SUMMARY
Brian J. Davis, M.D., Ph.D., is a physician-scientist whose work centers on advancing radiotherapeutic strategies for patients with prostate cancer. Dr. Davis leverages his background in medicine and mechanical engineering — with a specialization in biomedical ultrasound — to advance cancer treatments. He integrates imaging technologies, clinical trials and translational research to refine modalities such as brachytherapy, external beam radiotherapy and proton therapy. His research spans the development of new ultrasound probes for intraoperative guidance, gene therapy applications and biomarker discovery. Dr. Davis has led and collaborated on numerous federally and industry-funded studies, contributing to understanding prostate cancer recurrence, treatment planning and outcomes. Dr. Davis' work is embedded in multidisciplinary efforts, often bridging engineering, radiology and oncology.
Focus areas
- Prostate cancer radiotherapy innovation. Dr. Davis pioneers advanced imaging and ultrasound technologies to improve the precision of prostate cancer treatment. His National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded work on transurethral ultrasound probes investigated real-time intraoperative dosimetry, improving the accuracy of brachytherapy seed placement and reducing complications.
- Gene therapy and molecular imaging. Dr. Davis has led clinical trials along with collaborators exploring in situ gene therapy using the sodium iodide symporter and radioiodine for recurrent prostate cancer. These studies integrate molecular imaging with therapeutic delivery, offering promising avenues for targeted treatment of localized disease.
- Clinical outcomes and treatment optimization. Dr. Davis conducts extensive research on treatment outcomes, including comparisons of biochemical failure rates between treatment modalities, such as radiotherapy and surgery, and the impact of prostate-specific antigen kinetics on recurrence. His work informs patient selection and treatment planning, contributing to personalized care strategies.
- Radiotherapy guidelines and consensus leadership. As a contributor to national and international guidelines, Dr. Davis has helped shape standards for prostate cancer radiotherapy. His prior involvement with the American Brachytherapy Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network has led to consensus documents that guide clinical practice in brachytherapy and external beam therapy.
- Mentorship and education in oncology. Dr. Davis mentors numerous residents and fellows. Many have advanced to prominent academic and clinical roles. His educational contributions include curriculum development, hands-on training modules and leadership in continuing medical education courses focused on prostate cancer management.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Davis' research helps medical teams treat prostate cancer more safely and accurately. By improving how radiation is delivered, Dr. Davis reduces the side effects of radiation treatment and raises the chances of curing prostate cancer. His work in imaging and gene therapy supports treatments that can be tailored to each patient, which may lead to fewer complications and better long-term health.
Professional highlights
- Mayo Clinic Principal investigator, NRG Oncology 0938, A Randomized Phase II Trial of Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Favorable Risk Prostate Cancer, 2012-present.
- Associate editor, Frontiers in Radiation Oncology, 2011-present.
- American Brachytherapy Society:
- Fellow, 2017-present.
- Member, Editorial board, Brachytherapy, 2006-present.
- Past president and chair, 2008-2010.
- American Board of Radiology:
- Trustee, 2017-2025.
- Oral board examiner, 2002-2025.
- Written Board Chair for Genitourinary Malignancies (Radiation Oncology), 2012-2017.
- Boston Scientific Corp:
- Consultant, 2017-2024.
- Member, Advisory board, 2017-2024.
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN):
- Contributor, NCCN Guidelines Insights: Prostate Cancer, Version 1.2021.
- Contributor, Current status of MRI and PET in the NCCN guidelines for prostate cancer, 2019.
- National Cancer Institute:
- Co-investigator, Specialized Programs of Research Excellence career development, 2001-2013. Clinical Co-PI, 2006-2013.
- Program director-principal investigator, Transurethral ultrasound for prostate cancer therapy (R33 grant), 2004-2010.