics, many of which parallel clinical studies. This research includes:
- Studies of tumor-growth kinetics and regulation
- Mechanisms by which cytotoxic drugs and biologicals enhance tumor response to radiation
- Genetic and molecular mechanisms that regulate tumor-cell death by apoptosis
Molecular targets on tumor cells, such as growth factor receptors and cyclooxygenase-2, are being explored as possible approaches to enhancing the efficacy of radiotherapy. We are performing translational studies that involve a variety of novel molecular, immunologic, and flow-cytometric procedures in both human and animal tumors.
Because preservation of normal-tissue function is crucial in radiotherapy, it is also essential to understand the pathogenesis and recovery of normal tissues exposed to radiation. Studies in this area have the long-range goals of either predicting or modifying normal-tissue responses to radiation. These studies include:
- Cellular repair, cell depletion and cell-repopulation kinetics
- The role of cytokines and hormones in tissue damage and remodeling after radiation
- The effects of chemical and biologic modifiers on tissue damage
- The genetic basis of tissue injury following irradiation
Investigations in the area of cellular and molecular radiobiology are directed toward the basic mechanisms governing cellular radiosensitivity. Particular emphasis is placed on identifying mechanisms that control cell and tissue responses to radiation, intercellular mediation by cytokines, the cell-division cycle, and the propensity to undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis). New molecular assays are being developed to predict patient response to radiation using DNA-repair parameters.
Much of our research has direct relevance to clinical radiotherapy, and some has already led to clinical trials. Communication between the departments of Experimental Radiation Oncology, Radiation Physics and Radiation Oncology, as well as many other experimental and clinical departments at M. D. Anderson, is extensive and productive. Interactions with the Division of Surgery have led to clinical protocols combining gene therapy with radiation.