Our Radiation Biology Group is also focused on integrating Radiobiology and Bioengineering innovations to develop small molecules, specialized nanoparticles, and devices, to enhance tumor control, reduce normal tissue toxicity, and promote recovery of radiotherapy-damaged tissues. Specific disease areas include tumors of the brain, head and neck, and pancreas, and radiotherapy induced brain and heart injury.
In this general context our current translational and mechanistic investigations are directed towards, (1) a radiation activated nanoparticle based prodrug system coupled with radio- and brachytherapy machines, (2) a tumor selective small molecule radio/chemosensitizer, and (3) a novel device and targeted nanoparticles to stimulate and support localized tissue recovery.
Another major focus of our Radiation Biology Research Program is on understanding interactions between radiation and the immune system. Click
here for an overview of our Immunotherapy Program.