Dr. David G. Kirsch, MD, PhD, is a prominent radiation oncologist and physician-scientist known for his pioneering research in sarcoma biology, radiation therapy, and cancer genetics. He currently serves as Professor and Vice Chair for Basic and Translational Research in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Duke University School of Medicine. He also holds appointments in the Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology and is a leading investigator at the Duke Cancer Institute. Dr. Kirsch earned his MD and PhD from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, followed by a residency in radiation oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is board-certified in Radiation Oncology and is widely recognized for integrating basic science with clinical innovation.
Dr. Kirsch’s research is focused on developing genetically engineered mouse models to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms of soft tissue sarcomas and other malignancies. His work has provided critical insights into the role of p53, Rb, and other tumor suppressors in radiation response and tumor progression. He has been instrumental in advancing preclinical models for testing novel radiation-sensitizing agents and exploring the combination of radiation with immunotherapy. Dr. Kirsch’s translational research has laid the groundwork for new therapeutic strategies in pediatric and adult sarcomas, many of which are being evaluated in early-phase clinical trials.
In addition to his research leadership, Dr. Kirsch is a committed educator and mentor to medical students, residents, and fellows in oncology and radiation sciences. He has received numerous awards for teaching and research excellence and has published extensively in high-impact scientific journals. Dr. Kirsch also serves on national committees for the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), helping to shape research policy and strategy. Through his dual focus on discovery science and clinical translation, Dr. David Kirsch continues to influence the future of radiation oncology and improve care for patients with rare and aggressive cancers.
Education
Medical School:
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Residency:
Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital
Fellowship:
Post-doctoral Fellowship, Massachusetts Institute of Technology laboratory of Tyler Jacks
Board Certification:
American Board of Internal Medicine, American Board of Medical Oncology
Awards
- Michael Fry Award – 2010
- J W Osborne Award Radiation Research Society – 2017
- R35 Outstanding Investigator Award NCI
- Dean’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring Duke University – 2014
- Career Mentoring Award Basic Translational Science Duke University School of Medicine – 2021
Memberships and affiliations
- Fellow – American Society for Clinical Investigation
- Association of American Physicians
- Fellow – American Society for Radiation Oncology
- Fellow – American Association for the Advancement of Science
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
- University Health Network
- Duke University
Research and publications
- Restoration of p53 function leads to tumour regression in vivo
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