Radiation metabolomics in the quest of cardiotoxicity biomarkers: the review.

Purpose: Ionizing radiation is a risk factor to the whole organism, including the heart. Cardiac damage is considered to be a late effect of radiation exposure. While the acute cardiotoxicity of high doses is well characterized, the knowledge about nature and magnitude of the cardiac risk following lower doses exposure is incomplete. It has been shown that the cardiotoxic effects of radiation are source-, dose- and time-dependent. This paper provides an overview on these dependencies with regard to the molecular responses at the cellular and tissue levels. Main focus is put on the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)-based and Mass Spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomic approaches in search of toxicity markers of relatively small doses of radiation.Conclusions: Available literature indicates that radiation exposure affects metabolites associated with: energy production, degradation of proteins and cell membranes, expression of proteins and stress response. Such effects are common for both animal and human studies. However, the specific metabolic response depends on several factors, including the examined organ. Radiation metabolomics can be used to explain the mechanisms of development of radiation-induced heart disease and to find an organ-specific biomarker of radiation exposure. The main aim of this review was to collect the information on the human cardiotoxicity biomarkers. In addition it also summarizes results of the studies on the metabolic responses to ionizing radiation for other organs, as well as the comparative data concerning animal studies.

STATE INSTITUTION «NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTER FOR RADIATION MEDICINE OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES OF UKRAINE¼ - RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND SCIENTIFIC ADVANCE IN 2018. / REZUL'TATY ROBOTY DU «NATsIONAL'NYY̆ NAUKOVYY̆ TsENTR RADIATsIY̆NOÏ MEDYTsYNY NATsIONAL'NOÏ AKADEMIÏ MEDYChNYKh NAUK UKRAÏNY¼ U 2018 ROTsI.

Research activities and scientific advance achieved in 2018 at the State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine¼ (NRCRM) concerning medical problems of the Chornobyl disaster, radiation medicine, radiobiology, radiation hygiene and epidemiology in collaboration with the WHO network of medical preparedness and assistance in radiation accidents are outlined in the annual report. The report presents the results of fundamental and applied research works of the study of radiation effects and health effects of the Chornobyl accident; fulfillment of tasks of «State Social Program for Improving Safety, Occupational Health and Working Environment in 2014-2018¼.The report also shows the results of scientific-organizational and health care work, staff training. The NRCRM Annual Report was approved at the Scientific Council meeting of NAMS on March 21, 2019.

Charged particle beams to cure cancer: Strengths and challenges.

Charged particle therapy is the most advanced radiotherapy method in oncology. The favorable depth-dose distribution and the biological properties of charged particles have potentially a great benefit for reducing toxicity and increasing the local control. While the number of proton centers is exponentially growing worldwide, the therapy remains controversial due to the high cost and lack of level-I evidence of superior effectiveness compared to conventional X-rays. Here we will discuss the advantages and the challenges in both physics and biology to fully exploit the potential of ion therapy in medicine. The challenges include reducing the footprint and costs of accelerators, reducing range uncertainty, exploitation of the biological advantages such as the high effectiveness against hypoxic tumors, and to select patients with biology-driven personalized approaches. International collaboration in the field is likely to bring definite answers to these ongoing problems.

Establishing the Japan-Store house of animal radiobiology experiments (J-SHARE), a large-scale necropsy and histopathology archive providing international access to important radiobiology data.

Purpose: Projects evaluating the effects of radiation, within the National Institutes of Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS), have focused on risk analyses for life shortening and cancer prevalence using laboratory animals. Genetic and epigenetic alterations in radiation-induced tumors have been also analyzed with the aim of better understanding mechanisms of radiation carcinogenesis. As well as the economic and practical limitations of repeating such large-scale experiments, ethical considerations make it vital that we store and share the pathological data and samples of the animal experiments for future use. We are now constructing such an archive called the Japan-Storehouse of Animal Radiobiology Experiments (J-SHARE). Methods: J-SHARE records include information such as detailed experimental protocols, necropsy records and photographs of organs at necropsy. For each animal organs and tumor tissues are dissected, and parts are stored as frozen samples at -80 °C. Samples fixed with formalin are also embedded in paraffin blocks for histopathological analyses. Digital copies of stained tissues are being systematically saved using a virtual slide system linked to original records by barcodes. Embedded and frozen tissues are available for molecular analysis. Conclusion: Similar archive systems for radiation biology have also been under construction in the USA and Europe, the Northwestern University Radiation Archive (NURA), and STORE at the BfS, respectively. The J-SHARE will be linked with the sister-archives and made available for collaborative research to institutions and universities all over the world.

Radiation protection biology then and now.

Purpose: Radiation biology is a branch of the radiation research field which focuses on studying radiation effects in cells and organisms. Radiation can be used in biological investigations for two, mutually non-exclusive reasons: (1) to study biological processes by perturbing their functioning (qualitative approach) and (2) to assess consequences of radiation-induced damage (quantitative approach). While the former approach has a basic research character, the latter has an applied character that is driven by needs of medical applications and radiological protection. Radiation protection biology is defined in the sense of the second approach. The aim of the article is to provide a historical review of how radiation protection biology developed and how it influences radiological protection. Conclusions: While radiobiological investigations started immediately after the discovery of X-rays, the qualitative approach dominated until the end of World War II. After 1945, the nuclear weapons race and nuclear energy programs initiated quantitative radiobiological research. Radiation protection biology does not provide results from which radiation risks can be directly derived. Rather, it provides data that is necessary for understanding the nature of risks. Most recent years have seen, especially in Europe, a growing interest in coordinated studies on the effects of low radiation doses.

Exploring the legacy and impact of historical IJRB articles and contributions to ICRP publications and Radiation Research articles through graphical reference mapping.

The International Journal of Radiation Biology (IJRB) celebrates its 60th birthday this year. Ahead of this very special issue, we wanted to produce strong representations of the journal's publication history in order to celebrate the current status of the journal and to look forward to its future. This was accomplished using 'reference maps'. Reference data were used from 1959 onward from the highest-cited paper in IJRB, for each respective year, to create a figure displaying when those articles were cited in IJRB since their publication. This was done to show the relative impact of historical IJRB papers to future research. Common themes of research were also examined by decade. Additionally, to show the historical impact of the journal outside of its immediate area of research and its practical applications, information on IJRB articles cited by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) was collected. It was in 1959 when IJRB published the first issue, and when ICRP also issued Publication 1. Among all Publications (1-139), 43 publications have thus far cited 320 IJRB papers and each of which have been cited 1-7 times. Most notably, Publications 90, 99, 118, and 131 cited more than 40 IJRB papers. Further research was done into references for IJRB's contemporary journal: Radiation Research. The most highly cited IJRB articles for each year together since its inception were cited 16,760 times since they were published and cited 1385 times in Radiation Research. Together, these three datasets and their representations show the diversity of historical IJRB publications, the impact of historical IJRB articles in both future research in the journal and outside of it, and articles which new prospective authors contributing to IJRB might find useful in their own research.

Funding for radiation research: past, present and future.

For more than a century, ionizing radiation has been indispensable mainly in medicine and industry. Radiation research is a multidisciplinary field that investigates radiation effects. Radiation research was very active in the mid- to late 20th century, but has then faced challenges, during which time funding has fluctuated widely. Here we review historical changes in funding situations in the field of radiation research, particularly in Canada, European Union countries, Japan, South Korea, and the US. We also provide a brief overview of the current situations in education and training in this field. A better understanding of the biological consequences of radiation exposure is becoming more important with increasing public concerns on radiation risks and other radiation literacy. Continued funding for radiation research is needed, and education and training in this field are also important.

The evolution of practical radiobiological modelling.

A summary of the key aspects of radiobiological modelling is provided, based on the theoretical and practical concepts of the linear quadratic model, which gradually replaced other numerical approaches. The closely related biological effective dose concept is useful in many clinical applications. Biological effective dose formulations in conventional photon-based radiotherapy continue to be developed, and can be extended to the now increasingly used proton and ion-beam therapy, to very low or high dose ranges, the dose rate effect, hypoxia and repopulation. Such established and new research developments will be of interest to clinicians, physicists and biologists to better understand the processes underlying radiotherapy and assist their collaborative efforts to make radiotherapy safer and more effective.

Normal tissue damage: its importance, history and challenges for the future.

Sir Oliver Scott, a philanthropist and radiation biologist and, therefore, the epitome of a gentleman and a scholar, was an early Director of the BECC Radiobiology Research Unit at Mount Vernon. His tenure preceded that of Jack Fowler, with both contributing to basic, translational and clinical thought and application in radiation across the globe. With respect to this review, Fowler's name in particular has remained synonymous with the use of models, both animal and mathematical, that assess and quantify the biological mechanisms that underlie radiation-associated normal tissue toxicities. An understanding of these effects is critical to the optimal use of radiation therapy in the clinic; however, the role that basic sciences play in clinical practice has been undergoing considerable change in recent years, particularly in the USA, where there has been a growing emphasis on engineering and imaging to improve radiation delivery, with empirical observations of clinical outcome taking the place of models underpinned by evidence from basic science experiments. In honour of Scott and Fowler's work, we have taken this opportunity to review how our respective fields of radiation biology and radiation physics have intertwined over the years, affecting the clinical use of radiation with respect to normal tissue outcomes. We discuss the past and current achievements, with the hope of encouraging a revived interest in physics and biology as they relate to radiation oncology practice, since, like Scott and Fowler, we share the goal of improving the future outlook for cancer patients.

Radiation repair models for clinical application.

A number of newly emerging clinical techniques involve non-conventional patterns of radiation delivery which require an appreciation of the role played by radiation repair phenomena. This review outlines the main models of radiation repair, focussing on those which are of greatest clinical usefulness and which may be incorporated into biologically effective dose assessments. The need to account for the apparent "slowing-down" of repair rates observed in some normal tissues is also examined, along with a comparison of the relative merits of the formulations which can be used to account for such phenomena. Jack Fowler brought valuable insight to the understanding of radiation repair processes and this article includes reference to his important contributions in this area.

Low-dose radiobiology program at Canadian nuclear laboratories: past, present, and future.

Health risks associated with the exposure of humans to low-dose ionizing radiation are currently estimated using the Linear-No-Threshold model. Over the last few decades, however, this model has been widely criticized for inconsistency with a large body of experimental evidence. Substantial efforts have been made to delineate biological mechanisms and health-related outcomes of low-dose radiation. These include a large DOE-funded Low Dose program operated in the 2000s, as well as the EU funded programs, previously NOTE and DOREMI and currently MELODI. Although not as widely known, the Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) in Chalk River, operated a low-dose radiobiology program since as early as 1948. The Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), the successor to AECL since 2015, has expanded this program into new areas making it the world's most robust, centrally coordinated and long-lived research efforts to delineate the biological effects of low-dose radiation. The purpose of this review is to provide a high-level overview of the low-dose radiobiology program maintained at CNL while capturing the historical perspectives. Past studies carried out at CNL have substantially influenced the area of low-dose radiobiology, exemplified by highly cited papers showing delays in spontaneous tumorigenesis in low-dose irradiated mice. The current low-dose research program at CNL is not only addressing a wide range of mechanistic questions about the biological effects of low doses - from genetic to epigenetic to immunological questions - but also moving toward novel areas, such as the dosimetry and health consequences of space radiation and the use of low-dose radiation in cancer therapy and regenerative medicine.

STATE INSTITUTION NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTER FOR RADIATION MEDICINE OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES OF UKRAINE - RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND SCIENTIFIC ADVANCE IN 2017. / REZUL'TATY ROBOTY DU NATsIONAL'NYI NAUKOVYI TsENTR RADIATsIINOÏ MEDYTsYNY NATsIONAL'NOÏ AKADEMIÏ MEDYChNYKh NAUK UKRAÏNY U 2017 ROTsI.

Research activities and scientific advance achieved in 2017 at the State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine¼ (NRCRM) concerning medical problems of the Chornobyl disaster, radiation medicine, radiobiology, radiation hygiene and epidemiology in collaboration with the WHO network of medical preparedness and assistance in radiation accidents are outlined in the annual report. The report presents the results of fundamental and applied research works of the study of radiation effects and health effects of the Chornobyl accident; fulfillment of tasks of «State social program for improving safety, occupational health and working environment in 2014-2018 years¼.The report also shows the results of scientific-organizational and health care work, staff training.The NRCRM Annual Report was approved at the Scientific Council meeting of NAMS on March 23, 2018.

STATE AND PROSPECTS OF INNOVATION ACTIVITY IN STATE INSTITUTION «ATIONAL RESEARCH CENTER FOR RADIATION MEDICINE OF NAMS OF UKRAINE¼. / STAN TA PERSPEKTYVY ROZVYTKU INNOVATsIINOÏ DIIaL'NOSTI V DERZhAVNII USTANOVI «NATsIONAL'NYI NAUKOVYI TsENTR RADIATsIINOÏ MEDYTsYNY NAMN UKRAÏNY¼.

The analysis of the state of innovation activity of NRCRM was carried out. The main types of innovation activity of the institution are highlighted, namely: creation and implementation of innovative product, innovative consulting. The perspective directions of its development were substantiated: increase of the level of implementation with the use of modern informational and publishing mechanisms, in particular digital object identification, and develop- ment of academic entrepreneurship.

Radiation biology and oncology in the genomic era.

Radiobiology research is building the foundation for applying genomics in precision radiation oncology. Advances in high-throughput approaches will underpin increased understanding of radiosensitivity and the development of future predictive assays for clinical application. There is an established contribution of genetics as a risk factor for radiotherapy side effects. An individual's radiosensitivity is an inherited polygenic trait with an architecture that includes rare mutations in a few genes that confer large effects and common variants in many genes with small effects. Current thinking is that some will be tissue specific, and future tests will be tailored to the normal tissues at risk. The relationship between normal and tumor cell radiosensitivity is poorly understood. Data are emerging suggesting interplay between germline genetic variation and epigenetic modification with growing evidence that changes in DNA methylation regulate the radiosensitivity of cancer cells and histone acetyltransferase inhibitors have radiosensitizing effects. Changes in histone methylation can also impair DNA damage response signaling and alter radiosensitivity. An important effort to advance radiobiology in the genomic era was establishment of the Radiogenomics Consortium to enable the creation of the large radiotherapy cohorts required to exploit advances in genomics. To address challenges in harmonizing data from multiple cohorts, the consortium established the REQUITE project to collect standardized data and genotyping for ~5,000 patients. The collection of detailed dosimetric data is important to produce validated multivariable models. Continued efforts will identify new genes that impact on radiosensitivity to generate new knowledge on toxicity pathogenesis and tests to incorporate into the clinical decision-making process.

Fruit Flies Provide New Insights in Low-Radiation Background Biology at the INFN Underground Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS).

Deep underground laboratories (DULs) were originally created to host particle, astroparticle or nuclear physics experiments requiring a low-background environment with vastly reduced levels of cosmic-ray particle interference. More recently, the range of science projects requiring an underground experiment site has greatly expanded, thus leading to the recognition of DULs as truly multidisciplinary science sites that host important studies in several fields, including geology, geophysics, climate and environmental sciences, technology/instrumentation development and biology. So far, underground biology experiments are ongoing or planned in a few of the currently operating DULs. Among these DULs is the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS), where the majority of radiobiological data have been collected. Here we provide a summary of the current scenario of DULs around the world, as well as the specific features of the LNGS and a summary of the results we obtained so far, together with other findings collected in different underground laboratories. In particular, we focus on the recent results from our studies of Drosophila melanogaster, which provide the first evidence of the influence of the radiation environment on life span, fertility and response to genotoxic stress at the organism level. Given the increasing interest in this field and the establishment of new projects, it is possible that in the near future more DULs will serve as sites of radiobiology experiments, thus providing further relevant biological information at extremely low-dose-rate radiation. Underground experiments can be nicely complemented with above-ground studies at increasing dose rate. A systematic study performed in different exposure scenarios provides a potential opportunity to address important radiation protection questions, such as the dose/dose-rate relationship for cancer and non-cancer risk, the possible existence of dose/dose-rate threshold(s) for different biological systems and/or end points and the possible role of radiation quality in triggering the biological response.

Progress in low dose health risk research: Novel effects and new concepts in low dose radiobiology.

People are more often exposed to low as opposed to high doses of ionising radiation (IR). Knowledge on the health risks associated with exposures to ionising radiation above 100 mGy is quite well established, while lower dose risks are inferred from higher level exposure information (ICRP). The health risk assessments are mainly based on epidemiological data derived from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, medical exposure studies and follow-up studies after nuclear accidents. For the estimation of long-term stochastic radiation health effects (such as cancer) and radiation protection purposes, a linear non-threshold (LNT) model is applied. However, the general validity of the LNT hypothesis for extrapolations from effects of high to low doses (<100 mGy) and low dose-rates (<6 mGy/h) has been questioned as epidemiological studies are statistically limited at low doses and unable to evaluate low dose and low dose-rate health risks (UNSCEAR). Thus, uncertainties on health risks need to be clarified with the help of mechanistic studies. The European Network of Excellence DoReMi (2010-2016) was designed to address some of the existing uncertainties and to identify research lines that are likely to be most informative for low dose risk assessment. The present review reports the results obtained from studies addressing the induction of cancer and non-cancer effects by low dose IR as well as on individual radiation sensitivity. It is shown that low dose and low dose-rate effects are the result of complex network responses including genetic, epigenetic, metabolic and immunological regulation. Evidence is provided for the existence of nonlinear biological responses in the low and medium dose range as well as effects other than the classical DNA damage. Such effects may have a bearing on the quantitative and qualitative judgements on health effects induced by low dose radiations.

Twenty five years of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine - progress and priorities for future of radiation medicine and biology. / DVADTsIaT' P'IaT' ROKIV NATsIONAL'NOÏ AKADEMIÏ MEDYChNYKh NAUK UKRAÏNY ­ PROGRES TA PRIORYTETY NA MAY̆BUTNIe RADIATsIY̆NOÏ MEDYTsYNY TA RADIOBIOLOGIÏ.

After the creation of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine in 1993 the Research Center for Radiation Medicine was among the first institutions to join the Academy (fig. 1). Estab lishing the Academy was among the first steps of the independent Ukrainian government and aimed to provide a high level health care for population. It was extremely needed for the minimization of Chornobyl medical consequences. This choice was related to a growing recognition of the scientific research in fulfilling the Сenter's mission - study of the effects of low dose radiation on human body and radiation protection of the exposed population.The Center entered the Academy as a potent insti tution. Director General Dr. Anatoly Romanenko and his first deputy prof. Oles Pyatak were lucky to concentrate in three institutes of the Center a talent ed workforce including director of the Institute of Clinical Radiology prof Volodymyr Bebeshko, director of the Institute of Epidemiology and Prophylaxis of radiation Injuries prof. Volodymyr Buzunov, director of the Institute of Experimental Radiology prof. Mikhail Rudnev. Drs. T. Azaren kova, S. Galkina, V. Boer, T. Treskunova were appointed as scientific secretaries. Dosimetry divi sion was headed by brilliant prof Ilya Likhtarev and his staff Drs. I. Los, V. Korzun, V. Repin, O. Pere voznikov, O. Bondarenko, V. Chumak and others.The Center met creation of the Academy with expe rienced research and clinical staff encountering 1587 members, including 272 research staff, 28 doctors of science and 98 PhDs, modern diagnostic and labo ratory equipment, 300 beds in clinical departments and construction of hospital and out patient hospi tal in Svyatoshin. Scientific staff included experi enced prof. I. Khomaziuk, prof. B. Prevarsky, prof. V. Zamostian, prof. P. Chayalo, prof. M. Omelya nets, prof. A. Prysyazhnyuk. Dr. A. Niagu, Dr. E. Stepanova, Dr. A.Chumak, Dr. V. Klymenko, Dr. D. Komarenko, M. Pilinska, L.Ovsiannikova, O. Pi rogova. were among the first academic supervisors in studies of Chornobyl health effects and got professor certificates in this new area. First PhD theses were successfully passed by Dr. E. Gorbov, and Dr. of Sciences - by Dr. D. Bazyka. Basics of future aca demic research directions were elaborated that time by Drs. O. Kovalenko, Zh. Minchenko, V. Talko, I. Holyavka, D. Belyi, D. Yakimenko, E. Mikhai lovska, V. Malyzhev, V. Sushko, A. Cheban, K. Lo ganovsky, K. Bruslova, I. Dyagil, T. Liubarets, O. Kucher, G. Chobotko, and others. Later the major ity of these studies formed a background for Chornobyl legislation, regulatory directives, pre sented as dissertations.A quarter of century passed. The Center as a part of the National Academy of Medical Sciences resisted the challenges and moved forward, was recognized worldwide and fulfilled its main mission - providing highly qualified health care to radiation exposed. Staff numbers decreased (1,091), but work amount has increased. Since 2000, new premises were installed - a hospital with the biggest in Ukraine outpatient clin ic, new laboratory facilities, the last of which was in troduced in 2013. The Academy became a national one and since 2011 the Center was recognized as a national research institution (NRCRM), staff mem bers received 3 State Awards of Ukraine in the Field of Science and Technology, numerous personal awards.During this period, NRCRM staff conducted and published priority research data on radiation risks and molecular mechanisms of leukemia, including chronic lymphocytic, myelodysplastic syndrome, multiple myeloma, thyroid cancer, breast cancer in Chornobyl accident cleanup workers. Studies of the mechanisms of non tumor pathology - cardio vascular, cerebrovascular, cognitive disorders are in process. Of high importance are studies of possible transgenerational effects of radiation. The devel oped new technologies and protocols for the advanced care of radiation exposed were intro duced to the general health care system, the addi tional departments of oncology and chemotherapy were equipped and started activities, databases of cancer cases in exposed population and separate groups of exposed were introduced, as well as an international database of radiation injuries. The Clinical and Epidemiological registry of the NRCRM is in function and developed. An adapta tion of research directions with a respect to the pathomorphosis of radiation induced diseases in the remote period after irradiation will continue.Performed complex studies of the effects of incorporation of 131I on the fetus and the next gen eration of experimental animals became important for understanding the mechanisms of formation of radiation effects. Introduction of new foodstuffs and supplements with radiation protective proper ties was of positive effect for population protection during the first years.In the area of dosimetry a substantial progress has been achieved in reconstruction of thyroid doses in the Ukrainian population, dosimetric passportisation of settlements, radiochemistry, the creation of new methods for reconstructive dosimetry for cleanup workers - SEAD, RADRUE, and ROCKVILLE. All developments are implemented to practice, tens of thousands of doses have been restored. International recognition has received for the method of in utero doses reconstruction. As editor in chief, I regard it successful to incorporate our bilingual edition «Problems of Radiation Medicine and Radiobiology¼ into the NCBI MedLine, SCOPUS and other data bases, that creates an unique opportunity to widely disseminate results of the Center's research.Strategies for the future. Ukraine belongs to countries with a priority development of nuclear energy. Even with the increase in the production of clean energy, there is no other way than the further deployment of a complete nuclear fuel cycle and energy industrial complex, the expansion of the nuclear technologies to all sectors of the economy.The main potential threats to radiation safety include the aging of the material base of the NPPs with the prolongation of the working life for nuclear reactors with the expired terms of exploitation; the existence of a «nuclear legacy¼ sites of the former USSR in the territories of enterprises for the extrac tion and processing of uranium ores. About 5,000 institutions and enterprises use more than 25,000 sources of ionizing radiation in general. The use of radiological technologies and sources of ionizing radiation in medicine is increasing, in particular the burden on patients and staff in invasive cardiac sur gery. This will require significant efforts from the NRCRM to ensure an adequate radiation protec tion of the population, taking into account the experience collected during the mitigation of health effects of Chornobyl. Radiological threats of malev olent use of nuclear technology hasn't be forgotten.The mission of the NRCRM is to expand basic research of the health effects of ionizing radiation, elaboration and implementation of the care and radiation protection of population. Background for future is paved by a successful implementation of a special program of medical and biophysical control of personnel during transformation of the Shelter object into an environmentally safe sys tem, the State social program of increasing safty, labor hygiene and environment for 2014-2018; many years of successful cooperation with the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate, the Natio nal Commission for Radiation Protection, «Ener goatom¼ company, the relevant departments of the Ministry of Health, international organizations such as WHO, UNSCEAR, IAEA, IARC, the US National Cancer Institute, IRSN, Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Fukushima universities and others.From the editorial board I congratulate the staff of the Center with the twenty fifth anniversary of the Academy. I would like also to wish the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine new ad vances in medical science and practice, sustainabil ity, unity, development and worldwide recognition.

State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine¼ - research activities and scientific advance in 2016. / REZUL'TATY ROBOTY DU «NATsIONAL'NYY̆ NAUKOVYY̆ TsENTR RADIATsIY̆NOÏ MEDYTsYNY NATsIONAL'NOÏ AKADEMIÏ MEDYChNYKh NAUK UKRAÏNY¼ U 2016 ROTsI.

Research activities and scientific advance achieved in 2016 at the State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine¼ (NRCRM) concerning medical problems of the Chornobyl disaster, radiation medicine, radiobiology, radiation hygiene and epidemiology in collaboration with the WHO network of medical preparedness and assistance in radiation accidents are outlined in the annual report. The report presents the results of fundamental and applied research works of the study of radiation effects and health effects of the Chornobyl accident; fulfillment of tasks of «State social program for improving safety, occupational health and working environment in 2014-2018 years¼.The report also shows the results of scientific organizational and health care work, staff training. The NRCRM Annual Report was approved at the Scientific Council meeting of NAMS on March 17, 2016.

Radiobiology and radiotherapy of brain metastases.

Brain metastases are the most common intracranial tumors in adults, accounting for more than 50% of all such cases. The approach to and management of brain metastases have evolved significantly in recent years due to several reasons. These include advances in neurosurgical and radiotherapeutic techniques, improved systemic therapy options offering better systemic and intracranial disease control and prolongation of survival as a result of these improvements, making side-effects of proposed therapies (e.g. neurocognitive decline from whole brain radiotherapy) an important consideration. In this article, we review the the primary therapeutic approaches to the management of brain metastases, namely, surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and whole brain radiation therapy and the primary factors dictating choice.