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| Core Areas |
- Bioinformatics
- Radiation biology
- Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular pathophysiology
- Endothelial and vascular biology
- Biostatics
- Clinical cancer research
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| Research Areas |
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Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Normal Tissue Radiation Toxicity
Radiation therapy of cancer is intended to have maximum effect on the tumor, while minimizing the exposure of surrounding normal tissues. Despite advances in dose planning and radiation delivery equipment, the risk of injury to normal tissues remains the single-most important factor that limits the likelihood of cancer cure after radiation therapy. Moreover, chronic side effects after radiation therapy are common, associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and are a major determinant of quality of life among cancer survivors. The overall objective of our research program is to investigate the basic mechanisms of normal tissue radiation injury. Such knowledge is important for developing new treatment regimens, effective radiation response modifiers, and adjuvant therapies to minimize normal tissue radiation injury in cancer patients. Current projects are focused on 1) investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms of radiation-induced fibrosis; 2) exploring the mechanisms responsible for the chronic nature of radiation toxicity; and 3) developing strategies to prevent, reduce, or treat normal tissue radiation injury. These studies will provide new insight into the basic pathogenesis of normal tissue radiation toxicity and help reduce the risk of radiation-induced side effects, thereby making radiation therapy safer and more effective.
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