Prof. Rana McKay | Therapeutic Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Professor at University of California San Diego | United States

Professional Profile

🎓Educational Background

Dr. Rana Ramzi McKay earned her Bachelor of Science in Basic Biological and Medical Sciences (summa cum laude) from the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, as part of the Junior Honors Medical Program. She then earned her MD (cum laude), with research honors and special achievement recognition from the University of Florida. Dr. McKay continued her postdoctoral training with an internship in medicine at Johns Hopkins University followed by residency in medicine at the same institution. Furthering her expertise, she completed a fellowship in Oncology/Hematology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston.

🏥Academic & Professional Appointments

Dr. McKay began her academic journey as an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School and later served as an Assistant Professor of Medicine in both Harvard Medical School and at University of California San Diego. Currently, she holds the positions of Associate Professor of Medicine and Urology at UC San Diego and, as of 2024, was appointed Professor of Medicine and Urology.

In addition to these roles, Dr. McKay has been affiliated with numerous hospitals and institutions such as Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Jacobs Medical Center, and Hillcrest Medical Center as a practicing Physician specializing in Oncology.

🏆Leadership & Administrative Roles

Dr. McKay has demonstrated exceptional leadership through a series of significant administrative roles, showcasing her pivotal influence in oncology research, clinical trials, and leadership within UC San Diego’s Moores Cancer Center. She has served as the Clinical Trials Leader for the Genitourinary Oncology Disease Team at UC San Diego and as the Disease Team Co-Leader for the same team. Additionally, she holds the position of Associate Director of Translational Sciences at Moores Cancer Center and has also served as Interim Associate Director for Clinical Sciences. These roles highlight her extensive responsibilities in shaping translational science, advancing groundbreaking clinical research, and steering pivotal oncology leadership initiatives within the academic and clinical research setting.

🔎🧬Research & Special Interests

Dr. McKay’s research expertise lies at the intersection of genitourinary oncology, clinical trials, immunotherapy, kidney cancer research, and advanced prostate cancer. Her extensive efforts in clinical research include leadership of the Prostate Cancer Foundation Working Group, with a strong focus on advancing novel treatments and clinical trial programs. She has made vital contributions by mentoring within prestigious clinical and academic settings, fostering the next generation of oncology researchers and clinicians. Furthermore, Dr. McKay leads several national and international research initiatives centered on prostate cancer, kidney cancer, and improving cancer survival outcomes, underscoring her dedication to precision medicine and translational oncology research.

🌐Professional Memberships & National Committees

Dr. McKay is an active and prominent member of leading oncology research societies. She is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO), American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), and the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer. In addition to her role as a distinguished member of these professional societies, she has served on influential national committees, including as Scientific Program Chair for prominent research groups. Dr. McKay has contributed extensively to collaborative research networks such as the Prostate Cancer Germline Genetics Working Group and Promoting Precision Medicine in Oncology. These roles reflect her commitment to fostering collaborative, multidisciplinary research to advance oncology care and treatment.

🏅Awards & Honors

Dr. McKay’s contributions to the field of oncology have been widely recognized through multiple prestigious awards. Among these, she was honored with the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s Scientific Leadership Award, reflecting her innovative leadership and outstanding contributions to research and clinical trial advancements. Her dedication has further resulted in recognition for her role in pioneering Genitourinary Oncology Disease Trials and her strategic involvement in national research programs. Dr. McKay’s career reflects a commitment to advancing research, improving patient care, and fostering innovation in clinical trial strategies.

Publications Top Noted📝

Mutation burden and anti-PD-1 outcomes are not universally associated with immune cell infiltration or lymphoid activation

Authors: Hsiehchen, D., Elliott, A., Xiu, J., Spetzler, D., Zhu, H.

Journal: Cancer Cell

Year: 2024

Driver mutations associated with signatures of platinum sensitivity in germ cell tumors

Authors: Sawa, Y.C., Jia, L., Krause, H., Nabhan, C., Bagrodia, A.

Journal: npj Precision Oncology

Year: 2024

Comparison of outcomes of radical and partial nephrectomy for sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma: analysis of the national cancer database

Authors: Wang, L.L., Yuen, K.L., Saitta, C., McKay, R.R., Derweesh, I.H.

Journal: World Journal of Urology

Year: 2024

Association of Tumor Mutational Burden and Microsatellite Instability With Response and Outcomes in Patients With Urothelial Carcinoma Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor

Authors: Bakaloudi, D.R., Talukder, R., Makrakis, D., Grivas, P., Khaki, A.R.

Journal: Clinical Genitourinary Cancer

Year: 2024

Surgical Castration as an Alternative to Improve Systemic Treatment for Advanced Prostate Cancer: A Window of Opportunity for Developing Countries

Authors: Monteiro, F.S.M., Sasse, A.D., Araujo, D.V., James, N.D., Herchenhorn, D.

Journal: JCO Global Oncology

Year: 2024