Steven J. Chmura

Dr. Steven J. Chmura is an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology and Director of Clinical and Translational Research for Radiation Oncology at the University of Chicago. With over a decade of leadership in this role, he has established himself as a prominent figure in radiation oncology, particularly in the areas of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), and their integration with immunotherapy.

Dr. Chmura received his BS in Biology and Psychology from the University of Illinois, Urbana in 1992. He then pursued both his PhD in Pathology and MD from the University of Chicago, completing both in 1999. He completed his residency in Radiation Oncology at the University of Chicago in 2005, where he also obtained his board certification.

Dr. Chmura's research focuses on the intersection of radiation therapy and immunology, with particular emphasis on oligometastatic disease, radioimmunotherapy, and breast cancer. His work has pioneered the integration of stereotactic radiotherapy with immunotherapeutic approaches, leading to groundbreaking clinical trials that examine the safety and efficacy of combining ablative radiation with immune checkpoint inhibitors. He has been instrumental in developing the first international oligometastatic trials through NRG Oncology, investigating potential improvements to progression-free and overall survival in patients with lung and breast cancer.

His current research trajectory demonstrates a clear evolution from technical implementation of advanced radiotherapy techniques toward a deeper understanding of radiation's immunomodulatory effects. Recent publications reveal a strong focus on epitranscriptional regulation, immune cell function in the tumor microenvironment, and identifying biomarkers to optimize radio-immunotherapy combinations. His work increasingly explores the molecular mechanisms underlying radiation-induced immune responses and resistance pathways.

As a leader in the NCI cooperative groups, Dr. Chmura serves as Co-Principal Investigator on multiple significant grants including UG1CA233327 (NCTN Network Lead) and U10CA180836 (NCI National Clinical Trials Network). His research has directly translated into multiple investigator-sponsored trials and the NCI-sponsored A091605 trial examining SBRT combined with pembrolizumab in advanced Merkel cell carcinoma.

Dr. Chmura directs a translational research program that bridges laboratory discoveries with clinical applications, working closely with multidisciplinary teams including medical oncologists, immunologists, and basic scientists. His laboratory investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which radiation influences tumor-immune interactions, with particular focus on pathways like STING, PD-L1, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells.