Research

About Our Research Programs

The Department of Radiation Oncology Research Division is centered at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. Clinical research focuses on testing new therapies for cancer, optimizing existing treatments, discovering prevention methods and developing ways to improve the quality of life for both healthy individuals and those living with cancer.

Clinical Research

Clinical trials are the basis of most of the research conducted by the Radiology Oncology Department. They are the fastest and safest ways to find treatments that work in people and improve health. Our research interests are as diverse as the faculty conducting the trials. Specialties and focuses are listed below.

See our Clinical Trials

Clinical Research Interests

Dedicated research and discoveries that directly impact our patients.
Anal Cancer AYA cancers Brachytherapy Breast cancer Breast Cancer Cervical Cancer EBRT and HDR Feasibility Studies using VMAT for CSI Functional Imaging GU malignancies Head and Neck Cancer IGRT LaF3-Ce Nanoparticles Radiation Dosage Levels Lung cancer	Lymphomas Motion management Ablative dose radiotherapy OSL Dosimeters in IMRT Pancreas Cancer Photon Beam Modeling Quality Assurance Quality Assurance for Radiation Grid Therapy SBRT for hepatobiliary Skin Dose Calculation in IMRT The Heart-Spare Study Tissue Toxicity Tumors of the Central Nervous System

Featured Research

Modrek Lab

The Modrek lab, part of USC’s Department of Radiation Oncology, investigates how DNA damage influences gene regulation and treatment resistance in brain tumors. Pioneering the study of non-genetic changes induced by therapy, their work reveals chemical scars left by treatment, altering gene expression and promoting tumor aggressiveness. By understanding these processes, the lab aims to develop therapies that disrupt cancer cells’ adaptive mechanisms, potentially enhancing treatment efficacy against challenging malignancies like glioblastoma.

Visit the Modrek Lab