Dr. Lawrence has focused his research career in two main areas. First, in collaboration with basic scientists he developed a laboratory program in chemotherapeutic radiation sensitizers and, more recently, has studied how to integrate molecularly targeted therapies. He collaborates with basic science faculty interested in translational research to investigate new combinations that can form the basis for rational clinical trials. The second area of focus involves the use of highly conformal radiation therapy in the treatment of brain and gastrointestinal cancers. In particular, he is focusing, in collaboration with medical physicists, radiologists, imaging scientists, and biologists, on the concept of adapting treatment to the individual patient response, assessed both by state-of-the-art imaging and plasma biomarkers.