SUMMARY
Through his research and writing, Ewan K. Cobran, Ph.D., investigates the intersections of genetic literacy, patient-healthcare professional communication, and variations in prostate cancer outcomes across clinical and community settings. His scholarship integrates genomic medicine, digital health innovation and community-engaged research to improve decision-making and inform the implementation of precision oncology. Specifically, his work focuses on three primary lines of scientific inquiry:
- Community-based participatory genomics and implementation science. Dr. Cobran applies community-based participatory research and epidemiological methods to evaluate genomic literacy and awareness, and the structural and interpersonal factors that influence the dissemination and adoption of prognostic genomic testing among people with localized prostate cancer.
- Translational genomics and clinical decision support. Dr. Cobran advances the integration of genomic medicine into prostate cancer care through the design and evaluation of literacy-sensitive, genomics-informed decision aids. This research focuses on developing and testing digital and virtual reality-based tools that enhance shared decision-making, improve understanding of prognostic genomic information and support individualized treatment planning.
- Treatment-related comorbidities and survival. Dr. Cobran examines how comorbid conditions related to androgen deprivation therapy — such as diabetes, heart attack and cardiovascular disease — affect survival in people with advanced prostate cancer. The analysis highlights clinical and system-level factors that may influence differences in morbidity and mortality.
Dr. Cobran uses a multidisciplinary approach — combining quantitative and qualitative methods, large-scale data analysis and community collaboration — to turn genomic discoveries into practical, patient-centered interventions. This work supports Mayo Clinic's mission to provide the right care for every patient through integrated clinical practice, education and research.
Focus areas
- Prostate cancer outcomes and translational research.
- Genetic literacy and patient-healthcare professional communication.
- Community-based participatory research and collaborator engagement.
- Genomics and precision oncology.
- Implementation and dissemination science.
- Pharmacoepidemiology, comparative effectiveness and health services research.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Cobran's research aims to help people with prostate cancer live longer, healthier lives. He studies how genetic information can guide treatment decisions, improve communication between patients and healthcare professionals, and support patients in making informed choices about their care. His work brings together genomic medicine, health services research and easy-to-use digital tools to personalize treatment and improve outcomes for those with localized and high-risk prostate cancer.
Professional highlights
- National Cancer Institute:
- Mentored Research Scientist Development Award, 2020-2026.
- Scholar, Early Investigator Advancement Program, 2025.
- Molecular Prevention Scholar, Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program, Summer Curriculum in Cancer Prevention and Control, 2019.
- Scholar, Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program, Summer Curriculum in Cancer Prevention, 2017.
- 40 Gators Under 40, University of Florida Alumni Association, 2023.
- Ken Lange Scholar, Lange Symposium on Statistical Genetics, Department of Computational Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 2022.
- Research Methods in Supportive Oncology Scholar, Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 2020.
- Inaugural Jonice A. Louden Young Investigator Award, African-Caribbean Cancer Consortium, 2019.
- Summer Scholar, Oxford Summer School in Real World Data Epidemiology, Musculoskeletal Pharmaco- and Device Epidemiology Group, Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, 2017.