Darya Kizub

Darya Kizub

Medical Oncologist

Breast Oncology

MD Anderson Cancer Center

Location USA, Houston

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Dr. Darya Kizub is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. She is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist with a focus on early-stage and metastatic breast cancer and a particular interest in bridging disparities in cancer care both in the United States and in low- and middle-income countries, with active research programs in Ukraine, Zambia, Uganda, and Côte d’Ivoire. She is the recipient of the 2025 OncoLive Yvonne Humanitarian Award and the 2023 Waun Ki Hong Award for Achievement in Clinical Investigation.

Current Position

  • Assistant Professor, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
  • Faculty Co-lead, Global Cancer Care Track, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX (2023 – Present)
  • Director, Global Medical Knowledge Alliance, Medical Oncology, Houston, TX (2021 – Present)
  • Invited Member, International Clinical Research Training Task Force, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (2025 – Present)
  • Volunteer, Initiative in Lviv Cancer Center, Ukraine, ASCO International Cancer Corps (2025 – Present)
  • Breast Medical Oncology Representative, MD Anderson Clinical Effectiveness Subcommittee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (2025 – Present)

Education

  • BA in Public Health — Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland (2008)
  • MD — Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (2013)
  • Residency in Internal Medicine, Global Health Track — University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (2013–2016)
  • Fellowship in Hematology Oncology — University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (2020–2023)
  • Global Cancer Care Track Fellow — The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (2020–2023)

Licenses & Certifications

  • Board Certified in Hematology and Oncology
  • Board Certified in Internal Medicine (2016)
  • Texas Medical Board (2023)
  • Florida Board of Medicine (2024)
  • Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure (2024)
  • Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure (2024)
  • Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (2024)
  • Arizona Board of Medical Examiners (2024)
  • Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners (2024)
  • Georgia Composite Medical Board (2024)
  • Alabama Board of Medical Examiners (2024)

Professional Experience

  • Assistant Professor, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center (2023 – Present), treating patients with early-stage and metastatic breast cancer as well as patients with hereditary genetic mutations that increase the risk of breast cancer and other cancers.
  • Faculty Co-lead, Global Cancer Care Track, MD Anderson Cancer Center (2023 – Present).
  • Director, Global Medical Knowledge Alliance, Medical Oncology, Houston, TX (2021 – Present).
  • Consultant, World Health Organization, Houston, Texas (2024–2025).
  • Scientific Advisory Committee Member, Breast Health Global Initiative, Breast Health Guidelines for Uganda (2020–2023).
  • Member, Breast Health Guidelines for Uganda, Treatment and Supportive Care Committee and Policy and Patient Advocacy Committee, Breast Health Global Initiative (2022–2024).
  • Co-chair, GME House Staff Senate Global Oncology Sub-Committee, MD Anderson Cancer Center (2020–2023).
  • Member, ASCO Trainee Reviewer Mentoring Program, Journal of Global Oncology (2020–2021).
  • Hospitalist, Providence Regional Medical Center, Everett, WA (2016–2020).

Research Activity

  • Bridging disparities in cancer care in the United States and in low- and middle-income countries, with a focus on breast malignancies.
  • Improving access to novel clinical trials for underserved and minority populations.
  • Improving cancer early detection, including through better access to guideline-concordant testing for hereditary cancer syndromes.
  • Active research projects in the United States, Ukraine, Zambia, Uganda, and Côte d’Ivoire.
  • Breast cancer early detection and capacity building in Côte d’Ivoire.
  • Hereditary cancer genetic testing equity among underserved and minority individuals in Texas.
  • Access to and affordability of WHO Essential Medicine List cancer regimens in Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Cancer care delivery during armed conflict in Ukraine, including patient evacuation, treatment capacity, and drug supply chain resilience.
  • Colorectal cancer screening in primary care practices in Ukraine.
  • Geriatric oncology and cancer treatment toxicity in Zambia.
  • Implementation of National Cancer Control Plans in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Diversity in cancer clinical trials and strengthening clinical trials infrastructure at safety-net hospitals.
  • Circulating natural killer cells and their association with breast cancer in Côte d’Ivoire.

Memberships / Honors / Awards

  • OncoLive Yvonne Humanitarian Award, MD Anderson Cancer Center (2025 – Present)
  • MD Anderson Excellence in Community Outreach Award (2025)
  • Waun Ki Hong Award for Achievement in Clinical Investigation (2023)
  • ASCO Merit Award (2022)
  • Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Award (2022)
  • Go Health Fellowship (2014)
  • The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship (2010)
  • Dean’s Office Summer Research Grant (2010)
  • The Bander Family Fund Scholarship for Undergraduate Independent Study (2007)
  • The Provost Undergraduate Research Grant (2007)
  • Member, African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (2025 – Present)
  • Member, American Association for Cancer Research (2024 – Present)
  • Member, American Society of Hematology (2023 – Present)
  • Member, American Society of Clinical Oncology (2023 – Present)

Areas of Specialization

  • Early-stage and metastatic breast cancer
  • Hereditary cancer syndromes and genetic testing equity
  • Global oncology and cancer care in low- and middle-income countries
  • Cancer care disparities and access
  • Cancer care during armed conflict
  • Clinical trials access and diversity

Publications

Kizub D, Anakwenze CP, Cun H, Schmeler KM, Gaskill CE. Growing Interest in Global Health Among Trainees: The Need for Increasing Training Opportunities for Residents and Fellows in Oncology. Glob Health Epidemiol Genom 2025(6095104), 2025.
Kizub D, Bluebond R, Green S, Duckworth J, Shanker S, Vara A, Arun B. Improving Genetics Equity: Identifying Women Eligible for Genetic Care Services Using Mammography Clinics in Underserved Areas as Screening Hubs. Oncologist 30(7):oyaf113, 2025.
Dobrzhanskyi O, Gaskill CE, Kizub D, et al. Utilization of Staging Laparoscopy for Patients With Gastric Cancer in Ukraine. J Surg Oncol 32(1):65-9, 2025.
Kizub DA, Raber M, Baum M, et al. Patient and Health Care Professional Perspectives on Barriers to and Facilitators of Healthy Eating and Exercise Among Patients With Cancer at a Safety-Net Oncology Clinic: A Qualitative Exploration. JCO Oncol Pract 21(7):1032-8, 2025.
Eldridge L, Cira MK, Duncan K, Kizub D, et al. Implementation and Evaluation of a Project ECHO for National Cancer Control Plan Implementation in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. J Cancer Policy 19(45):100610, 2025.
Alabi A, Ainsworth V, Lawal A, Kizub D, et al. Key Stakeholders’ Experiences, Knowledge and Perspectives Regarding Care Quality for Breast Cancer in South-West Nigeria. Front Oncol 15(1418649), 2025.
Raber M, Love B, Vazquez M, Kizub D, et al. Nutrition Security During Cancer: A Qualitative Investigation Among Patients With Cancer on Active Treatment From an Area of Persistent Poverty. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 8(2):e70141, 2025.
Dzhemiliev A, Antunez AG, Kizub D, et al. Bridging Medical Expertise in Crisis: The Development and Implementation of a Novel Mobile Application for Ukrainian Physicians During Wartime. J Glob Health 8(14):04245, 2024.
Huivaniuk I, Kopetskyi V, Kizub D, et al. Building an Effective International Medical Evacuation Program for Ukrainian Patients With Cancer Amid Prolonged Military Conflict. JCO Glob Oncol e2400363, 2024.
Dzhemiliev A, Kizub D, Wanis KN, et al. Factors Affecting Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care Physician Practices in Ukraine. JCO Glob Oncol e2400053, 2024.
Omofoye TS, Refinetti APC, Kizub D, Bond M. Value-Based Care in Low- to Middle-Income Countries: Low-Cost, Context-Specific Imaging Technologies to Meet Population Health Needs. J Am Coll Radiol 21(8):1162-5, 2024.
Dzhemiliev A, Antoniv M, Huivaniuk I, Kizub D, et al. Strengths and Opportunities for Improvement in Surgical Education in Ukraine: A Qualitative Study. World J Surg 48(8):1811-19, 2024.
Raber M, Rechis R, LaRue DM, Kizub D, et al. Enhancing the Utilization of Healthy Living Interventions Among Cancer Survivors in Historically Underserved Populations and Communities. Cancer Causes Control 34(8):635-45, 2023.
Marcelin HN, Dasse RS, Yeboah RO, Kizub D, et al. Circulating Natural Killer Cells and Their Association with Breast Cancer and Its Clinico-Pathological Characteristics. Ecancermedicalscience 17(1567), 2023.
Dzhemiliev A, Kizub D, Welten VM, et al. Patient Care and Surgical Training During Armed Conflict: Experiences and Perspectives of Surgical Residents in Ukraine. Ann Surg 278(1):19-21, 2023.
Kizub D, Melnitchouk N, Beznosenko A, et al. Resilience and Perseverance Under Siege: Providing Cancer Care During the Invasion of Ukraine. Lancet Oncol 23(5):579-83, 2022.
Kizub DA, Naik S, Abogan AA, et al. Access to and Affordability of World Health Organization Essential Medicines for Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa: Examples from Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Oncologist 27(11):958-70, 2022.
Kizub D, Manner CK, Graef K, et al. Action for Increasing Diversity, Market Access, and Capacity in Oncology Registration Trials — Is Africa the Answer? JCO Glob Oncol, 2022.
Diao K, Kizub DA, Ausat N, et al. Perspectives of Zambian Clinical Oncology Trainees in the MD Anderson and Zambia Virtual Clinical Research Training Program (MOZART). Oncologist 27(10), 2022.
Diao K, Lombe DC, Mwaba CK, Kizub DA, et al. Building Capacity for Cancer Research in the Era of COVID-19: Implementation and Results From an International Virtual Clinical Research Training Program in Zambia. JCO Glob Oncol 8:e2100372, 2022.
Chiao EY, Coghill A, Kizub D, et al. The Effect of Non-AIDS-Defining Cancers on People Living with HIV. Lancet Oncol 22(6):e240-e253, 2021.
Kizub DA, Miao J, Schubert MM, et al. Risk Factors for Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in the Prospective Randomized Trial of Adjuvant Bisphosphonates for Early-Stage Breast Cancer (SWOG 0307). Support Care Cancer 29(5):2509-17, 2021.
Antone N, Kizub D, Gralow J, et al. Advancing Breast Cancer Advocacy in Eastern Europe and Central Asia: Findings From Women’s Empowerment Cancer Advocacy Network (WE CAN) Summits. JCO Glob Oncol 7:585-92, 2021.
Dvaladze A, Kizub DA, Cabanes A, et al. Breast Cancer Patient Advocacy: A Qualitative Study of the Challenges and Opportunities for Civil Society Organizations in Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries. Cancer 126(10):2439-47, 2020.
Kizub DA, Zujewski J, Gralow JR, et al. Patient Advocacy Approaches to Improving Care for Breast and Cervical Cancer in East and Southern Africa. JCO Glob Oncol 6:49-55, 2020.
Cherkaoui I, Sabouni R, Ghali I, Kizub D, et al. Treatment Default Amongst Patients with Tuberculosis in Urban Morocco. PLoS One 9(4):e93574, 2014.
Huang Y, Kesselman D, Kizub D, et al. Phospho-ΔNp63α/microRNA Feedback Regulation in Squamous Carcinoma Cells Upon Cisplatin Exposure. Cell Cycle 12(4):684-97, 2013.
Kizub D, Ghali I, Sabouni R, et al. Qualitative Study of Perceived Causes of Tuberculosis Treatment Default Among Health Care Workers in Morocco. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 16(9):1214-20, 2012.
Baral S, Kizub D, Masenior NF, et al. Male Sex Workers in Moscow, Russia: A Pilot Study of Demographics, Substance Use Patterns, and Prevalence of HIV-1 and Sexually Transmitted Infections. AIDS Care 22(1):112-8, 2012.

All information is sourced from publicly available materials.