Experimental Radiation Oncology
The Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology (ERO) is the laboratory-based basic and translational research arm of the Division of Radiation Oncology. Our research encompasses the biology of tumor- and normal-tissue interactions with radiation and other agents used for cancer treatment. The in vitro and in vivo research ranges from genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry to proteomics and system biology. Investigations in the department include studies on DNA damage repair, metastasis, angiogenesis, apoptosis, transcription, invasion, cancer stem cells, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, signaling, biomarkers, and resistance to therapy.
Our researchers maintain close ties to physicians in many clinical departments as well as to other basic science departments in MD Anderson. Faculty members in the department are investigators on extramural grants that are exploring cancers of the head and neck, pancreas, breast, prostate, and lung. In addition, our laboratories support the translational research of eight physician-scientists who have clinical duties in the Department of Radiation Oncology, facilitating the exchange of clinically relevant information between the laboratory and the clinic.
Experimental Radiation Oncology is home to the institution’s Specific-Pathogen Free Barrier Animal Colony, an AAALAC Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care certified breeding and housing center, located adjacent to but separate from Veterinary Medicine on the main campus. The facility is the single largest provider of SPF defined flora nude mice for MD Anderson investigators.
In addition to their research, the faculty is dedicated to educating and training the next generation of cancer investigators and in making a difference in the lives of patients with cancer. The department emphasizes the training of students, postdoctoral fellows and clinical fellows and residents in the fundamentals of tumor biology to improve the outcomes of patients with malignancies. ERO faculty provides leadership to an institution-wide program, TRIUMPH (Translational Research In Multi-Disciplinary Programs) for postdoctoral fellows. This program mirrors the physician-scientist training for MDs by training recent PhD graduates in translational/clinical research.