Radiation Oncology & Imaging

The Radiation Oncology and Imaging Program (ROI) comprehensively includes radiation biologists, imaging scientists, medical physicists, bioengineers, radiation oncologists and radiologists. The goals of the ROI are to foster research interactions that stimulate the integration of basic science, bioengineering, translational science, imaging/data science and clinical trials to: (Aim 1) increase the local control of tumors by radiation therapy while minimizing side effects; and (Aim 2) develop and evaluate imaging methods and imaging biomarkers for localized and disseminated cancer. In Aim 1, we will focus on understanding cellular, tissue, and tumor responses to radiation and DNA damage, and developing clinical trials of radiation therapy. In Aim 2, we will focus on improving pre-clinical imaging technologies, and using clinical imaging to detect, stage, and treat cancer. To accomplish these goals, the ROI sponsors several venues for interaction including a monthly seminar series and annual retreat. During the current funding period, David Kirsch, MD, PhD transitioned to a new position as head of Radiation Medicine Program at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Lee Zou, PhD (an NCI R35 award winner) and Manisha Palta, MD (a national leader in radiation oncology clinical research) joined Nimmi Ramanujam, PhD, as co-directors for ROI. ROI is comprised of 48 full members from 10 departments and 3 schools within Duke University. Total direct funding for full program members is $9.0M, of which $7.5M is peer reviewed, including $4.0M from the NCI. Program members’ research efforts in radiation biology and imaging also are facilitated by multi-investigator grants including a P01 evaluating clinical utility and radiation biology of FLASH radiotherapy. ROI members’ clinical and translational research are supported by dedicated clinical research MR and PET/CT scanners, as well as a dedicated clinical trials team consisting of a manager, clinical research nurse coordinators, clinical research coordinators, regulatory coordinator, data manager and statisticians, who are devoted to accruing patients to clinical trials within our program. Through the clinical research infrastructure, Christopher Kelsey, MD, developed and led a practice changing international, multi-institutional clinical trial evaluating reduced consolidative radiotherapy dose in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. During the current funding period, the program enrolled 2,315 participants to all trials and 1,696 to interventional trials. In addition, program members published 1,055 cancer-focused papers, 283 (27%) are intra-programmatic, 327 (31%) are inter-programmatic collaborations and 184 (17%) are impact factor over 10.