Kimberly L. Johung, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Therapeutic RadiologyCards
About
Research
Publications
2026
Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction: The evolving treatment landscape for locally advanced and metastatic disease in the era of immune checkpoint inhibitors and biomarker‐driven therapeutics
Baum L, Johung K, Gibson J, Cartagena G, Boffa D, Lacy J. Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction: The evolving treatment landscape for locally advanced and metastatic disease in the era of immune checkpoint inhibitors and biomarker‐driven therapeutics. CA A Cancer Journal For Clinicians 2026, 76: e70050. PMID: 41546870, PMCID: PMC12812016, DOI: 10.3322/caac.70050.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchInduction FOLFIRINOX and SBRT for borderline/locally advanced pancreatic cancer.
Rodman C, Yugawa D, Delgado-Coka L, Farrell J, Muniraj T, Patel A, Khan S, Kunstman J, Stein S, Kortmansky J, Cecchini M, Lacy J, Robert M, Escobar-Hoyos L, Johung K. Induction FOLFIRINOX and SBRT for borderline/locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Journal Of Clinical Oncology 2026, 44: 782-782. DOI: 10.1200/jco.2026.44.2_suppl.782.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchStereotactic body radiotherapyProgression-free survivalBorderline resectable PDACLocally advanced PDACLocal disease controlPancreatic ductal adenocarcinomaLocally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomaAdvanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomaMolecular subtypesTumor stiffnessOverall survivalBorderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomaMedian progression-free survivalPotential biomarkers of responseBasal-like molecular subtypeResectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomaCycles of FOLFIRINOXMedian overall survivalLocally advanced tumorsAdvanced pancreatic cancerMedian Follow-UpBiomarkers of responseDisease controlPatterns of recurrencePhase 2 trial
2025
Biology-Guided Radiotherapy for Lung and Bone Tumors: Early Insights into Local Control Outcomes from the Prospective Premier Registry
Dan T, Badiyan S, Westover K, Garant A, Gul A, de Jong D, Al Feghali K, Shirvani S, Amini A, Watkins W, Han C, Park H, Johung K, Vitzhum L, Surucu M, Danish A, Lewis B, Skinner H, Wilke C, McCall N. Biology-Guided Radiotherapy for Lung and Bone Tumors: Early Insights into Local Control Outcomes from the Prospective Premier Registry. International Journal Of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics 2025, 123: e151-e152. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2025.06.3627.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchBiology-guided radiotherapyFollow-up imagingAdverse eventsBone tumorsStable diseaseComplete responsePartial responseLC outcomesLung tumorsProgressive diseaseFollow-upRegistry studyPositron Emission Tomography/Computed TomographyPREMIERE registryLocal controlLocal control outcomesRadiotherapy treatment optionsLocal control rateMetastatic lung tumorsEmission Tomography/Computed TomographyFollow-up scansMultidisciplinary tumor boardFollow-up imaging dataEarly clinical experiencePreliminary clinical resultsFirst-in-Human Dual Modality Radiotherapy Treatment in a Single Plan Using Biology-Guided Radiotherapy: A Case Report
Park H, Chen H, Draeger E, Tressel L, Kim J, Johung K, Young M, Al Feghali K, de Jong D, Chen Z, Carlson D. First-in-Human Dual Modality Radiotherapy Treatment in a Single Plan Using Biology-Guided Radiotherapy: A Case Report. International Journal Of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics 2025, 123: s122. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2025.06.1185.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchBiology-guided radiotherapyPlanning target volumeStereotactic body radiotherapyGross tumor volumeMulti-target treatmentTreatment planningInnovative radiotherapy techniquesBeam deliveryTarget coveragePET emissionTarget volumeDose constraintsBgRTKidney lesionsRadiotherapy treatmentFirst-in-humanRadiotherapy techniquesAverage treatment timeFDG doseCritical structuresOligoprogressive lesionsTumor shrinkageFDG activityKidney metastasisTumor volume4098 Case report of the first-in-human two modality radiotherapy treatment in a single plan using biology-guided radiotherapy
Park H, Chen H, Draeger E, Tressel L, Kim J, Johung K, Young M, Al Feghali K, de Jong D, Chen Z, Carlson D. 4098 Case report of the first-in-human two modality radiotherapy treatment in a single plan using biology-guided radiotherapy. Radiotherapy And Oncology 2025, 206: s1425-s1426. DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(25)03141-x.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2024
Impact of Synthetic PET Evaluation prior to PET-Guided Functional Modeling in Optimizing Patient Selection for Biology-Guided Radiotherapy
Hicks D, Chen H, Kim J, Tressel L, Wallington D, Becht K, Johung K, Young M, Feghali K, de Jong D, Chen Z, Carlson D, Park H. Impact of Synthetic PET Evaluation prior to PET-Guided Functional Modeling in Optimizing Patient Selection for Biology-Guided Radiotherapy. International Journal Of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics 2024, 120: s162-s163. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2024.07.2188.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchPlanning target volumeInternal target volumeBiology-guided radiotherapyStereotactic body radiotherapyGross tumor volumeTarget volumeCT simulationOptimal patient selectionPET evaluationStereotactic body radiotherapy planLung target volumesPatient selectionPTV edgesLung casesBgRTPET-CTTumor sizeTumor volumeRadiotherapyCase 2PET dataLungActivity concentrationsPatientsConsistent with resultsEvaluation of Biology-Guided Radiotherapy (BgRT) in Motion Phantom with Real Patient Breathing Patterns
Chen H, Han D, Draeger E, Zhong W, Lee M, Guan F, Hicks D, Park H, Johung K, Young M, Bal G, Carlson D, Chen Z. Evaluation of Biology-Guided Radiotherapy (BgRT) in Motion Phantom with Real Patient Breathing Patterns. International Journal Of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics 2024, 120: e107. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2024.07.2018.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchGamma passing ratesBiology-guided radiotherapyPatient's breathing patternMotion phantomPass ratePatient-specific quality assuranceBreathing periodPhantom studyGamma passing criteriaTumor motion managementAssess target coverageQuality assurance phantomBreathing patternDosimetric accuracyConformity indexMotion managementActivity concentrationsHomogeneity indexTarget coverageDelivery accuracyTarget volumeSpherical targetCommissioning dataBgRTPassing criteriaPerioperative Modified FOLFIRINOX for Resectable Pancreatic Cancer
Cecchini M, Salem R, Robert M, Czerniak S, Blaha O, Zelterman D, Rajaei M, Townsend J, Cai G, Chowdhury S, Yugawa D, Tseng R, Arbelaez C, Jiao J, Shroyer K, Thumar J, Kortmansky J, Zaheer W, Fischbach N, Persico J, Stein S, Khan S, Cha C, Billingsley K, Kunstman J, Johung K, Wiess C, Muzumdar M, Spickard E, Aushev V, Laliotis G, Jurdi A, Liu M, Escobar-Hoyos L, Lacy J. Perioperative Modified FOLFIRINOX for Resectable Pancreatic Cancer. JAMA Oncology 2024, 10: 1027-1035. PMID: 38900452, PMCID: PMC11190830, DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2024.1575.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchProgression-free survivalPancreatic ductal adenocarcinomaOverall survivalCtDNA levelsPhase 2 nonrandomized controlled trialAnalysis of circulating tumor DNAMedian progression-free survivalResectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomaControlled TrialsAssess surgical candidacyBaseline ctDNA levelModified 5-fluorouracilResectable pancreatic cancerPancreatic protocol computed tomographyAssociated with recurrenceTumor molecular featuresAggressive malignant tumorKaplan-Meier estimatesRandomized clinical trialsStandard of careCtDNA-positivePreoperative cyclesNonrandomized controlled trialsUnresectable diseaseModified FOLFIRINOXNCCN Guidelines® Insights: Rectal Cancer, Version 3.2024.
Benson A, Venook A, Adam M, Chang G, Chen Y, Ciombor K, Cohen S, Cooper H, Deming D, Garrido-Laguna I, Grem J, Haste P, Hecht J, Hoffe S, Hunt S, Hussan H, Johung K, Joseph N, Kirilcuk N, Krishnamurthi S, Malla M, Maratt J, Messersmith W, Meyerhardt J, Miller E, Mulcahy M, Nurkin S, Parikh A, Patel H, Pedersen K, Saltz L, Schneider C, Shibata D, Shogan B, Skibber J, Sofocleous C, Tavakkoli A, Willett C, Wu C, Jones F, Gurski L. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Rectal Cancer, Version 3.2024. Journal Of The National Comprehensive Cancer Network 2024, 22: 366-375. PMID: 39151454, DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2024.0041.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRectal cancerResponders to neoadjuvant therapyRisk of pelvic recurrenceLocally recurrent rectal cancerEarly-stage rectal cancerNonoperative management approachRecurrent rectal cancerDistal rectal cancerNCCN Guidelines InsightsCurative-intent therapyRectal cancer surgeryOptimal treatment planEndoscopic submucosal dissectionQuality of lifePelvic recurrenceNeoadjuvant therapyMultimodal therapyNCCN guidelinesGenitourinary functionPatient selectionPoor prognosisCancer surgeryColon cancerSubmucosal dissectionClinical trialsColon Cancer, Version 3.2024, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.
Benson A, Venook A, Adam M, Chang G, Chen Y, Ciombor K, Cohen S, Cooper H, Deming D, Garrido-Laguna I, Grem J, Haste P, Hecht J, Hoffe S, Hunt S, Hussan H, Johung K, Joseph N, Kirilcuk N, Krishnamurthi S, Malla M, Maratt J, Messersmith W, Meyerhardt J, Miller E, Mulcahy M, Nurkin S, Overman M, Parikh A, Patel H, Pedersen K, Saltz L, Schneider C, Shibata D, Shogan B, Skibber J, Sofocleous C, Tavakkoli A, Willett C, Wu C, Gurski L, Snedeker J, Jones F. Colon Cancer, Version 3.2024, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. Journal Of The National Comprehensive Cancer Network 2024, 22 PMID: 38862008, DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2024.0029.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMetastatic colorectal cancerColorectal cancerNCCN Clinical Practice GuidelinesSystemic therapy optionsGoal of therapyClinical practice guidelinesNCCN guidelinesToxicity profileTherapy optionsColon cancerMutation profilesActive drugCancer deathDiagnosed cancerCancerConstituent drugsTherapyPractice guidelinesNCCNDrugTumorColorectalGuidelinesUnited StatesOncology
Clinical Trials
Current Trials
Phase II Trial Of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for Oligoprogression on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI) in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
IRB ID2000027702RolePrincipal InvestigatorPrimary Completion Date10/01/2025Recruiting Participants
Academic Achievements & Community Involvement
Clinical Care
Overview
Kimberly L. Johung, MD, PhD, a Yale Medicine radiation oncologist, is the director of the Gastrointestinal Radiotherapy Program for Yale Cancer Center at Smilow Cancer Hospital. She is also the medical director for radiation oncology services at the Veteran Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System in West Haven, Conn.
In these roles, she treats a variety of cancers, including esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, liver, biliary, rectal, anal, and lung tumors. “What inspires me,” says Dr. Johung, “is that my job entails not only helping patients access the best care for their cancer diagnosis, but also trying to provide hope—whether it’s for a cure, a period of disease stability, alleviation of a symptom, or improved outcomes for cancer patients in the future.”
Dr. Johung is also an associate professor of therapeutic radiology at Yale School of Medicine. Her research interests include defining molecular markers, using retrospective studies, clinical trials, and translational studies, to guide treatment decisions and improve outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal malignancies.
She is a panel member for the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (Esophageal and Gastric Cancers) and is a member of the American Society for Radiation Oncology.
Clinical Specialties
Therapeutic Radiology; Gastrointestinal Radiotherapy; Thoracic Radiotherapy; Prostate & Genitourinary Radiotherapy; Head & Neck Radiotherapy
Fact Sheets
Gastrointestinal Cancers
Learn More on Yale MedicineEsophageal Cancer
Learn More on Yale MedicineStereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)
Learn More on Yale MedicineRadiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
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Yale Medicine News
News & Links
News
- February 28, 2025
Center for GI Cancers CME Webinar Series: GI Oncology Year in Review
- August 09, 2024
Botanical Medicine Reduces Rectal Cancer Treatment Side Effects That Can Sideline Surgeries
- June 20, 2024
Chemotherapy Before Surgery Benefits Some Patients With Pancreatic Cancer
- May 24, 2024
Gastrointestinal Cancer CME Series: Gastroesophageal Cancers
Get In Touch
Contacts
Academic Office Number
Appointment Number
Clinic Fax Number
Mailing Address
Therapeutic Radiology
P. O. Box 208040
New Haven, CT 06520-8040
United States
Locations
Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven
Academic Office
35 Park Street, Ste LL 514
New Haven, CT 06511
Patient Care Locations
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