Lurong Zhang, MD, PhD

Lurong Zhang, MD, PhDAdjunct Professor

Educational Background

  • MD, Medicine, Fujian Medical College, Fuzhou, China
  • PhD, Biochemistry/Immunology, Second Medical College, Shanghai, China
  • Postdoctoral Fellowship, Immunology/Pharmacology, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Research Institute and Idaho State University
  • Postdoctoral Fellowship, Molecular Biology/Cancer Therapeutics, Georgetown University

Professional Societies and Committees

  • 1999-2003: Reviewer for basic, clinical, and translational research grants, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
  • 1996-present: Member, American Association for Cancer Research and Radiation Research Society

Honors and Awards

  • Casarett Research Award, University of Rochester

Research Areas

Dr. Zhang has explored several research areas since 1984, resulting in over 90 publications and 12 grants. Her work has focused on:

  • Biomarkers for liver fibrosis
  • The alteration of lymphocyte subsets in hepatitis and hematoma
  • An in vitro combined sensitivity assay for guiding the use of anti-tumor drugs in the treatment of acute leukemia
  • Luciferase activity as a marker of tumor burden and an indicator of tumor response to antineoplastic therapy
  • A solid-phase radioimmunoassay for cyclic AMP
  • Correlations between fibroblast growth factors and hormones in the proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis of breast cancer
  • The role of extracellular matrices (such as hyaluronan, extracellular matrix protein 1) in the progression of cancer
  • The role hyaluronan-binding proteins/peptides and hyaluronidase in cancer progression and regression
  • The role of RGD-tachyplesin in the inhibition of tumor growth and its action mechanism
  • The expression of DcR3, a decoy receptor in the TNFR family, in cancer and infectious diseases
  • The mitigatory effect of triptolide on tumors and radiation-induced inflammation
  • The effect of anti-apoptotic molecules in preventing radiation-induced damage

Current laboratory projects focus on:

  • Designing, synthesizing, and characterizing a small bioactive peptide for the mitigation of radiation-induced acute damage of bone marrow and the gastrointestinal system
  • Exploring agents that can increase the therapeutic gain of radiation treatment by sensitizing tumor cells to radiation and reducing radiation toxicity
  • Studying radiation-induced immunity in the eradication of tumor cells
  • Identifying the mechanism whereby small molecules, such as triptolide and cucurbitacin, are able to mitigate cancer and radiation-induced inflammation
  • Developing new forms of biodosimetry that determine radiation exposure for triage and help guide treatment following a nuclear event

A selection of publications available through PubMed.

NATIONALLY RANKED

U.S. News and World Report

Nationally ranked in 6 adult specialties and 6 pediatric specialties and rated high performing in 4 adult specialties and 5 procedures and conditions.

Award