University of California-Los Angeles · Biomedical EngineeringRadiation Therapy Innovations Lab
Frank Pajonk · Los Angeles, California
Research Focus
Dr. Frank Pajonk's lab at UCLA focuses on improving radiation therapy for patients with glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. The research targets the unique properties of cancer stem cells that make tumors resistant to treatment, specifically looking for ways to promote the differentiation of these cells into non-cancerous types. By developing new compounds that can cross the blood-brain barrier, the lab aims to enhance the effectiveness of radiotherapy and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
glioblastomacancer stem cellsradiation therapyblood-brain barrierdifferentiationnovel compoundstumor resistanceneurosciencecancer treatment
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the role of radiation in activating cancer stem cell programs.
AIM 02Develop compounds that can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier.
AIM 03Promote terminal differentiation of glioblastoma cells in response to radiation.
AIM 04Evaluate the effectiveness of new strategies to increase radiotherapy outcomes.
AIM 05Study the impact of glioblastoma heterogeneity on treatment resistance.
Skills the Lab Values
cell cultureanimal modelsxenograft proceduresradiation experimentschemotherapy techniquesmolecular biology techniquesneuron differentiation protocolsdata analysismicroscopygenetic analysis
Output against the department
Publications212bottom 49% of dept.301st of 595
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations8.0ktop 44% of dept.259th of 595
this lab
most citedleast cited
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