SUMMARY
The research of Carlos E. Vargas, M.D., focuses on advancing radiation therapy for breast and prostate cancers. He designs and leads prospective clinical trials that integrate radiotherapy techniques with biological end points such as immune modulation, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and imaging biomarkers. His research has directly influenced standards of care, particularly in the use of ultrahypofractionated and preoperative radiotherapy.
Dr. Vargas plays a pivotal role in establishing collaborative research infrastructures. His leadership extends to national cooperative groups and large-scale registries, where he actively fosters innovation and mentorship within the field.
Focus areas
- Ultrahypofractionated radiotherapy trials. Dr. Vargas has led multiple phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials evaluating ultrahypofractionated radiation therapy in breast and prostate cancers. These studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of delivering fewer higher-dose treatments. His work has helped redefine treatment paradigms by showing that shorter courses of radiation can achieve comparable outcomes with reduced burden on patients.
- Preoperative radiotherapy and immune modulation. Dr. Vargas investigates how preoperative radiation affects the tumor microenvironment, particularly immune cell activation. These studies incorporate translational end points such as macrophage biology and ctDNA analysis, bridging clinical and laboratory research. Through collaborations with other Mayo Clinic researchers, he has produced a model for integrating mechanistic studies with cooperative group trials.
- Proton therapy and cooperative group leadership. Dr. Vargas has been instrumental in defining the role of proton therapy through multicenter trials. He leads the Radiotherapy Outcomes Registry of the Proton Collaborative Group, which includes clinical data from over 40,000 patients. This registry supports evidence-based practice and enables large-scale research in proton therapy.
- Mentorship and infrastructure development. Dr. Vargas has established a strong clinical research infrastructure and has been a dedicated mentor to early-career investigators. His leadership expands access to collaborative clinical trials and fosters a culture of innovation across multiple research sites.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Vargas works to make cancer treatment quicker, safer and more effective. He studies new ways to give radiation in fewer sessions so patients can spend less time in treatment while still getting great results. His research also looks at how radiation might help the body's immune system fight cancer, which could help keep the disease under control for longer. These improvements aim to make care more convenient, personalized and successful.
Professional highlights
- Member, Genitourinary Section, American Board of Radiology, 2021-present.
- Mayo Clinic:
- Principal investigator, Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy in Treating Participants With Prostate Cancer High-Risk Features Following Radical Prostatectomy, 2018-present.
- Co-founder, Enterprise Radiation Oncology Research Committee, 2014-present.
- Clinical Educator of the Year, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, 2024.
- Principal investigator, Hypofractionated Radiotherapy Before or After Breast Surgery for Treatment of Patients With Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer, 2024.
- Teacher of the Year, Mayo Fellows' Association, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, 2023.
- Proton Collaborative Group:
- Principal investigator, A Phase III Prospective Randomized Trial of Standard-Fractionation vs. Hypo-Fractionation With Proton Radiation Therapy for Low-Risk Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate, 2010-present.
- Chair and president, 2008-2014.
- Member, American Society for Therapeutic Radiation Oncology, 2000-present.
- Roentgen Research Award, Radiological Society of North America, 2004.