Yoshiya (Josh) Yamada, MD

Brachytherapy and IGRT are very effective and safe ways to treat tumors. These advanced techniques allow us to deliver high doses of radiation while sparing healthy tissue and causing fewer side effects. I work with a team of highly skilled surgeons, radiologists, medical physicists, radiation therapists, and nurses. Caring for patients together allows us to take advantage of the sophisticated medical technology available at MSK, and ultimately to provide better outcomes for our patients.

When I first meet with patients, we spend a lot of time discussing the potential benefits and side effects of radiation therapy. It is always my priority to explain things in a way that my patients can truly understand. We often look at their scans together and I point out specific ways radiation therapy can be helpful. My goal is to make sure my patients feel hopeful that there are good treatment options available to them, and that they know we’ll work together to make the best choices.

I am also involved in cancer clinical trials. My research focuses on using image-guided technologies to treat tumors in all areas of the body, including adult brain and spine tumors and liver tumors. I am the primary researcher for several trials using brachytherapy to treat prostate cancer.

The field of radiation therapy is constantly evolving, especially in the area of caring for patients with advanced cancers. We are using focused, high-dose radiation in combination with targeted drug therapies. As a result, we’re helping patients live longer and more fulfilling lives.

I have been invited to speak in many scientific forums both nationally and internationally. I currently serve on the medical advisory board of the Chordoma Foundation.

Outside of work, I am a lay minister for my church.