Novel translational research concepts and strategies in radiation oncology

The discovery of X-rays by Roentgen in 1895 and the discovery of radiations emitted from Uranium compounds by Becquerel led to the establishment of the field of Radiation Sciences. When Radiation Sciences utilized the knowledge in the field of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Medicine, newer fields were established such as Radiation -Oncology, -Chemistry, -Biology, -Protection, - Physics, Radiology and Nuclear Medicine. Fields of Radiation Oncology and Radiation Biology have gained significant strides by embracing the modern concepts in molecular biology and physics of imaging. To discuss the recent trends and advances in these fields, Indian Society for Radiation Biology organized an "International Conference on Radiation Biology and Translational Research in Radiation Oncology (ICRB-TRRO)" in Jaipur, India during November 10-12, 2008. The primary theme of this international meeting was to focus on the translational research perspectives in radiation oncology using radiation biology findings as a reservoir of ideas. The second major theme was to focus on research initiatives and recent perspectives in radiation protection. A common dynamic theme constantly interacted with the primary and secondary themes was an influx of extensive discussion on the scientific utility and validity of novel agents obtained from different traditional systems of Indian medicine and herbal plant extracts that can be potent radio-sensitizers as well as potent radio-protectors (as countermeasure agents). Overall, four major thrust areas of the conference such as Radiation-induced signaling networks, novel therapeutics for cancer, radiation-induced DNA damage-repair and novel imaging methods provided new insights and directions that had set roads to advancements in radiation biology.