Translational Radiation Biology and Oncology Group

Led by Associate Professor Eric Hau, the Translational Radiation Biology & Oncology Group at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research focuses on understanding and overcoming radiation resistance in cancer treatment. By integrating radiomics, genomics, and proteomics, the group aims to identify biomarkers and mechanisms of resistance to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Research includes developing novel radiation/drug combinations, investigating the role of hypoxia and metabolic pathways in treatment response, and utilizing advanced radiation delivery technologies. The group’s translational approach bridges laboratory discoveries with clinical applications to improve outcomes for patients with lung, brain, and other high-grade tumors.

Key research topics include:

  1. Mechanisms of Radiation Resistance: Investigating the genetic, molecular, and immune pathways that lead to radiation resistance, with a focus on hypoxia and metabolic adaptations in tumors.
  2. Radiomics, Genomics, and Proteomics Integration: Utilizing advanced imaging (radiomics) and genetic profiling to predict and understand tumor responses to radiation therapy.
  3. Radiation/Drug Combination Therapies: Developing and testing novel combinations of radiation with targeted drugs, particularly those addressing hypoxia and metabolic pathways, to enhance treatment efficacy in glioblastoma and other aggressive tumors.
  4. RAS/RAF/MEK Pathway and Radio-Response: Studying the role of the RAS/RAF/MEK signaling pathway in modulating tumor sensitivity to radiation.
  5. Advanced Radiation Delivery Techniques: Implementing and refining cutting-edge technologies such as functional lung avoidance radiation therapy and stereotactic ablative radiation therapy.
  6. Radiation-Induced Cell Death: Exploring the biological mechanisms of cell death induced by radiation, including the effects of stereotactic radiotherapy on tumor cells.
  7. Systematic Review of Radiation/Immunotherapy Combinations: Analyzing and synthesizing data to inform best practices for combining radiation with immunotherapy.

Recent Achievements

  • Identification of Key Biomarkers
    Advanced research in identifying genetic and immune markers of radiation resistance in high-grade brain tumors, contributing to personalized treatment strategies.
  • Breakthrough in Radiation/Drug Combinations
    Demonstrated promising preclinical results using novel metabolic and hypoxia-targeted drug combinations with radiation therapy for glioblastoma and diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas.
  • Implementation of Advanced Radiation Techniques
    Pioneered functional lung avoidance radiation therapy, enhancing safety and effectiveness for patients with early-stage lung cancer

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