Kenneth B. Roberts, MD
Professor of Therapeutic RadiologyCards
Appointments
Additional Titles
Chief, Cardiac Brachytherapy Program, Therapeutic Radiology
Chief, Lymphoma/Sarcoma Radiotherapy Program, Therapeutic Radiology
Chief, Pediatrics Radiotherapy Program, Therapeutic Radiology
Associate Chief of Radiation Oncology, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Therapeutic Radiology
Contact Info
Therapeutic Radiology
PO Box 208040
New Haven, CT 06520-8040
United States
Appointments
Additional Titles
Chief, Cardiac Brachytherapy Program, Therapeutic Radiology
Chief, Lymphoma/Sarcoma Radiotherapy Program, Therapeutic Radiology
Chief, Pediatrics Radiotherapy Program, Therapeutic Radiology
Associate Chief of Radiation Oncology, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Therapeutic Radiology
Contact Info
Therapeutic Radiology
PO Box 208040
New Haven, CT 06520-8040
United States
Appointments
Additional Titles
Chief, Cardiac Brachytherapy Program, Therapeutic Radiology
Chief, Lymphoma/Sarcoma Radiotherapy Program, Therapeutic Radiology
Chief, Pediatrics Radiotherapy Program, Therapeutic Radiology
Associate Chief of Radiation Oncology, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Therapeutic Radiology
Contact Info
Therapeutic Radiology
PO Box 208040
New Haven, CT 06520-8040
United States
About
Titles
Professor of Therapeutic Radiology
Chief, Cardiac Brachytherapy Program, Therapeutic Radiology; Chief, Lymphoma/Sarcoma Radiotherapy Program, Therapeutic Radiology; Chief, Pediatrics Radiotherapy Program, Therapeutic Radiology; Associate Chief of Radiation Oncology, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Therapeutic Radiology
Biography
As a practicing, productive academic physician, my current clinical interests have emphasized the role of radiotherapy in pediatric malignancies, lymphomas, leukemias, sarcomas, colo-anal cancers, and benign inflammatory conditions. Correspondingly, my clinical research interests have been translational and practical, emphasizing combined modality therapy in cancer management, late effects of therapy including secondary malignancies, and the utilization of brachytherapy (implanted radiation sources) in both malignant and benign disease.
Appointments
Therapeutic Radiology
ProfessorPrimary
Other Departments & Organizations
- Brain Tumor Center
- Center for Gastrointestinal Cancers
- Gastrointestinal Radiotherapy
- Gynecologic Oncology Program
- Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Program
- Pediatric Radiotherapy
- Prostate & Genitourinary Radiotherapy
- Radiobiology and Genome Integrity
- Spine Radiosurgery
- Therapeutic Radiology
- Yale Cancer Center
- Yale Medicine
- Yale Ventures
Education & Training
- MS
- Duke University School of Law, Legal Studies (1994)
- Resident
- Duke University Medical Center (1992)
- Fellow
- Duke University Medical Center (1989)
- Resident
- Ohio State University Hospitals (1987)
- MD
- Duke University (1984)
- BS
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Chemistry and Biology (1979)
Research
Overview
During my first ten years on the Yale faculty, I participated in clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of bioreductive alkylating agents as an adjunct to radiotherapy in cervix cancer. A Phase III study comparing radiotherapy alone with radiotherapy plus Mitomycin C for cervix cancer has been completed in Venezuela with results showing a significant improvement in disease-free survival with the addition of Mitomycin C, which is a hypoxic cell cytotoxin.
For several years, I had been collaborating with Interventional Cardiology and Medical Physics in a clinical program utilizing coronary brachytherapy to manage in-stent restenosis. Some current or upcoming clinical research projects include:
1) modifying radiation dose and volume in advanced stage Hodgkin’s disease based on response to initial chemotherapy (a cooperative group trial);
2) the effects of prostate edema during brachytherapy on modulating radiation dose delivery;
3) the changes in second malignancies seen after Hodgkins Lymphoma therapy with shift away from primary extended field radiotherapy to combined chemotherapy and low dose involved field radiotherapy
4) an examination of the economic forces that drive the use and demand for radiotherapeutic modalities, often with poorly developed evidence.
Regarding this latter concept, in the management of localized prostate cancer, brachytherapy is in a decline while Intensity Modulated and Image Guided Radiotherapy is in ascendancy for complex reasons. In early stage breast cancer, there is an increasing trend toward partial breast irradiation using 3D conformal radiotherapy or brachytherapy. Coronary brachytherapy had experienced a several year surge in usage and interest amongst cardiologists, but now is less frequently needed due to the efficacy of drug eluting stents, a complementary albeit expensive technology. Palliative radiotherapy in terminally ill cancer patients has become less frequently used, due in part to the capitated reimbursement for hospice care and the relatively high expense and inconvenience of radiotherapy versus medical therapy.
Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
Research at a Glance
Yale Co-Authors
Publications Timeline
Research Interests
James B. Yu, MD, MHS, FASTRO
Henry S. Park, MD, MPH
Jeph Herrin, PhD
Zhe Jay Chen, PhD, FAAPM
Lynn D. Wilson, MD, MPH, FASTRO
Cary Gross, MD
Hodgkin Disease
Brachytherapy
Radiation Oncology
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
Publications
2024
International Prognostic Score for Nodular Lymphocyte–Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma
Binkley M, Flerlage J, Savage K, Akhtar S, Steiner R, Zhang X, Dickinson M, Prica A, Major A, Hendrickson P, Hopkins D, Ng A, Casulo C, Baron J, Roberts K, Al Kendi J, Balogh A, Ricardi U, Torka P, Specht L, De Silva R, Pickard K, Blazin L, Henry M, Smith C, Halperin D, Brady J, Brennan B, Senchenko M, Reeves M, Hoppe B, Terezakis S, Talaulikar D, Picardi M, Kirova Y, Fergusson P, Hawkes E, Lee D, Doo N, Barraclough A, Cheah C, Ku M, Hamad N, Mutsando H, Gilbertson M, Marconi T, Viiala N, Maurer M, Eichenauer D, Hoppe R, Borchmann P, Fuchs M, Hartmann S, Eich H, Lo A, Skinnider B, Rauf M, Maghfoor I, Pinnix C, Milgrom S, Vega F, Alomari M, Collins G, Advani R, Metzger M, Wirth A, Tsang R, Smith S, Kelsey C, McKay P, Koenig J, Constine L, Sakthivel K, Plastaras J, Gao S, Al Rahbi N, Levis M, Sridhar A, Shah N, Osborne W, Chang I, Miall F, Mikhaeel G, Penn A, Volchkov E, Della Pepa R, Northend M, Opat S, Salvaris R, Tedjaseputra A, Palese M, Shankar A, Natkunam Y, Kelly K. International Prognostic Score for Nodular Lymphocyte–Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma. Journal Of Clinical Oncology 2024, 42: 2271-2280. PMID: 38531001, DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.01655.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricConceptsNodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphomaProgression-free survivalLymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphomaInternational Prognostic ScoreImmunoarchitectural patternsOverall survivalHodgkin lymphomaPrognostic scoreSplenic involvementAssociated with worse progression-free survivalAssociated with progression-free survivalDe-escalation of therapyMedian follow-upAge of patientsProspective clinical trialHigh-risk patientsStage III-IVClinical risk factorsRisk of transformationStage I to IIB symptomsAdult patientsIII-IVActive surveillanceRare cancersO 09 Radiotherapy utilization and outcomes from a contemporary study of brentuximab vedotin with chemotherapy in pediatric high-risk Hodgkin lymphoma
Hoppe B, Castellino S, Pei Q, Charpentier A, Mailhot-Vega R, Roberts K, Parikh R, Flampouri S, Kelly K, Hodgson D. O 09 Radiotherapy utilization and outcomes from a contemporary study of brentuximab vedotin with chemotherapy in pediatric high-risk Hodgkin lymphoma. International Journal Of Particle Therapy 2024, 11: 100032. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpt.2024.100032.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchLate Cardiac Toxic Effects Associated With Treatment Protocols for Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children
Lo A, Liu A, Liu Q, Yasui Y, Castellino S, Kelly K, Hererra A, Friedberg J, Friedman D, Schwartz C, Pei Q, Kessel S, Bergeron-Gravel S, Dama H, Roberts K, Constine L, Hodgson D. Late Cardiac Toxic Effects Associated With Treatment Protocols for Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children. JAMA Network Open 2024, 7: e2351062. PMID: 38241048, PMCID: PMC10799264, DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.51062.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsCardiac toxic effectsMediastinal RTHodgkin lymphomaRadiation therapyCumulative incidenceCardiac diseaseDoxorubicin doseCohort studyClinical trialsMedian mean heart doseChildren's Oncology Group clinical trialStudy populationHigh-risk HLMean heart dosePlanned cumulative doseRadiation therapy useIncidence of cardiac diseaseCumulative doxorubicin doseRisks associated with treatmentNorth American trialsGroup clinical trialFollow-up guidelinesStandard treatment groupToxic effectsMaintained long term
2023
In Vivo Verification of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Biodosimetry Using Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy Treatment
Draeger E, Roberts K, Decker R, Bahar N, Wilson L, Contessa J, Husain Z, Williams B, Flood A, Swartz H, Carlson D. In Vivo Verification of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Biodosimetry Using Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy Treatment. International Journal Of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics 2023, 119: 292-301. PMID: 38072322, DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.11.029.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsConceptsHealthy volunteersDose rangeTotal body irradiationTotal body irradiation treatmentSignificant correlationRadiation therapy patientsPatient ageBody irradiationImmediate triageTherapy patientsClinical conditionsParticipants' teethPatientsNeck patientsUnknown dosesDosePatient dataRadiotherapy treatmentRadiation doseTeethTreatmentVolunteersSubsequent fractionsLuminescent dosimetersRadiation responsePredictors of Outcome for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation with a Reduced Intensity Pentostatin/TBI Conditioning Regimen in T-Cell Lymphomas: A Single Center Experience
Hamouche R, Foss F, Mirza S, Di M, Isufi I, Bar N, Gowda L, Perreault S, Roberts K, Seropian S, Sethi T. Predictors of Outcome for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation with a Reduced Intensity Pentostatin/TBI Conditioning Regimen in T-Cell Lymphomas: A Single Center Experience. Blood 2023, 142: 2172. DOI: 10.1182/blood-2023-189414.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsT-cell lymphomaTotal body irradiationAggressive T-cell lymphomaReduced intensity conditioning regimenHematopoietic stem cell transplantationRefractory T-cell lymphomaNodal T-cell lymphomasIntensity conditioning regimenPotential curative optionStem cell transplantationConditioning regimenAdult patientsCurative optionRetrospective reviewBody irradiationCell transplantationSingle agentPatientsRegimenPentostatinAlloSCTTransplantationLymphomaNCCN Guidelines® Insights: B-Cell Lymphomas, Version 6.2023.
Zelenetz A, Gordon L, Abramson J, Advani R, Andreadis B, Bartlett N, Budde L, Caimi P, Chang J, Christian B, DeVos S, Dholaria B, Fayad L, Habermann T, Hamid M, Hernandez-Ilizaliturri F, Hu B, Kaminski M, Karimi Y, Kelsey C, King R, Krivacic S, LaCasce A, Lim M, Messmer M, Narkhede M, Rabinovitch R, Ramakrishnan P, Reid E, Roberts K, Saeed H, Smith S, Svoboda J, Swinnen L, Tuscano J, Vose J, Dwyer M, Sundar H. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: B-Cell Lymphomas, Version 6.2023. Journal Of The National Comprehensive Cancer Network 2023, 21: 1118-1131. PMID: 37935098, DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2023.0057.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsB-cell lymphomaMantle cell lymphomaCAR T-cell therapyT-cell therapyTyrosine kinase inhibitorsFollicular lymphomaNCCN guidelinesAnti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapyRefractory B-cell lymphomaTreatment of FLBispecific T-cell engagersBruton tyrosine kinase inhibitorsLarge B-cell lymphomaNCCN Guidelines InsightsRefractory follicular lymphomaNovel immunotherapeutic approachesRelapsed Follicular LymphomaT-cell engagersTreatment landscapeImmunotherapeutic approachesFrontline settingTreatment optionsCell lymphomaLymphomaTherapyRadiotherapy Utilization and Outcomes on a Contemporary Trial for Pediatric High-Risk Hodgkin Lymphoma Study
Hoppe B, Castellino S, Pei Q, Charpentier A, Keller F, Vega R, Roberts K, Parikh R, Punnett A, Parsons S, McCarten K, Flampouri S, Kessel S, Wu Y, Cho S, Kelly K, Hodgson D. Radiotherapy Utilization and Outcomes on a Contemporary Trial for Pediatric High-Risk Hodgkin Lymphoma Study. International Journal Of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics 2023, 117: s62-s63. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.362.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricConceptsProgression-free survivalBrentuximab vedotinABVE-PCIrradiated patientsMediastinal adenopathyRadiotherapy utilizationContemporary trialsRT modalityOpen-label phase 3 studyExcellent progression-free survivalUse of PTProgression-free survival ratesProton therapyHodgkin's lymphoma studyUtilization of RTSevere acute toxicityPhase 3 studyPediatric Hodgkin lymphomaSimilar acute toxicityAcute toxicityMATERIAL/METHODSDifferent RT modalitiesEligible patientsMedian followPediatric patientsRisk of Subsequent Neoplasms in Childhood Cancer Survivors After Radiation Therapy: A PENTEC Comprehensive Review
Casey D, Vogelius I, Brodin N, Roberts K, Avanzo M, Moni J, Owens C, Ronckers C, Constine L, Bentzen S, Olch A. Risk of Subsequent Neoplasms in Childhood Cancer Survivors After Radiation Therapy: A PENTEC Comprehensive Review. International Journal Of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics 2023, 119: 640-654. PMID: 37777927, DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.07.025.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricConceptsChildhood cancer survivorsCancer survivorsRadiation therapySubsequent meningiomaLung cancerCNS neoplasmsSubsequent neoplasmsSubsequent sarcomaRT dosePrimary diagnosisHigh riskPediatric Normal Tissue EffectsRadiation dose-response relationshipSubsequent lung cancerPrior radiation therapyTreatment-related factorsExcess absolute riskPrimary cancer diagnosisERR/GyNormal tissue effectsSpecific chemotherapeutic agentsDose-response relationshipHigh-dose volumeSignificant contributory roleERR/THE PROGNOSTIC IMPACT OF CLINICAL FACTORS AND IMMUNOARCHITECTURAL PATTERNS FOR NODULAR LYMPHOCYTE‐PREDOMINANT HODGKIN LYMPHOMA: AN INTERNATIONAL STUDY BY GLOW
Binkley M, Flerlage J, Borchmann P, Fuchs M, Hartmann S, Eich H, Savage K, Lo A, Skinnider B, Akhtar S, Rauf M, Maghfoor I, Pinnix C, Steiner R, Milgrom S, Vega F, Alomari M, Zhang X, Collins G, Advani R, Metzger M, Dickinson M, Wirth A, Tsang R, Prica A, Major A, Smith S, Hendrickson P, Kelsey C, Hopkins D, McKay P, Ng A, Koenig J, Constine L, Casulo C, Sakthivel G, Baron J, Plastaras J, Roberts K, Gao S, Al Kendi J, Al Rahbi N, Balogh A, Levis M, Ricardi U, Sridhar A, Torka P, Specht L, De Silva R, Shah N, Pickard K, Osborne W, Blazin L, Henry M, Chang I, Smith C, Halperin D, Miall F, Brady J, Mikhaeel G, Brennan B, Penn A, Senchenko M, Volchkov E, Reeves M, Hoppe B, Terezakis S, Talaulikar D, Della Pepa R, Picardi M, Kirova Y, Fergusson P, Northend M, Shankar A, Maurer M, Natkunam Y, Kelly K, Eichenauer D, Hoppe R. THE PROGNOSTIC IMPACT OF CLINICAL FACTORS AND IMMUNOARCHITECTURAL PATTERNS FOR NODULAR LYMPHOCYTE‐PREDOMINANT HODGKIN LYMPHOMA: AN INTERNATIONAL STUDY BY GLOW. Hematological Oncology 2023, 41: 100-101. PMID: 39112383, DOI: 10.1002/hon.3163_62.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAltmetricPrognostic value of chest x‐ray‐ and CT‐defined large mediastinal adenopathy in high‐risk pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group Study AHOD0831
Lo A, Lee I, Pei Q, Wu Y, McCarten K, Hoppe B, Hodgson D, Roberts K, Milgrom S, Kessel S, Cole P, Kelly K, Cho S. Prognostic value of chest x‐ray‐ and CT‐defined large mediastinal adenopathy in high‐risk pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group Study AHOD0831. Pediatric Blood & Cancer 2023, 70: e30452. PMID: 37243975, PMCID: PMC10546608, DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30452.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsRelapse-free survivalLarge mediastinal adenopathySlow early responseInferior relapse-free survivalWorse relapse-free survivalMediastinal mass ratioPediatric Hodgkin lymphomaHodgkin's lymphomaMediastinal adenopathyPrognostic valueAdvanced-stage HL patientsChildren's Oncology Group studyChest X-rayHazard ratioHL patientsMedian agePoor prognosisChest radiographsMass volumeMass diameterPatientsML/Group studyCTEarly response
Clinical Trials
Current Trials
Parallel Phase III Randomized Trials for High Risk Prostate Cancer Evaluating De-Intensification for Lower Genomic Risk and Intensification of Concurrent Therapy for Higher Genomic Risk With Radiation (PREDICT-RT*)
HIC ID2000032279RoleSub InvestigatorPrimary Completion Date12/31/2033Recruiting ParticipantsA Target Validation/Phase1 Study of BGB-290 in Combination With Temozolomide in Adolescent and Young Adult IDH1/2 Newly Diagnosed and Recurrent Mutant Gliomas
HIC ID2000025384RoleSub InvestigatorPrimary Completion Date06/30/2024Recruiting ParticipantsThe Project: Every Child Protocol: A Registry, Eligibility Screening, Biology and Outcome Study
HIC ID1512016865RoleSub InvestigatorPrimary Completion Date01/31/2100Recruiting ParticipantsPhase IB/II Trial Of Dose-Deescalated 3-Fraction Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy For Centrally Located Lung Cancer
HIC ID2000025868RoleSub InvestigatorPrimary Completion Date01/31/2030Recruiting ParticipantsA Phase 3 Randomized Trial of Inotuzumab Ozogamicin (NSC#: 772518) for Newly Diagnosed High-Risk B-ALL; Risk-Adapted Post-Induction Therapy for High-Risk B-ALL, Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukemia, and Disseminated B-LLy
HIC ID2000026862RoleSub InvestigatorPrimary Completion Date06/30/2029Recruiting Participants
Academic Achievements & Community Involvement
activity Childrens Oncology Group
Professional OrganizationsResearcherDetailsHodgkin’s Committee member07/01/2002 - Presentactivity American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)
Professional OrganizationsCommittee MemberDetailsGovernment Relations Committee member and Annual Advocacy Day (lobbying effort in Washington, DC)09/15/2007 - Presentactivity consortium of Connecticut Hospitals, physicians, scientists, and physicists
CommitteesCommittee MemberDetailsRadiation Response Planning Group for Connecticut, developing state-wide plan to respond to radiation terrorism, 7/03 – 7/0707/15/2003 - Presentactivity Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Public ServiceAdvisorDetailsEducational Council05/15/1995 - Presentactivity Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center
CommitteesLeadDetailsCurrent member of Pediatric Oncology, Sarcoma, and Lymphoma sections, prior Member of Gynecology Oncology section07/15/2003 - Present
Clinical Care
Overview
Clinical Specialties
Fact Sheets
Pediatric Cancer
Learn More on Yale MedicineBrachytherapy
Learn More on Yale MedicineRadiation Therapy with Gamma Knife
Learn More on Yale MedicineGamma Knife Radiosurgery
Learn More on Yale Medicine
Board Certifications
Radiation Oncology
- Certification Organization
- AB of Radiology
- Original Certification Date
- 1995
Medical Oncology
- Certification Organization
- AB of Internal Medicine
- Original Certification Date
- 1989
Internal Medicine
- Certification Organization
- AB of Internal Medicine
- Original Certification Date
- 1987
Yale Medicine News
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News
- October 03, 2024
Yale Cancer Center Physicians and Trainees Present at ASTRO
- July 12, 2024
Kenneth Roberts, MD, elected a Fellow of ASTRO
- May 01, 2023
Connecticut Magazine’s 2023 “Top Doctors” issue recognizes 81 Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center physicians
- May 03, 2022
Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital physicians recognized as Connecticut Magazine 'Best Doctors'
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Contacts
Therapeutic Radiology
PO Box 208040
New Haven, CT 06520-8040
United States
Locations
Yale Therapeutic Radiology
Academic Office
Hunter Building
15 York Street, Ste HRT 133
New Haven, CT 06510
Patient Care Locations
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.