Mission
The mission of the Cancer Biology Division is
- To perform innovative basic science research in cancer biology and the radiation sciences
- To support translation of basic science discovery into clinical practice
- To educate the next generation of leaders in the field of radiotherapy research
Research
The goal of research in the Cancer Biology Division is to redefine radiobiology as it pertains to contemporary basic science discovery and efforts to individualize cancer treatment through personalized medicine. Investigators work on a wide variety of research topics that are relevant to modern radiotherapy.
The Bioinformatics Program works closely with clinicians to identify biomarkers which can be used to stratify patients and to identify patients for targeted therapies.
The Imaging Program works with clinicians, radiochemists and imaging scientists to develop new strategies for radiotherapy target delineation. These investigators also develop new imaging strategies for treatment response monitoring.
The Developmental Therapeutics Program develops small compounds that are radiation protectors and radiation sensitizers. The developmental therapeutics program also develops antibodies and peptides that bind to radiation inducible neoantigens. This targeted delivery system is designed to deliver cancer therapeutics through use of nanotechnology and novel formulations.
The Preclinical Modeling Program works with investigators throughout the medical center to irradiate tumors in animals. Radiation is targeted to tumors in mice with millimeter accuracy using the Xstrahl Small Animal Radiation Therapy Platform.