Julie Kang, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Therapeutic RadiologyCards
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Titles
Associate Professor of Therapeutic Radiology
Biography
Dr. Julie Kang is a board-certified radiation oncologist and Assistant Professor of Therapeutic Radiology. She joins Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Center at Trumbull from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Kang specializes in the treatment of head and neck, prostate, bladder, and skin cancers, among others. She has authored numerous articles focused on optimizing outcomes and decreasing toxicity for people with these diseases, and has extensive experience conducting clinical trials utilizing immunotherapy and personalized medicine in these malignancies. She has expertise in state-of-the-art techniques including intensity-modulated radiation therapy, image-guided radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, and adaptive radiation therapy.
“Long before I became a cancer physician, I was the daughter of a cancer patient,” she says. “I learned that the greatest comforts come in the forms of compassion, knowledge, and working together towards a common goal. I became inspired to be a radiation oncologist who empowers patients by providing education, working with them and their care teams to make personalized treatment plans, and participating in research that helps us not only deliver the highest standards of care--but also raise them.”
Appointments
Therapeutic Radiology
Associate Professor on TermPrimary
Other Departments & Organizations
- DNA Damage and Genome Integrity
- Therapeutic Radiology
- Yale Cancer Center
- Yale Medicine
- Yale New Haven Health System
Education & Training
- MD
- University of Southern California (2010)
- PhD
- University of Southern California (2008)
- BS
- Yale University (2002)
Research
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Overview
Medical Research Interests
ORCID
0000-0001-9773-5481
Research at a Glance
Publications Timeline
Research Interests
Head and Neck Neoplasms
Prostatic Neoplasms
Publications
Featured Publications
Consensuses, controversies, and future directions in treatment deintensification for human papillomavirus‐associated oropharyngeal cancer
Kang J, Yu Y, Chen L, Zakeri K, Gelblum D, McBride S, Riaz N, Tsai C, Kriplani A, Hung T, Fetten J, Dunn L, Ho A, Boyle J, Ganly I, Singh B, Sherman E, Pfister D, Wong R, Lee N. Consensuses, controversies, and future directions in treatment deintensification for human papillomavirus‐associated oropharyngeal cancer. CA A Cancer Journal For Clinicians 2022, 73: 164-197. PMID: 36305841, PMCID: PMC9992119, DOI: 10.3322/caac.21758.Peer-Reviewed Reviews, Practice Guidelines, Standards, and Consensus StatementsCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsTransoral robotic surgeryOropharyngeal cancerDeintensification strategiesHuman papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal cancerSubstantial long-term morbidityHPV-positive oropharyngeal cancerNational database studyHuman papillomavirus infectionLong-term morbidityThird of patientsDe-escalation trialsLevel I evidenceStandard of careCurrent treatment standardsOptimal patient outcomesDeintensification trialsTreatment deintensificationAdjuvant therapyHPV statusPapillomavirus infectionFavorable prognosisI evidenceMedical oncologyTreatment indicationsCommon cancerOropharyngeal Carcinoma
Husain Z, Kang J, Lee N, Poon I. Oropharyngeal Carcinoma. Practical Guides In Radiation Oncology 2022, 15-25. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-99590-4_2.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLong-term treatment toxicityOropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomaCurative treatment optionSquamous cell carcinomaPatterns of failureElective coverageOropharyngeal carcinomaTreatment toxicityNeck malignanciesAccurate target delineationCell carcinomaDisease stageTreatment optionsCurative potentialPhysical examCommon headClinical scenariosRadiation oncologistsSurgical anatomyTarget volumeTarget delineationVolume coverageCarcinomaMultimodal imagingPrimary targetLarynx Cancer
Fan D, Kang J, Yu Y, Cahlon O, Riaz N, Lee N. Larynx Cancer. Practical Guides In Radiation Oncology 2022, 45-60. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-99590-4_4.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPostoperative radiotherapyLarynx cancerEarly stage squamous cell carcinomaOrgan preservation therapyEarly-stage diseaseLymph node metastasisAdvanced larynx cancerSquamous cell carcinomaStandard of careHigh-risk casesPre-treatment evaluationCommon clinical scenariosThin-cut CTPET/CTDefinitive chemoradiotherapyAdvanced diseaseLocoregional recurrencePreservation therapyGlottic larynxNode metastasisSubglottic extensionCell carcinomaLaryngeal cancerPhysical examOrgan preservation
2026
Salvage of locoregionally recurrent head and neck cancer: an NRG oncology working group review
Ward M, Kang J, Saba N, Campbell S, Akhave N, Chang S, Spencer S, Spreafico A, Hanna G, Yom S, Heron D. Salvage of locoregionally recurrent head and neck cancer: an NRG oncology working group review. Journal Of The National Cancer Institute 2026, djag025. PMID: 41629764, PMCID: PMC12947746, DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djag025.Peer-Reviewed Reviews, Practice Guidelines, Standards, and Consensus StatementsCitationsAltmetric
2025
Partial vs Whole Laryngeal Radiotherapy for Clinical Stage T1-2N0M0/Tis Laryngeal Carcinoma
Treechairusame T, Dee E, Cao C, Wu Y, Yu Y, Gelblum D, Riaz N, McBride S, Chen L, Shamseddine A, Zakeri K, Tsai C, Kang J, Ganly I, Cracchiolo J, Patel S, Cohen M, Wong R, Lee N. Partial vs Whole Laryngeal Radiotherapy for Clinical Stage T1-2N0M0/Tis Laryngeal Carcinoma. JAMA Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery 2025, 151: 1071-1079. PMID: 41037280, PMCID: PMC12492294, DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2025.3214.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsSingle-institution retrospective cohort studyClinical stage T1Squamous cell carcinomaLaryngeal carcinomaLocoregional controlStage T1Cell carcinomaClinical outcomesTreated with intensity modulated radiotherapyIn situ laryngeal carcinomasRetrospective cohort study of patientsMedian follow-up timeCohort study of patientsIntensity Modulated RadiotherapyIntensity-modulated RTTumor control outcomesLocoregional control rateLaryngectomy-free survivalLate toxic effectsMD Anderson Dysphagia InventoryFollow-up timeToxic effectsStudy of patientsRadiation toxic effectsAssociated with lower ratesUpdated Estimates of Patients With Oropharyngeal Cancer in the US
Cao C, Lee A, Kang J, Yacoub I, Zakeri K, Dee E, Riaz N, Shamseddine A, Yu Y, Ma J, Treechairusame T, Cohen M, Cracchiolo J, Wong R, Wong W, Dunn L, Sherman E, Lee N. Updated Estimates of Patients With Oropharyngeal Cancer in the US. JAMA Network Open 2025, 8: e2539258. PMID: 41134572, PMCID: PMC12552931, DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.39258.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsLimited-duration prevalenceNational Cancer Institute's SurveillanceCross-sectional studyIncidence rateIncidence of oropharyngeal cancerInternational ClassificationEpidemiological estimatesInternational Classification of Diseases for OncologyAnnual percentage changeLocal stage diseaseCross-sectional epidemiological analysisRates of oropharyngeal cancerOptimal patient outcomesEstimates of patientsOropharyngeal cancerInstitute's SurveillanceMain OutcomesOPC incidenceUpdate estimatesOropharyngeal cancer casesMorphology codesPeriod survival ratePatient outcomesPrimary outcomePercentage changeOsteoradionecrosis as a complication following post-operative intensity-modulated radiation therapy or proton therapy for oral cavity cancer
Treechairusame T, Singh A, Dee E, Oh J, Zhang P, Xiong J, Aliotta E, Safavi A, Wu Y, Caineng C, Sine K, Mah D, Shim A, Lin H, Kang J, Tsai C, Gelblum D, Yu Y, McBride S, Riaz N, Zakeri K, Chen L, Shamseddine A, Wong W, Dunn L, Michel L, Sherman E, Ho A, Huryn J, Yom S, Ganly I, Cracchiolo J, Cohen M, Wong R, Estilo C, Lee N. Osteoradionecrosis as a complication following post-operative intensity-modulated radiation therapy or proton therapy for oral cavity cancer. Oral Oncology 2025, 168: 107581. PMID: 40782527, DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2025.107581.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsIntensity-modulated radiation therapyPrevalence of osteoradionecrosisSquamous cell carcinomaProton therapyCumulative incidenceORN developmentRadiation therapyOral cavityPatients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapyConsecutive cohortIntensity-modulated radiation therapy groupMedian follow-up timeRisk factorsProton therapy groupOral cavity cancerKaplan-Meier methodSingle-institution studyFollow-up timeCox proportional hazards modelsTreatment related variablesProportional hazards modelCTCAE v5Mandibular invasionSCC patientsTumor stageOutcomes of Reduced Elective Nodal Radiation Dose and Volume for Laryngeal, Hypopharyngeal, and p16‐Negative Oropharyngeal Cancers
Zakeri K, Wren S, Shang T, Yu Y, Chen L, Shamseddine A, Safavi A, Kang J, Tsai C, Sherman E, Wong R, McBride S, Gelblum D, Riaz N, Lee N. Outcomes of Reduced Elective Nodal Radiation Dose and Volume for Laryngeal, Hypopharyngeal, and p16‐Negative Oropharyngeal Cancers. Head & Neck 2025, 47: 2973-2981. PMID: 40515499, PMCID: PMC12947948, DOI: 10.1002/hed.28217.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricConceptsP16-negative oropharyngeal cancerNodal recurrenceLocoregional recurrenceP16-negativeDistant recurrenceOropharyngeal cancerHead and neck cancer patientsRadiation doseDecrease treatment toxicityNeck cancer patientsPrimary outcome measureConcurrent chemoradiationRadiotherapy doseMedian followConsecutive patientsTreatment toxicityImprove quality of lifeConsecutive cohortCancer patientsRecurrenceQuality of lifeHypopharyngealDosePatientsOutcome measuresLong-Term Results of External Beam Radiation Therapy with or Without Concurrent Chemotherapy in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Choi J, Sherman E, Dee E, Treechairusame T, Zakeri K, Kang J, Yu Y, Chen L, Shamseddine A, McBride S, Riaz N, Ho A, Tuttle R, Fagin J, Sabra M, Cracchiolo J, Shaha A, Wong R, Ghossein R, Katabi N, Lee N. Long-Term Results of External Beam Radiation Therapy with or Without Concurrent Chemotherapy in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. Thyroid 2025, 35: 633-641. PMID: 40504742, PMCID: PMC12241838, DOI: 10.1089/thy.2025.0052.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsTyrosine kinase inhibitorsExternal beam radiation therapyBeam radiation therapyConcurrent chemotherapyRadiation therapyTracheoesophageal fistulaLocoregional controlPercutaneous endoscopic gastrostomyOverall survivalResults of external beam radiation therapyPatients treated with concurrent chemotherapyFollow-upTKI initiationTreated with concurrent chemotherapyTyrosine kinase inhibitor therapyRare group of patientsLong-term follow-upGross residual diseaseTreated with RTRadioactive iodine therapySingle-institution experienceDifferentiated thyroid cancerMedian Follow-UpKaplan-Meier methodDay of RTPrognosis of p16 and Human Papillomavirus Discordant Oropharyngeal Cancers and the Exploration of Using Natural Language Processing to Analyze Free-Text Pathology Reports
Shin E, Choi J, Hung T, Poon C, Riaz N, Yu Y, Kang J. Prognosis of p16 and Human Papillomavirus Discordant Oropharyngeal Cancers and the Exploration of Using Natural Language Processing to Analyze Free-Text Pathology Reports. JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics 2025, 9: e2400177. PMID: 39965177, DOI: 10.1200/cci-24-00177.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsProgression-free survivalCancer-specific survivalOropharyngeal cancerHPV testingPathology reportsTreatment de-escalationCurative radiation therapyHPV+ oropharyngeal cancerPrimary end pointMinority of patientsPositive predictive valueStandard-of-careCancer-related deathsIn situ hybridizationStatistically significant differenceP16 statusP16-negativeHPV statusRadiation therapyInferior prognosisOverall survivalConsecutive patientsAcademic cancer centerDiscordant tumorsTreatment deintensification
Academic Achievements & Community Involvement
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Honors
honor Kaiser Permanente Everyday Hero Award Recipient
07/07/2017Hospital System AwardDetailsUnited Stateshonor Kaiser Permanente Physician Merit Award
07/11/2016Hospital System AwardDetailsUnited States
Clinical Care
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Overview
Julie Kang, MD, PhD, is a radiation oncologist specializing in the treatment of head and neck, prostate, bladder, and skin cancers. She focuses on providing compassionate care and empowering patients through education and personalized treatment plans. Dr. Kang employs advanced techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy to optimize patient outcomes and minimize side effects.
As an assistant professor of therapeutic radiology at Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Kang conducts research aimed at improving cancer care by reducing treatment toxicity and personalizing therapy. Her work includes analyzing factors that influence cancer outcomes to enhance healthcare quality. She is actively involved in clinical trials and cooperative groups, with a particular interest in addressing cancer disparities and reducing barriers to care.
Dr. Kang completed her medical training at the University of Southern California and her residency at UCLA. She is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of medical professionals in research related to head and neck and prostate cancers.
Clinical Specialties
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Rhabdomyosarcoma
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Are You a Patient? View this doctor's clinical profile on the Yale Medicine website for information about the services we offer and making an appointment.