Growth factors: Biological and clinical aspects

Purpose: The purpose of this meeting summary is to provide an overview of c ytokine research and its role in radiation oncology. Methods and Materials: The sixth annual Radiation Workshop was held at the International Festival Institute at Round Top, TX. Results: Presentations of seventeen speakers provided the framework for dis cussions on the biological and clinical aspects of cytokine research. Conclusion: Orchestration of coordinated cellular responses over the time c ourse of radiation effects requires the interaction of many growth factors with their receptors as well as cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, Cyt okine networks and integrated systems are important in tumor development, c ancer treatment, and normal and tumor response to cancer treatment. (C) 199 9 Elsevier Science Inc.