An Analysis of the Response of Human Tumor Microvascular Endothelium to Ionizing Radiation

Tumors will be sliced into 0.5cm fragments, incubated in culture medium and then irradiated to evaluate the kinetics and dose-dependencies of the endothelial apoptotic response. We will irradiate tumor fragments ex vivo at 0, 7, 13, 15, 17, and 25 Gy.

Tissue fragments of a total quantity of at least a 4x4x4 cm3 will be required. For each tumor a paraffin block will also be made for routine staining and IHC. Endothelial cell populations (at least 500 cells) will then be exposed to radiation at 0, 7, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 25 Gy and harvested at 4, 5 and 8 hours post IR.