Brian Kavanagh

Brian Kavanagh, MD, MPH is a Professor and Department Chair of Radiation Oncology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine. He serves as Department Chair and maintains clinical practice at multiple UCHealth locations including the University of Colorado Cancer Center, Cherry Creek Medical Center, Longs Peak Medical Center, and the Rocky Mountain Gamma Knife Center. His leadership extends to serving as Chair of the American Society for Radiation Oncology since 2017.

• MD, Tulane University School of Medicine (1988)
• MPH, Tulane University (1988)
• BSE, Tulane University (LA) (1984)
• Internship: Tulane University Program (1989)
• Residency: Duke University Hospital Program, Radiation Oncology (1993)

Dr. Kavanagh's research primarily focuses on stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), functional lung avoidance radiation therapy using 4DCT-ventilation imaging, and treatment of brain metastases from oncogene-driven lung cancers. His work bridges clinical practice, medical physics innovation, and outcomes research, with particular emphasis on optimizing radiation therapy techniques while minimizing toxicity. Recent publications demonstrate his leadership in developing novel approaches to image-guided radiation therapy, including antiscatter grid technology for CBCT imaging and functional avoidance techniques for lung cancer treatment.

Analysis of Dr. Kavanagh's recent publications (2019-2024) reveals a strong focus on precision radiation therapy for lung cancer and brain metastases. His research spans technical innovations in medical physics (such as 2D antiscatter grid development), clinical trials evaluating functional avoidance radiation therapy, and studies examining outcomes for patients with oncogene-driven cancers. A significant portion of his work addresses the integration of radiation therapy with targeted therapies for lung cancer with brain metastases, reflecting the evolving treatment paradigms in this field.

• Top Doctor, 5280 Magazine (2023)

Dr. Kavanagh has been instrumental in developing national radiation oncology curriculum frameworks through stakeholder consensus processes. His leadership in the American Society for Radiation Oncology has positioned him to influence practice guidelines and educational standards in the field. His research has been supported through multi-institutional clinical trials and collaborations with major cancer centers across the United States.

Dr. Kavanagh leads research efforts in the Rocky Mountain Gamma Knife Center and contributes to the University of Colorado Cancer Center's radiation oncology program. His work with 4DCT-ventilation imaging has established a clinical research program focused on functional avoidance radiation therapy, which aims to preserve lung function while effectively treating tumors.