Program Collaborations
As a national resource in radiation oncology and radiobiology research, the RRP coordinates its activities with several other research programs across NCI, NIH, Federal agencies, national and international research organizations, and scientific professional societies to enhance synergy in innovation, development, and translation of radiation research applied to radiation oncology and radiation biology. Below are only a few examples of these collaborative activities.
NCI Programs
Cancer Imaging Program
The Cancer Imaging Program (CIP) is vital in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and NCI activities. RRP collaborates with CIP to integrate imaging with radiation therapy, including emerging technologies such as nanotechnology, proteomics, and high-throughput screening. In addition to funding projects in key areas, this collaboration supports researchers by providing pooled resources and developing protocols that encourage resource and data sharing.
Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program
RRP supports the mission of the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP), which is to improve the lives of cancer patients by finding better ways to treat, control, and cure cancer related to the development of drug radiation combinations and mechanisms of combinations.
Developmental Therapeutics Program
The Developmental Therapeutics Program (DTP) provides services and resources to the academic and private-sector research communities worldwide to facilitate the discovery and development of new cancer therapeutic agents. RRP contributes to DTP’s mission, such as Drug discovery and development, Drug-radiation combinations, biological testing, Immuno-oncology, and Stepping stone, a recent initiative that provides critical resources to advance innovative anti-cancer agents toward clinical development.
Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics
RRP collaborates with the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG) to discover the causes of and approaches to preventing and mitigating treatment-related cancer recurrence, as well as conduct studies on cancer survivorship.
NIH Institutes/Centers (I/C)
National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Radiation Nuclear Countermeasures Program
The Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), coordinated by the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), focuses on developing medical countermeasures to treat radiation injuries, especially in the event of a radiological or nuclear attack. The growing threat of terrorism and the potential use of weapons of mass destruction, including radiological devices, have made this a national security priority. NIAID is leading the efforts to accelerate research and development of medical countermeasures through grants, agreements, and scientific collaborations. Members of RRP collaborate with RNCP in medical countermeasures and technology development efforts relevant to radiation oncology/biology research.
Health and Human Services
Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response
The Center for Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), within the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides an integrated, systematic approach to developing and purchasing the necessary vaccines, drugs, therapies, and diagnostic tools for public health medical emergencies. Members of the Radiation Research Program routinely participate in activities related to developing medical countermeasures against radiological and nuclear exposures.
Interagency Efforts
The RRP staff provides subject matter expertise to various government agencies as needed. These include the Departments of Defense, Energy, Homeland Security, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the White House’s Office of Science and Technology in topics of mutual interest in radiation research.
Radiobiology Bioterrorism Research and Training Group (RABRAT)
RABRAT is a collaborative workgroup of federal scientists and program managers focused on radiation research and emergency preparedness coordinated by the RRP. Its goal is to synergize efforts across agencies to prevent gaps, reduce duplication, enhance efficiency, and promote training and educational opportunities. Key members include representatives from the BARDA, DoD, DOE, FDA, DHS, NASA, NIAID, and other federal entities involved in radiation and bioterrorism response.
Professional Societies
RRP collaborates with several professional societies and supports scientific sessions, workshops, and symposia relevant to the programmatic goals. These professional societies include, but are not limited to, the American Association for Cancer Research, the American Society for Clinical Oncology, the American Society for Radiation Oncology, the International Congress of Radiation Research, the Radiation Research Society, the Radiological Society of North America, and the Society for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.
International Collaborations
International Atomic Energy Agency
The RRP members are involved in various international collaborations for scientific education in radiobiology and clinical trials in radiation oncology. They have long-standing interests in and experience in global cancer networking and research. They help build strategic partnerships to maximize the complementary expertise of the global cancer community and benefit low—and middle-income countries. Several RRP staff members serve as honorary consultants to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and assist in developing coordinated research programs and initiatives.
International Cancer Expert Corps (ICEC)
Professionals within NCI developed the International Cancer Expert Corps (ICEC), notably the Radiation Research Program, led by the Late Dr. C. Norman Coleman. While it is not an NCI activity, RRP plays a central role in developing mechanisms for a public-private partnership related to cancer health disparities. Opportunities exist for those within NCI and the academic and private sectors to help close the enormous gap in cancer care for the underserved. Thus, ICEC can help extend the reach of NCI's outreach programs.