Division of Translational Radiation Sciences

Bridging first-in-class radiation science with contract research to improve cancer cure rates, reduce treatment-related toxicity, and increase the likelihood of survival in a radiological or nuclear incident.

The Division of Translational Radiation Sciences (DTRS)

The Division of Translational Radiation Sciences (DTRS), a part of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, is dedicated to tackling the most important challenges in radiation cancer treatment and cancer survivorship. The division was established to accelerate the discovery and clinical implementation of new therapeutic strategies to improve tumor response in clinical radiotherapy, minimize post-radiation therapy complications, and mitigate/treat the life-threatening health effects of a radioactive or nuclear agent. DTRS offers a multidisciplinary approach to address the knowledge gaps in radiation oncology, biology, and physics to facilitate discovery and innovation. This is accomplished through building on the experience and multidisciplinary expertise of our faculty members within the Division. The Division provides a comprehensive set of services to the U.S. government, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies in the areas of medical and radiation oncology, radiation biology/physics, and biodefense.

To accomplish its mission, research within the division is focused on bridging the gap between novel hypothesis-driven science and contract research services to advance new drugs, medical devices, and therapeutic techniques from preclinical efficacy studies toward clinical trial for radiation oncology and biodefense applications. To this end, DTRS has assembled a team of 14 faculty and >30 administrative, technical, and regulatory personnel uniquely equipped to operate at the intersection between basic and translational radiation science and contract research services to:

• Identify new therapeutic targets;
• Optimize treatment schedules;
• Advance tumor imaging and radiation delivery precision;
• Translate new drugs across the life cycle of product development; and
• Facilitate rapid transition of cutting-edge scientific discoveries from the lab to clinical trial.

Integration of the division with the Department of Radiation Oncology ensures that new products with demonstrated preclinical efficacy and superior safety profiles can be seamlessly transitioned to clinical trials in cancer patients. For additional information on the division’s technical capabilities or to discuss research collaborations, please contact France Carrier, PhD, at fcarrier@som.umaryland.edu.