Advancing the Science
In our team-based, patient-focused department, we conduct basic research, which is designed to broaden our understanding of how healthy cells function and how cancer begins, grows and spreads. We use what we learn to help shape future tests and treatments. Translational research is about moving new findings and treatments from lab to clinic where they can be used to treat patients—as well as transferring clinical insights from the clinic to back to the lab.
Explore our teams and the basic and translational research they are pursuing.
- Heath Skinner, MD PhD
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The Skinner lab focuses on clinically targetable biomarkers of resistance to radiation. Novel targets for study are generated using big data approaches to clinical specimens as well as in-vivo screening techniques. These targets are further investigated in vitro to yield insights regarding mechanisms of radioresistance. Data collected is used to help design nationwide clinical trials using agents under investigation in order to reduce the time from bench to bedside. Click the link below to learn more.
- Joel Greenberger, MD PhD
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This team is developing radiation countermeasures for the Acute Hematopoietic Syndrome (GS-nitroxides) and the Acute gastro-intestinal syndrome (Lactoacillus reuteri) genetically engineered to release Interleukin-22 or Interferon B. The lab is also working on a countermeasure to prevent the late effect of radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis based on inhibition of the senescent cell associated tyrosine kinase Fgr.
- Christopher Bakkenist, PhD
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The focus of this lab is to investigate DNA replication and the effects of ATR kinase inhibition in preclinical models of cancer. Click the link below to learn more.
- Ravi Patel, MD PhD
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The Patel lab focuses on developing radiopharmaceutical treatments as well as utilizing immunomodulatory radiation therapy to enhance the efficacy of various cancer immunotherapies. Current projects include developing low-dose radiopharmaceutical therapy to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade and a VLA-4 targeting radionuclide for conditioning prior to adoptive cellular treatments.
- Yvonne Mowery, MD PhD
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Here, genetically engineered models, patient-derived samples and molecular biology techniques are used to study the development and progression—as well as the interplay between radiation therapy and the immune system—of head and neck cancer. The lab’s main mission is to understand the molecular underpinnings of radiation resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and immune dysregulation in the tumor microenvironment. The team hopes to translate scientific discoveries from the bench to the bedside to advance cancer patients’ care and improve their quality of life. Click the link below to learn more.
- Serah Choi, MD PhD
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The Choi laboratory is committed to developing therapies that enhance the lives of patients with brain metastases and gliomas. Its translational research focus is on targeting glucose transporters as a way of radiosensitizeing cancer cells.
The Department of Radiation Oncology is one of only four Centers for Medical Countermeasures Against Radiation (CMCR).
The Basic Science Program at the Department of Radiation Oncology specializes in:
- the development of novel small molecule radiation mitigators
- the development of programs for stem cell transplantation
- the biology of bone marrow, intestinal, and other epithelial organ stem cells