SUMMARY
Daniel M. Koffler, M.D., is a radiation oncologist specializing in heavy particle radiation, tumors of the brain and spinal cord, the gastrointestinal system, soft tissue cancers, ablative therapies for metastatic cancers, and radiosurgery for benign physical and psychiatric ailments. His research focuses on novel techniques for improving outcomes in aggressive diseases and for holistically improving the quality of life of people with cancer.
Focus areas
- Heavy ion therapy, which uses charged particles more massive than protons. These particles include carbon, helium, oxygen and neon ions.
- Cancer stem cell biology and eradication.
- Advanced functional imaging augmented by nanotechnology.
- Functional radiosurgery.
- Psychedelic therapy.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Koffler's academic, research and clinical work is unified in seeking solutions to unmet needs by advancing beyond the limitations of present paradigms and assumptions. He is currently piloting multidisciplinary preclinical and clinical projects seeking to delineate cancer stem cells in pancreatic tumors and high-grade brain tumors under real-time imaging.
This is done to eradicate the targets most responsible for the dire and intractable prognoses associated with these diseases with minimal side effects. Dr. Koffler harnesses the unique radiobiology of heavy particles to induce systemic control of metastatic disease with local intervention. His research identifies and optimizes unconventional but highly promising therapeutics such as psychedelic agents to address the considerable physical, mental and emotional burdens of a cancer diagnosis.
Professional highlights
- Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy Focus Group, European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, 2023-present.
- Grant award, Psychedelic-Augmented Psychotherapy for Palliative Cancer Patients, 1440 Foundation, 2022-present.
- Investigational new drug approval, Ketamine Oral Rinse for Head and Neck Chemoradiotherapy Patients, Food and Drug Administration, 2022-present.
- Working Group in Spinal Radiosurgery, Radiosurgical Society, 2021-present.
- Heidelberg Ion Therapy Center Fellowship, American College of Radiation Oncology, 2023.
- Clarendon Scholar, University of Oxford, 2008-2010.