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Research & Education
Radiation Oncology Research Mission
The Experimental Divisions of the Department of Radiation Oncology will continue to create an environment of excellence and leadership in biological aspects of radiation research as it relates to radiation therapy. Basic, translational, and clinical research programs will be developed that evaluate and contribute to medical scientific knowledge in the discipline. Training Programs will continue to educate scientists, residents, and staff in radiation biology to the highest level of achievement and in how to apply their knowledge for the benefit of cancer patients and society in general. Visit our research website >>
Translational Research
What is translational research?
Translational research is a type of combined clinical and basic science investigation in which knowledge learned from the basic research in the laboratory with genes, cells, or animals is translated into therapeutic intervention in human subjects. Knowledge from our clinical experience can also be translated back into the laboratory to ask clinically relevant problems afflicting our patients. The goal of the Department of Radiation Oncology at UCLA is to conduct translational research that has the highest potential for immediate benefits to our patients with cancer who are treated with radiation therapy. Without translational research, much of what we have learned in the laboratory would not have been applied to the treatment of human cancers.
At UCLA, we have active and innovative phase I and II clinical trials that address the most pressing road blocks in cancer treatments involving the use of state-of-the-art molecular imaging modalities, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. Analysis of routinely obtained blood samples before, during, and after treatment for the purpose of discovering new biological markers (biomarkers) during these clinical trials are taken back to the bench-side to further refine our laboratory focus and mission.
With an active translational research program at UCLA, we aim to be world leaders in cancer care by providing the most advanced therapeutic interventions that will ultimately improve cancer patient treatment outcomes. The below listed areas melt together in many ways as we bring research to the bedside.
Translational Research Areas
1) Clinical Research
Clinical research is research that either directly involves a particular patient or groups of patients or uses materials from humans, such as reported outcomes, blood or samples of their tissue that can be linked to a particular patient. Clinical trials are an important component of clinical research, usually conducted to evaluate a new treatment or medication.
The NIH definition of clinical research is:
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Patient-oriented research: This type of research involves a particular person or group of people or uses materials from humans. This research can include:
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Studies of mechanisms of human disease
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Studies of therapies or interventions for disease
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Clinical trials (see our clinical trials for more details)
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Studies to develop new technology related to disease
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Epidemiological and behavioral studies: These types of studies examine the distribution of disease, the factors that affect health, and how people make health-related decisions.
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Outcomes and health services research: These studies seek to identify the most effective and most efficient interventions, treatments, and services.
2) Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology (DMCO)
The goal of the UCLA Radiation Biology Group is to develop novel approaches to modification of the response of tumors and normal tissues to clinically relevant doses of radiation. One concept that was developed within the Division is that radiation imposes molecular "signatures" on cells and tissues that are a response to a "sense of danger." Such responses, in concert with existing molecular pathways promote intracellular and intercellular communication leading to the multiple consequences of radiation exposure. These pathways define intrinsic cellular radiosensitivity and can be modulated rationally to improve the therapeutic benefit to be derived from clinical radiation therapy.
3) BioMedical Physics Research
Biomedical Physics Research
The Biomedical Physics Research is one of the fastest growing integrated research programs in the Department of Radiation Oncology. Our physicists are also research scientists tasked with the goal to develop clinical research in areas directly related to patient safety, quality, and innovative treatment techniques.
Biomedical Physics Interdepartmental Graduate Program
The goal of the Biomedical Physics Interdepartmental Graduate Program is been the development of research scientists who are well versed in physics, mathematics, engineering and computer science, and who understand the application of these disciplines to the instruments and techniques used in the practice of radiology, nuclear medicine and radiation oncology. read more
