Recent work from the lab and others indicates that FLASH-RT spares healthy tissue by preserving the stem/progenitor cells that allow a complete recovery after radiation injury. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the FLASH sparing effect remains unknown. In this project, we propose, using cutting-edge technologies, to investigate the molecular and cellular consequences of FLASH compared t

Preclinical studies with hypofractionated regimens have revealed that increased doses of ionizing radiation (IR) induce potent anti-tumor immune responses, as a result of IR-induced immunogenic tumor cell death. These insights have boosted an immense level of translational and clinical research at the interface of radiotherapy and immunology leading to promising clinical trials of radiotherapy in

Macrophages play a central role in tissue homeostasis, orchestration and resolution of inflammation, and tissue repair but they also support tumor growth and are suspected to promote resistance to radioimmunotherapy. These pleiotropic actions are based on the pronounced plasticity of the macrophage phenotype that differs depending on tissue/tumor type, microenvironment and treatment. We revealed t

Lung cancer is by far the most common thoracic malignancy worldwide. Radiation in combination with chemotherapy is currently the standard treatment for locally advanced stages, sometimes in combination with targeted agents or immunotherapy. Treatment however is often associated with high rates of radiation-induced adverse effects. Strategies to reduce the likelihood of radiation-induced tissue dam