David Akhavan

David Akhavan is an Assistant Professor in Radiation Oncology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He holds dual MD and PhD degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles (Medical Scientist Training Program) and completed residency in Radiation Oncology at City of Hope National Medical Center.

Research Interests:

• Cell-based immunotherapy for malignant brain tumors
• Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell development
• Molecular mechanisms of tumor antigen loss
• Overcoming T cell exhaustion in cancer therapy
• Cell manufacturing bottlenecks in immunotherapy
• Resistance mechanisms to tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Selected Publications highlight his work in CAR T cell therapy for glioblastoma, EGFR-targeting strategies in triple negative breast cancer metastases, and molecular studies on resistance pathways in glioblastoma patients.

Professional Affiliations:

• Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center (Scientific Advisor Committee Member)
• American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy
• American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncologists
• Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer

Contact: dakhavan@kumc.edu