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Marjan Rafat

Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME)
Department of Radiation Oncology
Program in Cancer Biology
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC)


The Rafat Lab works at the interface of engineering and cancer biology. We examine the biological, chemical, and physical cues that influence cancer metastasis and recurrence. Current studies focus on the effect of radiation and surgery on tumor and immune cell migration dynamics, the molecular profiles of tissues wounded from therapy, and the biomechanical properties of tissues following therapy.

The Rafat Lab works at the interface of engineering and cancer biology. We examine the biological, chemical, and physical cues that influence cancer metastasis and recurrence. Current studies focus on the effect of radiation and surgery on tumor and immune cell migration dynamics, the molecular profiles of tissues wounded from therapy, and the biomechanical properties of tissues following therapy.

Keywords: Breast cancer , Cancer immunology , Tumor microenvironment , Normal tissue radiation response , Cell motility and migration

Research Area: Cancer Biology , Cancer Immunology , Cell Signaling