Jason A. Efstathiou, MD, DPhil

Jason A. Efstathiou, MD, DPhil

Harvard University

Boston, Massachusetts

Jason A. Efstathiou, MD, DPhil, is Professor of Radiation Oncology at Harvard Medical School (HMS) as well as Director of the Genitourinary (GU) Division in the Department of Radiation Oncology and Clinical Co-Director of the Claire and John Bertucci Center for GU Cancers at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is a recognized leader in the fields of GU malignancies and radiation oncology. Dr. Efstathiou holds a BS from Yale University, an MD from Harvard Medical School, and a DPhil from the University of Oxford. He completed his residency training through the Harvard Radiation Oncology Program.

Dr. Efstathiou’s research has informed clinical guidelines and made novel contributions to innovations such as organ preservation therapy for bladder cancer, technology assessment of proton beam therapy for prostate cancer, indications for and adverse effects of androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, improving radiation therapy for testicular cancer, and global oncology outreach efforts.

In addition to his educational work and his patient care, Dr. Efstathiou holds leadership positions within cooperative groups and professional societies

Talks by Jason A. Efstathiou, MD, DPhil

Current State of the Art in Bladder-Preserving Trimodality Therapy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

Jason A. Efstathiou, MD, DPhil, FASTRO, FACRO, emphasizes the growing interest in bladder preservation therapies as an alternative to radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). While cystectomy remains an effective treatment, it is not performed in about half of eligible patients. Trimodality therapy (TMT), combining maximal transurethral resection (TUR), chemotherapy, and radiation, offers a promising bladder-sparing approach.

In this 11-minute presentation, Dr. Efstathiou compares outcomes between TMT and cystectomy, showing no significant difference in metastasis-free or cancer-specific survival. A shift toward biomarker-driven management is also highlighted, with specific markers, such as MRE11 and immune signatures, indicating better responses to chemoradiation. Immunotherapy is increasingly integrated into treatment regimens, with promising trials like SWOG 1806 exploring the addition of immune checkpoint inhibitors to chemoradiation.

TMT, now recognized by major guidelines, offers patients a viable option with preserved bladder function, improved quality of life, and less life interference. The presentation stresses the need for improved staging, expanded access to bladder-sparing options, and informed decision-making to optimize outcomes for MIBC patients.

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Advances in Treating the Primary and Sites of Metastases in Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer

Jason A. Efstathiou, MD, DPhil, FASTRO, FACRO, highlights the evolving landscape of prostate cancer management, emphasizing the impact of new data, technologies, and clinical trials. A key focus is on the role of radiation therapy in treating metastatic and oligometastatic prostate cancer, particularly in combination with systemic therapies such as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and next-generation agents like abiraterone.

In this 11-minute presentation, Dr. Efstathiou reviews studies like the STAMPEDE and the P1 trials, suggesting that radiation combined with intensified systemic therapy can delay disease progression. The presentation also highlights advancements in imaging, such as trials like STOMP and ORIOLE.

Dr. Efstathiou emphasizes the integration of advanced imaging and genomics into clinical practice, allowing better patient selection and risk stratification. The discussion touches on the importance of multidisciplinary care to ensure optimal treatment strategies, particularly as prostate cancer management becomes increasingly complex.

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Management of Adverse Pathology after Radical Prostatectomy

Jason A. Efstathiou, MD, DPhil, reviews the results of randomized studies and large retrospective experiences evaluating the efficacy, safety, and timing of post-prostatectomy radiation. He discusses the role of androgen deprivation therapy in addition to radiation in the salvage postoperative setting, and the potential use of genomic and advanced imaging biomarkers in patient treatment selection.

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