The Research Division of the Department of Radiation Oncology (located across the 1st and 2nd floors of the WCM E Building at 1300 York Avenue) investigates fundamental and translational aspects of radiation immunobiology towards the development of innovative treatment options for patients with cancer. Multiple lines of investigation pursued by the Research Division of the Department of Radiation Oncology converge on dissecting the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which irradiated cancer cells interact with the patient immune system to initiate or inhibit tumor-targeting immune responses. This objective is tackled by combining state-of-the-art analytic technologies with established models of cancer including, but not limited to, human and mouse malignant cell lines, transgenic and carcinogen-driven mouse models as well as patient-derived organoids, xenografts, and samples. More than 20 scientists, including post-doctoral associates and research staff, work at the Research Division of the Department of Radiation Oncology under the lead of seven Principal Investigators, each of whom focuses on a specific aspect of the interaction between irradiated tumors and the immune system to generate a broad research portfolio with elevate translational potential.
The Research Division of the Department of Radiation Oncology is supported by grants from the National Institute of Health (NIH), the Department of Defense (DoD), The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) and other private foundations.
The laboratories offer training and research opportunities not only for graduate students and postdocs, but also for physician scientists and medical residents who are interested in experimental research, serving as a bridge from the bench to the bedside.