Advanced Platform Technology Center
Kevin Kelley, MD, PhD
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Research Interests Radiotherapy precision optimization, Adaptive bolus systems, Soft robotics in radiotherapy |
Dr. Kevin Kelley completed his undergraduate studies in Biology at Cleveland State University (2000-2004). He earned both his M.D. and Ph.D. at the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH (2004-2012). He then completed an internship in Internal Medicine at North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System, Hofstra School of Medicine (2012-2013), followed by a residency in Radiation Oncology at Northwell Health, Hofstra School of Medicine (2013-2017).
Dr. Kelley is currently a board-certified radiation oncologist at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center with over a decade of experience in both academia and clinical practice, specializing in complex radiotherapy planning, radiosurgery, and radiation biology. Currently, he is serving as the site principal investigator for the RESTORE trial, a VA-cooperative group Phase II study investigating metastasis-directed therapy using stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in combination with radioligand therapy (Pluvicto), with or without subsequent testosterone replacement, in patients with castrate-resistant prostate cancer.
Dr. Kelley's research background encompasses optimizing re-irradiation dosimetry, developing novel radiosensitizers for brain tumors, and conducting clinical studies on SBRT for managing lung and spine metastases.
In addition to his clinical research, he is actively involved in medical device innovation within the field of radiation oncology. He has substantial experience in interdisciplinary collaborations and bench-to-bedside translational research. Recently, he completed the Lab-to-Market C3i NIH/VA TEAMS Medical Device Innovation program, which equipped him with the skills required for market research and the development of new technologies for clinical application.
Dr. Kelley is currently leading several device innovation projects aimed at improving radiation dose conformity for Veterans with head and neck cancer. These projects include the development of adaptive bolus systems to enhance surface dosimetry of superficial tumors, surpassing the limited capabilities of current clinical devices. Additionally, his work focuses on using novel soft robotics technology for temporary organ displacement of the bladder and bowels during SBRT.
His ongoing research also includes the development of advanced bite blocks and intraoral mouth guards to stabilize the oropharynx and oral cavity during radiotherapy, ultimately enhancing reproducibility and reducing dose uncertainty. His laboratory is exploring new solutions for bladder positioning in prostate radiotherapy, as well as temporary organ displacement strategies inspired by soft robotics principles. These technologies aim to address long-standing challenges in radiotherapy precision and patient comfort while maintaining flexibility for future clinical adaptation.
Positions, Scientific Appointments, and Honors
Previous Positions
- Assistant Professor, Dept. of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University (2019–2021)
- Staff Radiation Oncologist, Trumbull Memorial Hospital & Sharon Regional Health System, Steward Health (2017–2020)
Certifications
- Board Certification, Radiation Oncology (2018)
- Medical License: Ohio
Professional Societies
- American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO)
- Radiosurgical Society
- American Physician Scientist Association
Honors and Awards
- Radiosurgical Society Best SRS Award, Honorable Mention (2016)
- Academy of Medicine Excellence in Research (2010)
- Boonshoft School of Medicine Best Basic Science Poster (2009, 2010)
- Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America (2000)
Contributions to Science
- Re-irradiation Dosimetry Optimization: He contributed to feasibility benchmarking strategies that enhance safety and precision in re-irradiation for complex head and neck cancer cases. His work enables personalized treatment planning, reducing toxicity while maintaining efficacy.
- Radiosurgery for Spine Metastases: He co-authored clinical studies demonstrating improved local control and pain relief in patients with spinal metastases using SBRT. This work supports the shift toward image-guided, high-precision approaches in metastatic disease management.
- Radiosensitization Strategies in Brain Tumors: He participated in translational studies exploring the role of Bcl-XL inhibition in medulloblastoma radiosensitization, offering new therapeutic avenues for treatment-resistant pediatric tumors.
- Lung SBRT Outcomes in Inoperable Patients: He led studies evaluating outcomes of SBRT in inoperable peripheral lung cancer, showing high local control rates and low toxicity, contributing to broader SBRT adoption for early-stage lung cancer.
- Molecular Oncology Contributions: His early career research characterized the tumor suppressor gene YPEL3 and its role in cellular senescence, and he helped define mechanisms of PI3K/AKT/FOXO-mediated FHIT repression. These findings enhanced understanding of tumor biology and potential therapeutic targets.
Selected Publications
- Duffy SR, Zheng Y, Muenkel J, Ellis RJ, Baig TN, Krancevic B, Langmack CB, Kelley KD, Choi S. Refining complex re-irradiation dosimetry through feasibility benchmarking and analysis for informed treatment planning. J Appl Clin Med Phys. 2020 Dec;21(12):263-271.
- Kelley KD, Racareanu R, Sison CP, Gogineni E, Rana R, Gandhi SV, Salas S, Wagner K, Latefi A, Ghaly MM. Outcomes in the radiosurgical management of metastatic spine disease. Adv Radiat Oncol. 2019.
- Kelley K, Knisely J, Symons M, Ruggieri R. Radioresistance of brain tumors. Cancers (Basel). 2016;8(4):42.
- Kelley KD, Benninghoff DL, Stein JS, Li JZ, Byrnes RT, Potters L, Zinkin HD. Medically inoperable peripheral lung cancer treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy. Radiat Oncol. 2016;10(1):120.
- Berberich SJ, Todd A, Tuttle R, Kelley KD. Why YPEL3 represents a novel tumor suppressor. Front Biosci (Elite Ed). 2011;16:1746–1751.
- Kelley K, Berberich SJ. FHIT gene expression is repressed by mitogenic signaling through the PI3K/AKT/FOXO pathway. Am J Cancer Res. 2011;1(1):62–70.
- Kelley KD, Miller KR, Todd A, Kelley AR, Tuttle R, Berberich SJ. YPEL3, a p53-regulated gene that induces cellular senescence. Cancer Res. 2010;70(9):3566–3575.
- Miller KR, Kelley K, Tuttle R, Berberich SJ. HdmX overexpression inhibits oncogene-induced cellular senescence. Cell Cycle. 2010;9(16):3376–3382.
- Paull DE, Kelley K, Moezzi J, Kadakia M, Berberich SJ. Gene expression profiles from needle biopsies provide useful signatures of non-small cell lung carcinomas. Biomark Insights. 2007;2:253–259.
