James Brugarolas

James Brugarolas, M.D., Ph.D., is a tenured Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) and a member of the Division of Hematology and Oncology. He holds the Sherry Wigley Crow Cancer Research Endowed Chair in Honor of Robert Lewis Kirby, M.D. Dr. Brugarolas is the founding director of the Kidney Cancer Program (KCP) at the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, which has received recognition for clinical excellence, innovation, and research including a National Cancer Institute Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) Award for kidney cancer.

Dr. Brugarolas' research focuses on kidney cancer, with specific interests in molecular genetics of renal cell carcinoma, drug development, tumor modeling, biomarkers, clinical trials, and personalized medicine. His laboratory has made significant contributions to the field including identifying kidney cancer-causing genes, establishing the foundation for molecular classification of kidney cancer, developing mouse models of the disease, and establishing HIF2 as a core dependency in renal cancer. His work has led to the development of a first-in-class HIF2 inhibitor now approved by the FDA.

His publication record spans high-impact journals including Nature, The New England Journal of Medicine, Cancer Cell, and Nature Genetics. The research themes demonstrate consistent focus on translating basic discoveries into clinical applications, with particular emphasis on molecular pathways, drug development, and precision medicine approaches for kidney cancer patients.

• Leaders in Clinical Excellence Program Development Award
• Finalist Healthcare Innovation Award
• NCI SPORE Award for Kidney Cancer
• Sherry Wigley Crow Cancer Research Endowed Chair

Dr. Brugarolas serves on the NCI Renal Cancer Task Force and chairs the scientific advisory board of the Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators. He is actively involved in numerous clinical trials, including pioneering work with HIF-2 inhibitors and stereotactic radiation therapy for kidney cancer. His laboratory has developed comprehensive tumorgraft platforms that closely mirror human tumors to advance precision medicine in renal cell carcinoma.