Radiation carcinogenesis

The radiation carcinogenesis research program encompasses studies of the carcinogenic effects of ionizing radiations as well as ultraviolet radiation. Research continues to emphasize neutron carcinogenesis, dose response and time-dose relationships, the dynamics of the carcinogenic process after exposure to radiation and/or chemical, and the role of host factors (e.g., cell-cell communications, growth factors, genetic background, and the immune system) in tumor development. These problems are being approached by the in vitro and in vivo/in vitro methods. The scope of the research is greatly facilitated because of numerous collaborative research efforts with other investigators within the division and with investigators outside the division. The examination of mechanisms and the establishment of general principles which may allow an understanding of risks to humans from radiation exposure is a common emphasis among all the research projects described. Data from these studies are also being used to try to develop methods of extrapolation of animal data to human risks