Advanced Precision Medicine in Radiation Oncology: Identifying Predictive Markers of Treatment Response

Half of all cancer patients receive radiotherapy, and of this group 15% will develop a tissue injury, or side effect, from the treatment. At present, however, there are no reliable methods for predicting a patient’s response to radiation therapy. We have studied mice with different genetic make ups and determined that there are certain genes which affect the mouse response to radiation. We propose to test whether the human versions of these same genes influence a person’s response to radiation by reviewing the radiation reactions of BC Cancer patients who previously consented to participate. We will not know any patient identities, but we will study their specific genes and determine whether knowing these tells us about their radiation reaction.

Faculty Supervisor:

Christina Haston

Student:

Partner:

BC Cancer

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia - Okanagan

Program: