Radiation Biology
Michael Joiner, Ph.D.
Director, Radiation Biology Program
Graduate Officer, Department of Radiation Oncology
Steven Zielske, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Radiation Oncology
Mailing Address:
Department of Radiation Oncology
Academic Offices
540 E. Canfield
Detroit, MI 48201
The Radiation Biology Program was established in the Fall of 2001 with the recruitment of Michael Joiner, Ph.D. from the United Kingdom.
The overall program mission is to research the bases for clinical radiation resistance, to identify resistance in patients, and to develop targeted interventions to overcome resistance. The program is focused on providing complete biological support to the department, including the provision of biology teaching to residents, therapists and physicists.
The Radiation Biology Program is currently focusing on the following research:
- Molecular basis for clinical radiation resistance and diversity seen in the response to radiation therapy, including the study of cancer stem cells.
- Development of a complete system of treatment planning based on biologically effective dose to improve our ability to account for variability in biological factors such as radiosensitivity, hypoxia and cell proliferation from patient to patient.
- Investigation of soy isoflavones to enhance radiotherapy.
- Gene therapy and therapeutic use of stem cells for radioprotection of normal tissues.
- Development of high-LET radiotherapy. Nanoparticles to enhance the radiation effect on radioresistant tumors.
