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Molecular radiation biology/oncology

2004; Elsevier BV; Volume: 72; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.radonc.2004.08.001

1879-0887

H. Peter Rodemann, Michaël Baumann, Stephan Bodis, Ekkehard Dikomey,

Cancer-related Molecular Pathways

Molecular biology approaches in radiobiology and radiation oncology have improved our understanding of cellular radiation responses of both tumor and normal cells. These involve a variety of intracellular and intercellular signaling cascades regulating both radiation sensitivity and radiation resistance. Consequently, progress in molecular radiation biology will provide tools to develop new strategies in modern radiation oncology, which eventually will result in the improvement of tumor responses and decrease of normal tissue complications. The Wolfsberg Meeting Series on Molecular Radiation Biology/Oncology initiated in 1997 brings together the various disciplines of molecular biology, radiobiology and radiation oncology to intensify the dialogue between basic and clinical researchers. The thematic focus of this meeting reflects the actual scope of radiation biology research with important aspects to clinical radiation oncology. These are mainly phenotypic changes in irradiated tumor and normal cells resulting from alterations in cell cycle arrest, control of proliferation and differentiation, DNA damage recognition and repair as well as cell death. Over the recent years significant progress has been made in the understanding of the specific mechanisms and the characterization of key molecules regulating these processes has led to the ongoing development of specific inhibitors and interventional strategies in clinical radiation oncology [ 7 Coleman C.N. Clinical applications of molecular biology in radiation oncology. Sem Radiat Oncol. 1996; 6: 245-249 Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (9) Google Scholar , 8 Coleman C.N. Of what use is molecular biology to the practising radiation oncologist?. Radiother Oncol. 1998; 46: 117-125 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (8) Google Scholar , 9 Coleman C.N. Cumberlin R.L. Translational research in radiation oncology. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2001; 49: 885-890 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (7) Google Scholar ]. Moreover, the importance and knowledge of the cellular microenvironment on tumor growth and response is rapidly evolving and complex, i.e. there is more than hypoxia and angiogenesis. The environmental effects on cellular phenotype include cell–cell interaction as well as cell matrix interaction and cytokine/growth factor signaling [ [8] Coleman C.N. Of what use is molecular biology to the practising radiation oncologist?. Radiother Oncol. 1998; 46: 117-125 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (8) Google Scholar ]. Over the recent years for each of the radiation effects extensive new knowledge has accumulated with respect to the molecules and biochemical pathways involved allowing the definition of tumor cell-specific molecular targets, for which antagonistic approaches can be developed to improve treatment efficacy in radiation oncology [ 8 Coleman C.N. Of what use is molecular biology to the practising radiation oncologist?. Radiother Oncol. 1998; 46: 117-125 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (8) Google Scholar , 9 Coleman C.N. Cumberlin R.L. Translational research in radiation oncology. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2001; 49: 885-890 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (7) Google Scholar ]. Based on these facts and the potential to use basic research aspects for translational approaches, the aim of the Wolfsberg Meeting Series is to foster the discussion and especially collaborations between basic scientists and clinical researchers in clinical radiation oncology, the most promising fields of DNA repair, cell cycle control and signal transduction, modulation of microenvironment as well as potential molecular targets.