James E. Hansen

James E. Hansen is an Associate Professor of Therapeutic Radiology at Yale School of Medicine and a key member of Yale Cancer Center. He serves as Chief of the Gamma Knife Program and Co-Director of the Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Body Radiotherapy Fellowship. Dr. Hansen is affiliated with multiple cancer programs including the Center for Gastrointestinal Cancers, Center for Thoracic Cancers, Head & Neck Cancers Program, and Prostate & Urologic Cancers Program.

Dr. Hansen specializes in Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for treating various cancers including Central Nervous System tumors, Head and Neck cancers, Lung cancer, Lymphoma, Skin cancer, and Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary cancers. His clinical philosophy emphasizes personalized care, as he states: "Every patient journey is unique. Please know that in good times or challenging times, you are never battling this disease alone."

Dr. Hansen's research bridges radiation oncology with molecular immunology, focusing on how autoantibodies from autoimmune disorders can be harnessed to fight cancer. He is particularly excited about advancements in drug design that allow treatments to cross the blood-brain barrier, stating: "I have never been more excited and optimistic about the future benefits of therapies that cross the blood-brain barrier and target brain tumors." His work has been featured in media outlets including WTNH News 8, Healio, and Yale Medicine News.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on nuclear-penetrating autoantibodies, DNA-targeted cancer therapies, and stereotactic radiation techniques. Dr. Hansen has made significant contributions to understanding how lupus-derived and scleroderma autoantibodies can be repurposed for cancer treatment, including their ability to deliver therapeutic agents across the blood-brain barrier and activate tumor immunity.

Dr. Hansen received his medical training at UCLA School of Medicine, followed by residency and chief residency in therapeutic radiology at Yale School of Medicine. He also holds a Master's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UCLA. His clinical and research work exemplifies the interdisciplinary approach needed to develop innovative cancer treatments that combine radiation therapy with molecular targeting strategies.