Dr. Amar Kishan, a distinguished professor and executive vice chair of radiation oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, along with his role as co-director of the cancer molecular imaging, nanotechnology, and theranostics program at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Steven A. Leibel Memorial Award. This accolade stands as one of the highest recognitions in the field of radiation oncology, awarded to outstanding principal investigators within the first decade following their board certification. Dr. Kishan’s groundbreaking work, particularly in advancing radiation therapy for genitourinary cancers such as prostate and bladder cancer, marks him as a pioneering figure in oncologic research and clinical practice.
The Steven A. Leibel Memorial Award, jointly presented by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and the American Board of Radiology (ABR) Foundation, acknowledges the innovative contributions and leadership that early-career clinicians bring to radiation oncology. Dr. Kishan’s selection reflects his commitment to integrating advanced radiation techniques with translational and clinical research to improve patient outcomes substantially. This national honor not only celebrates his research accomplishments but also highlights his dedication to transforming cancer treatment by refining and individualizing radiotherapeutic strategies.
At UCLA, Dr. Kishan has established a robust clinical and translational research agenda spanning over eight years, focusing extensively on genitourinary oncology. As chief of the genitourinary oncology service, he is internationally renowned for his expertise in stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and MRI-guided radiation therapy. SBRT, known for delivering high doses of radiation with sub-millimeter precision, significantly reduces treatment time and spares adjacent healthy tissues. MRI-guided radiation therapy, meanwhile, allows for real-time visualization of tumors during treatment, enabling adaptive treatments that account for anatomical changes and tumor motion, thus enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
Dr. Kishan has significantly contributed to the design and execution of several landmark trials that push the boundaries of radiation oncology. Among these, the MIRAGE study utilized MRI-guided SBRT for prostate cancer, demonstrating superior toxicity profiles and cancer control rates compared to conventional approaches. The LUNAR trial, another key endeavor, explores precise dose escalation in bladder cancer treatments while mitigating treatment-related side effects. Additionally, the recently initiated HEATWAVE trial investigates novel thermoradiotherapy combinations to sensitize tumors while preserving healthy tissue integrity, underpinning the future direction of multimodal cancer therapies.
His scholarly output is equally impressive, with over 310 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier medical journals such as JAMA, The Lancet Oncology, and the Journal of Clinical Oncology. This extensive body of work provides the scientific community with critical evidence on enhancing the therapeutic window of radiation therapy—maximizing tumor eradication while minimizing adverse effects. Dr. Kishan’s research emphasizes the dual goals of improving cancer control rates and patient quality of life, reflecting a patient-centered approach in oncologic care.
Central to Dr. Kishan’s research philosophy is his focus on translational science, bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical application. His investigations into molecular imaging and nanotechnology facilitate the identification of radiobiological markers and enable theranostic or targeted therapeutic approaches. By harnessing molecular imaging modalities, his work aims to better characterize tumor heterogeneity, understand resistance mechanisms, and tailor radiation doses to the biological behavior of individual cancers, thus advancing personalized medicine in oncology.
Dr. Kishan’s dedication extends beyond research; he is also deeply committed to compassionate clinical care and mentorship. He has been recognized with the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award in 2021, underscoring his empathetic approach toward patients and his role in nurturing the next generation of clinicians and researchers. His mentorship fosters an environment where scientific inquiry and clinical excellence coexist, ensuring sustained innovation in cancer treatment paradigms.
The support Dr. Kishan has garnered from prestigious agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, and the Prostate Cancer Foundation, speaks to the transformative potential of his work. These grants facilitate high-impact research initiatives aimed at improving survival outcomes and reducing the morbidity associated with current cancer therapies. His ability to secure sustained funding reflects the confidence of the scientific and medical communities in the significance and rigor of his research portfolio.
In the context of prostate cancer, Dr. Kishan’s work has redefined treatment paradigms by demonstrating that advanced precision radiation techniques can rival, and potentially surpass, traditional approaches in both efficacy and safety. This work aligns with emerging trends in oncology focused on minimally invasive treatments that maintain high cure rates without compromising urinary, sexual, or bowel function. His research increasingly informs clinical guidelines, helping set new standards for care.
Bladder cancer research under Dr. Kishan’s leadership similarly benefits from innovations in radiation delivery and combination therapies. By employing hypofractionated radiation schedules coupled with systemic agents, his research aims to enhance tumor control while shortening overall treatment durations. Such advances have the potential to transform bladder cancer management, reducing healthcare costs and patient burden without compromising outcomes.
Dr. Michael Steinberg, professor and chair of radiation oncology at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine and director of Clinical Affairs at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, lauds Dr. Kishan’s scientific rigor and leadership. According to Dr. Steinberg, Dr. Kishan’s commitment exemplifies UCLA’s mission to drive innovation in cancer research and deliver state-of-the-art care, highlighting the institution’s role as a hub for cutting-edge oncology advancements.
In summary, the recognition of Dr. Amar Kishan with the 2025 Steven A. Leibel Memorial Award is a testament to his transformative contributions to radiation oncology. His pioneering work in precision radiation techniques, translational research, and compassionate patient care continues to advance the frontier of cancer treatment. The impact of his research promises to enhance therapeutic efficacy, reduce treatment-related morbidity, and improve the lives of countless patients facing prostate and bladder cancers worldwide.
Subject of Research: Radiation therapy advancements and translational research in prostate and bladder cancers
Article Title: Dr. Amar Kishan Honored with the 2025 Steven A. Leibel Memorial Award for Innovations in Radiation Oncology
News Publication Date: 2024
Web References:
– https://www.uclahealth.org/providers/amar-kishan
– https://www.uclahealth.org/cancer
References:
– JAMA, The Lancet Oncology, Journal of Clinical Oncology (select publications by Dr. Amar Kishan)
Image Credits: Information not provided
Keywords: Radiation therapy, Cancer, Prostate cancer, Medical treatments
