James Badgett

James Badgett is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Kentucky, and a member of the Markey Cancer Center and the Translational Oncology Research Program. He is an active clinical researcher in pediatric oncology, serving as Principal Investigator on 151 research projects through the Children's Oncology Group.

His educational qualifications include:

• Post Doctoral Fellow, Johns Hopkins University (2010)
• Residency, University Of Louisville (2007)
• Doctor of Medicine, University Of Louisville (2004)
• Doctor of Philosophy, University Of Kentucky (2000)
• Bachelor of Science, Furman University (1991)

Dr. Badgett's research focuses on pediatric hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. He has particular expertise in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (including Philadelphia chromosome-positive and KMT2A-rearranged subtypes), Wilms tumor, and interventions to address neurocognitive and physical health outcomes in childhood cancer survivors. His work emphasizes the design and implementation of multi-institutional clinical trials to test novel therapeutic strategies.

His current research portfolio includes the COG ALL2131 trial investigating chemotherapy combinations with blinatumomab for high-risk leukemia, the AREN2231 phase 3 study for Wilms tumor, the ACCL2031 trial of memantine for neuroprotection during cranial radiotherapy, and the "Walking Juntos" mobile health intervention for cancer survivors. These projects reflect his commitment to improving both survival and quality of life for pediatric cancer patients.

Within the Markey Cancer Center, Dr. Badgett contributes to the Translational Oncology Research Program, fostering collaborations between basic scientists and clinicians to accelerate the translation of laboratory findings into new treatments.