Dukagjin Blakaj | Oncology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Dukagjin Blakaj | Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Dukagjin Blakaj | The Ohio State University | United States

Dr. Dukagjin M. Blakaj is a visionary leader in radiation oncology, currently serving as the Drs. Malati and Ganesh Potdar Endowed Professor and Vice Chair of Clinical Operations at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. Renowned for advancing proton therapy and translational cancer research, he has overseen exponential growth in departmental faculty, revenue, and NIH funding since joining in 2013. His leadership has transformed clinical operations, implemented strategic innovations, and significantly expanded clinical trial participation. Dr. Blakaj has mentored numerous faculty and fellows, initiated multi-disciplinary research collaborations, and secured millions in philanthropic and research funding. An influential educator and administrator, he also directs fellowships in Head & Neck, CNS/Pediatric, and IORT radiation oncology. Beyond his institutional impact, he serves on national committees and journal boards, shaping the future of cancer research and care. His work exemplifies excellence in clinical innovation, academic mentorship, and collaborative leadership across the oncology landscape.

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Education

Dr. Dukagjin Blakaj holds a distinguished academic background with dual advanced degrees in medicine and science. He earned his M.D. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he also completed a Master of Science in Biochemistry. Prior to that, he obtained both his Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Chemistry and Molecular Biology & Biophysics from Wesleyan University. His academic excellence is reflected in numerous accolades, including the Rudin Scholarship and Dean’s Recognition Award. He completed his internship in internal medicine at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center and a residency in radiation oncology at Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center. Further, he undertook a post-doctoral fellowship focused on HPV epidemiology and therapeutic vaccine development. Dr. Blakaj’s academic training is complemented by multiple faculty leadership and coaching certifications, which have equipped him with the strategic and educational tools to excel as a clinical and academic leader in oncology.

Experience

With over a decade of experience at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dr. Dukagjin Blakaj has held progressive leadership roles, including Director of Head & Neck/Skull Base Division, Director of Clinical Operations, and currently Vice Chair of Clinical Operations. Under his guidance, the department expanded from 13 to 51 faculty members, increased revenue by over 450%, and tripled NIH funding. He has played a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiencies, developing data lakes for research, and implementing standardized procedures across divisions. As a fellowship director in multiple subspecialties, he has trained future leaders in radiation oncology. His innovative leadership has advanced FLASH radiotherapy, Theranostics, and multidisciplinary care models. Dr. Blakaj also serves as Co-PI on several clinical trials and large-scale grants, leading to substantial contributions in patient care and translational research. His collaborative, data-driven approach continues to drive excellence in academic medicine and clinical cancer care.

Research Interests

Dr. Dukagjin Blakaj’s research spans translational oncology, radiation therapy innovations, and molecular mechanisms of treatment resistance. He focuses extensively on head and neck, skull base, and spine malignancies, leading efforts to develop precision radiation protocols and novel therapeutic strategies. His research has garnered over $5 million in funding, supporting groundbreaking clinical trials, including studies on FLASH radiotherapy, immunotherapy combinations, and stereotactic treatments. He is Principal or Co-Investigator on numerous NIH, industry-sponsored, and institutional grants addressing treatment optimization, radio-sensitization, and rare cancer biology. His work includes building large-scale clinical databases and integrating radiomic and molecular data into patient care models. He co-leads the PARTNER protocol to create a comprehensive data lake for translational research. His commitment to collaborative research has elevated institutional trial accruals and contributed to over 200 peer-reviewed publications. Through mentorship, innovation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, Dr. Blakaj is advancing personalized oncologic care on both clinical and molecular fronts.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Dukagjin Blakaj has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his contributions to oncology, research, and education. Notably, he received the James Outstanding Physician Peer Award for his leadership, professionalism, and collaborative spirit. He has consistently ranked among the top 10% of most published and cited doctors on Doximity (2021–2024) and was named a Top Doctor nationally in 2021. His article in Practical Radiation Oncology was selected for Elsevier’s Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Month feature. Additional accolades include the Best Teacher Award at the Osler Board Review Course, the Samuel J. Roessler Memorial Scholarship, and multiple abstract and travel awards from ASTRO, ACRO, and other leading organizations. He was also a finalist for the 2021 International Book Awards for his leadership publication. His early academic excellence was recognized through fellowships from the American Heart Association, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and the International Biophysical Society, setting the foundation for his distinguished career.

 Publications Top Notes

Radiotherapy plus cetuximab or cisplatin in human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal cancer (NRG Oncology RTOG 1016): a randomised, multicentre, non-inferiority trial

Reduced-dose radiation therapy for HPV-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma (NRG Oncology HN002)

Phase IIb, randomized, double-blind trial of GC4419 versus placebo to reduce severe oral mucositis due to concurrent radiotherapy and cisplatin for head and neck cancer

Time to surgery and survival in head and neck cancer

Oral mucositis in head and neck cancer: Evidence-based management and review of clinical trial data

Combined nivolumab and ipilimumab with or without stereotactic body radiation therapy for advanced Merkel cell carcinoma: a randomised, open label, phase 2 trial

NRG-HN002: a randomized phase II trial for patients with p16-positive, non-smoking-associated, locoregionally advanced oropharyngeal cancer

Single-isocenter multitarget stereotactic radiosurgery is safe and effective in the treatment of multiple brain metastases

Molecular dynamics and thermodynamics of protein−RNA interactions: Mutation of a conserved aromatic residue modifies stacking interactions and structural adaptation in the U1A protein

Application of an interstitial and biodegradable balloon system for prostate-rectum separation during prostate cancer radiotherapy: a prospective multi-center study

Organ preservation for advanced larynx cancer: A review of chemotherapy and radiation combination strategies

A phase 1 trial of Vorinostat in combination with concurrent chemoradiation therapy in the treatment of advanced staged head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Evolutionary and biophysical relationships among the papillomavirus E2 proteins

Emerging concepts and novel strategies in radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer management

A digital twin for simulating the vertebroplasty procedure and its impact on mechanical stability of vertebra in cancer patients

Conclusion

Dr. Dukagjin M. Blakaj stands as a leading force in academic radiation oncology, seamlessly integrating clinical excellence, visionary leadership, and groundbreaking research. His transformative impact at The Ohio State University has resulted in institutional growth, enriched patient care, and elevated academic standards. A dedicated mentor and educator, he has cultivated the next generation of oncology leaders through innovative fellowships and global mentorship. His expansive research portfolio spans molecular biology, clinical trials, and AI-driven data analysis, reflecting a commitment to precision medicine and translational impact. Recognized nationally and internationally for his achievements, Dr. Blakaj continues to shape the future of radiation oncology through strategic leadership, collaborative partnerships, and compassionate care. His efforts exemplify how visionary thinking, paired with operational excellence, can revolutionize patient outcomes and institutional success. Dr. Blakaj remains a beacon of excellence in medicine, embodying the ideals of academic leadership, research innovation, and unwavering dedication to improving human health.

Jessica Hassel | oncology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Best Achievements

Prof. Jessica Hassel | oncology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Jessica Hassel, Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany.

Prof. Dr. med. Jessica C. Hassel is a renowned expert in dermato-oncology and serves as Section Head at the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg. With an H-index of 68, she has authored over 650 publications and is a Highly Cited Researcher. She directs the Skin Cancer Center and is a board member of CCC. Her groundbreaking work in immunotherapy and melanoma research has earned her multiple accolades, including the German Skin Cancer Award and the MSD Health Prize.

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