Research & Protocols

The Radiobiology Program at Cleveland Clinic covers the following programs:

We are constantly in the process of evaluating and researching radiotherapy methods and effects, whether we're analyzing stereotactic radiotherapy, brachytherapy, radiosurgery or the role of medications in radiotherapy treatment. Outlined here are some of the projects we're currently working on.

Molecular Radiobiology:

1. Ionizing radiation signaling pathways to cell death and cell survival:
   1. molecular characterization of the commitment stage in apoptosis
      (role of cytochrome c release and expression of novel genes);
   2. receptor mediated signaling to apoptosis (Apo2L/TRAIL pathway);
   3. activation of serine and cysteine proteases;
   4. identification of cellular proteolytic caspase substrates.
2. Role of Cyclin E and other oncogenes (Bcl-2, Bax) and tumor supressor genes (Rb, p53) in cell cycle control, apoptosis, and genetic stability. Tumor models: leukemia, prostate, and lung cancer.
3. Expression profiling of ionizing radiation-induced genes in tumors: initial focus on prostate cancer;
4. Activation and use of "death genes"to improve clinical therapy: focus on Apo2L/TRAIL as a mediator of radiation and interferon-induced cell death and as a pharmacological enhancer of therapy (focus on prostate cancer).

Radiopharmaceutical Development:

1. Development and tumor model testing of radioactive antiandrogens ( ¹²⁵ I-Casodex) for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer.
2. Development of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals for the treatment of cancer, such as ¹⁸⁶ Re/ ¹⁸⁸ Re-glass microspheres, biodegradable ¹⁸⁸ Re-poly(lactic acid) microspheres and ¹⁸⁸ Re-fibrin glue.
3. Preparation and in vivo testing of ⁹⁰ Y or ¹⁸⁸ Re-labeled magnetic microspheres. Exploration of magnetic targeting feasibility in vivo.
4. Mechanistic and clinical investigation of radioimmunotherapy of lymphoma ( ⁹⁰ Y-labeled antibody Zevalin, IDEC).

Brachytherapy of coronary artery disease:

1. Development and clinical testing of a ¹⁸⁸ W/ ¹⁸⁸ Re-source for the treatment of acentric plaques using a built-in IVUS probe (Brigade Brachytherapy System, Endosonics).
2. Histological investigation of time-course and pathology in coronary artery restenosis.
3. Development and testing of a method to make radioactive ¹⁸⁸ Re-stents.
4. Evaluation of radioactive stents labeled with ¹²⁵ I, ¹⁶⁹ Yb and ¹⁶⁷ Cs for the prevention of restenosis. Investigation if the "candy-wrapper" effect can be prevented with these radioisotopes.

Cellular Radiobiology:

1. Redox-mediated cell functions.