Radiation carcinogenesis: Mechanisms and experimental models - A meeting report

Abstract

The first International School on Radiation Research (2017) of Society for Radiation Research on the theme of “Radiation Carcinogenesis: Mechanisms and Experimental Models” was held in the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India, during February 2–4, 2017. The school gathered basic/translational scientists and young researchers interested in recent developments in molecular and clinical aspects of cancer and radiation carcinogenesis. The objective of the School was to educate and train the young researchers about the theoretical and practical aspects of radiation carcinogenesis. The renowned faculties from India and aboard delivered expert lectures and conducted practical sessions during the school. The topics ranged from the basics of cancer and carcinogenesis; role of DNA damage and genomic instability in the mechanism of carcinogenesis; heavy metal radionuclides induced carcinogenesis; low-dose radiobiology and risk of cancer; ultraviolet (UV)-induced carcinogenesis; experimental models for carcinogenesis studies, and cancer incidence during cancer radiotherapy. During the practical session, demonstrations were arranged of techniques such as DNA damage, apoptosis, measurement of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential, fluorescence in situ hybridization, animal model of UV carcinogenesis, and histopathological observations of various stages of oral cancer. This report presents a brief overview of the scientific and practical sessions of the school.