Daniel E Epner, M.D., FACP
Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine
About Dr. Daniel E Epner
Daniel Epner, M.D. FACP - Professor, Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation & Integrative Medicine
Dr. Epner is a palliative care physician at MD Anderson Cancer Center who practiced medical oncology for several years before moving to the Department of Palliative Care in 2012. He began his faculty career at Baylor College of Medicine as principal investigator of a basic science lab, but he now focuses on psychosocial aspects of oncology. His primary academic interest is communication skills training for medical oncology fellows, palliative care fellows, and a variety of other providers. He uses narrative medicine techniques to teach communication skills. Such techniques include reflective writing; close reading of medically-themed stories; and discussing films relevant to clinical practice. In recent years, Dr. Epner has contributed several reflective pieces about his own experiences as a doctor to the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Annals of Internal Medicine, and other journals to serve as enduring educational resources.
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Professor Emeritus, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Professor, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Professor, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Research Interests
Difficult conversations in clinical oncology, particularly around end of life.
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 1986 | Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, US, MD |
| 1982 | Stanford University, Stanford, California, US, Human Biology, BA |
Postgraduate Training
| 1991-1994 | Clinical Fellowship, Medical Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland |
| 1989-1991 | Research Fellowship, Molecular Genetics, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California |
| 1988-1989 | PGY3, Internal Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California |
| 1986-1988 | Internship and PGY2, Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas |
Licenses & Certifications
| 2021 | BLS |
| 2021 | DEA |
| 2012 | American Board of Internal Medicine- Hospice and Palliative Medicine |
| 1993 | American Board of Internal Medicine - Medical Oncology |
| 1991 | Not specified |
| 1989 | American Board of Internal Medicine |
| 1988 | Not specified |
| 1987 | Texas Medical Board Physician License |
Experience & Service
Faculty Academic Appointments
Associate Professor, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2012 - 2014
Associate Professor, Department of General Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2008 - 2012
Chief, Department of Hematology/Oncology, Houston VA Hospital, Houston, TX, 2002 - 2008
Staff Physician, Houston VA Hospital, Houston, TX, 1994 - 2008
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Medical Director, International Center of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2010 - 2012
Other Professional Positions
Clinical Safety and Effectiveness Program Graduate, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2009 - 2010
Extramural Institutional Committee Activities
Member, 2018 Fellow Selection Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2016 - 2016
Competency Series Coordinator, GME Curriculum Subcommittee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2016 - Present
Chair, GME Curriculum Subcommittee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2015 - Present
Member, GME Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2015 - Present
Member, Goals of Care Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2015 - 2019
Member, Language of Caring Steering and Planning Committees, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2013 - 2014
Member, Intensive Physician Board Review Course in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2013 - Present
Member, GME Curriculum Subcommittee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2012 - Present
Member, Psychosocial Council, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2010 - 2014
Member, Institutional Apology and Disclosure Working Group, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2010 - 2010
Member, Ethics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2010 - 2016
Member, International Program 8% project, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2009 - 2010
Member, Credentials Subcommittee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2008 - 2012
Editorial Activities
Section editor: article of the month, I*CARE web site, 2009 - Present
Member of Editorial Review Board, Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, 2002 - 2005
Honors & Awards
| 2022 | Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award, The University of Texas System |
| 2020 | Nominated for Leading Mentor in Cancer Prevention Award, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2019 | Alpha Omega Alpha Visiting Professorship, Louisiana State University Health Science Center |
| 2019 | MD Anderson Educator of the Month, MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2015 | ASCO Excellence in Teaching Award, MD Anderson Nominee, ASCO |
| 2012 | Outstanding Teaching Award - MDACC Nominee, UT System Regents Board |
| 1998 - 2024 | Fellow, American College of Physicians |
| 1998 - 2008 | Joe and Janice Ingram Endowment for Cancer Research, Baylor College of Medicine |
| 1998 | Award for Excellence in Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine |
| 1998 | Caroline Wiess Law Award for Research in Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine |
| 1996 | Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences Nominee, Baylor College of Medicine |
| 1994 - 1997 | Chao Scholar, Baylor College of Medicine |
Professional Memberships
Selected Presentations & Talks
Local Presentations
- 2023. Challenging Communication Encounters with Patients with Advanced Cancer. Conference. Challenging Communication Encounters with Patients with Advanced Cancer. Houston, TX, US.
- 2023. Challenging Conversations in Palliative Care. Conference. Challenging Conversations in Palliative Care. Houston, TX, US.
- 2022. Cultural Issues in Palliative Care. Conference. Cultural Issues in Palliative Care. Houston, TX, US.
- 2022. Challenging Conversations in Palliative Care. Conference. Challenging Conversations in Palliative Care. Houston, TX, US.
- 2021. Communication: Managing a Difficult Patient/Family. Conference. Communication: Managing a Difficult Patient/Family. Houston, TX, US.
- 2021. Challenging Conversations in Palliative Care. Conference. Challenging Conversations in Palliative Care. Houston, TX, US.
- 2021. “Only 4 of 6 cycles: A Story of Fear and Mistrust”. Conference. “Only 4 of 6 cycles: A Story of Fear and Mistrust”. Houston, TX, US.
- 2020. Challenging Conversations in Palliative Care. Conference. Challenging Conversations in Palliative Care. Houston, TX, US.
- 2019. Doctor, Please Turn It Off - A Debate on the Ethics of Pacemaker Deactivation. Conference. Doctor, Please Turn It Off - A Debate on the Ethics of Pacemaker Deactivation. Houston, TX, US.
- 2019. Communication: The Power of Cinema to Build Empathy, the Foundation of Compassionate Care. Conference. Communication: The Power of Cinema to Build Empathy, the Foundation of Compassionate Care. Houston, TX, US.
- 2019. Challenging Conversations in Palliative Care. Conference. Challenging Conversations in Palliative Care. Houston, TX, US.
- 2019. Navigating Difficult Conversations About Nonmedical Opioid Use: A Clinician’s Challenge. Conference. Navigating Difficult Conversations About Nonmedical Opioid Use: A Clinician’s Challenge. Houston, TX, US.
- 2019. Please Don't Tell My Mother She Has Cancer / On Zoom Platform. Conference. Please Don't Tell My Mother She Has Cancer / On Zoom Platform. Houston, TX, US.
- 2018. Communication: Serious Illness Conversation Guide & How to Use it. Conference. Communication: Serious Illness Conversation Guide & How to Use it. Houston, TX, US.
- 2018. Challenging Conversations in Palliative Care. Conference. Challenging Conversations in Palliative Care. Houston, TX, US.
- 2018. Communicating with Patients with Aberrant Opioid Use: What should we say?. Conference. Communicating with Patients with Aberrant Opioid Use: What should we say?. Houston, TX, US.
- 2017. Communication Workshop: Caring for the "Hateful" Patient. Conference. Communication Workshop: Caring for the "Hateful" Patient. Houston, TX, US.
- 2017. Challenging Conversations in Palliative Care. Conference. Challenging Conversations in Palliative Care. Houston, TX, US.
- 2017. How We Teach Communication Skills: Lessons from The World of Sports. Conference. How We Teach Communication Skills: Lessons from The World of Sports. Houston, TX, US.
- 2016. Addressing Existential Suffering. Conference. Addressing Existential Suffering. Houston, TX, US.
- 2016. Challenging Conversations in Palliative Care. Conference. Challenging Conversations in Palliative Care. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. Using Powers of Reflection to Improve Relational Skills: Lessons Learned from Nationally Televised Documentaries. Conference. Using Powers of Reflection to Improve Relational Skills: Lessons Learned from Nationally Televised Documentaries. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. Challenging Conversations in Palliative Care. Conference. Challenging Conversations in Palliative Care. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. Common Clinical Communication Challenges and Strategies for Handling Them. Conference. Common Clinical Communication Challenges and Strategies for Handling Them. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Communication Workshop: How to Break Bad News. Conference. Communication Workshop: How to Break Bad News. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy and Radiation: Principles and Common Adverse Effects. Conference. Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy and Radiation: Principles and Common Adverse Effects. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Challenging Conversations in Palliative Care. Conference. Challenging Conversations in Palliative Care. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Communication Paradigm 2.0: What to do when your patient does not respond to the exploratory-empathic paradigm. Conference. Communication Paradigm 2.0: What to do when your patient does not respond to the exploratory-empathic paradigm. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. How to respond when the patient says "I'm counting on a miracle". Conference. How to respond when the patient says "I'm counting on a miracle". Houston, TX, US.
- 2013. Difficult Conversations with Cancer Survivors: Discussing Body Image Concerns. Conference. Difficult Conversations with Cancer Survivors: Discussing Body Image Concerns. Houston, TX, US.
- 2013. Communication Workshop: How to Conduct Difficult Conversations with Patients and Families at End of Life. Conference. Communication Workshop: How to Conduct Difficult Conversations with Patients and Families at End of Life. Houston, TX, US.
- 2013. Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, and Radiation: Principles and Palliation of Common Adverse Effects. Conference. Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, and Radiation: Principles and Palliation of Common Adverse Effects. Houston, TX, US.
- 2013. Difficult Conversations: Teaching Medical Oncologists Communication Skills One Hour at a Time". Conference. Difficult Conversations: Teaching Medical Oncologists Communication Skills One Hour at a Time". Houston, TX, US.
- 2013. Difficult Conversations: Using Novel Action Methods to Teach Communication Skills One Hour at a Time. Conference. Difficult Conversations: Using Novel Action Methods to Teach Communication Skills One Hour at a Time. Houston, TX, US.
- 2012. Helping Patients Make Difficult Decisions. Conference. Helping Patients Make Difficult Decisions. Houston, TX, US.
- 2011. Did they get it? Strategies for Making Sure Patients Understand Your Message. Conference. Did they get it? Strategies for Making Sure Patients Understand Your Message. Houston, TX, US.
- 2011. Difficult Conversations with Cancer Survivors. Conference. Difficult Conversations with Cancer Survivors. Houston, TX, US.
- 2011. Communicating with Medical Staff. Conference. Communicating with Medical Staff. Houston, TX, US.
- 2011. Handling Difficult Conversations in Clinical Research. Conference. Handling Difficult Conversations in Clinical Research. Houston, TX, US.
- 2010. Difficult Conversations. Conference. Difficult Conversations. Houston, TX, US.
- 1993. “Role of GAPDH in prostate cancer motility and metastasis”. Conference. “Role of GAPDH in prostate cancer motility and metastasis”. Houston, TX, US.
National Presentations
- 2023. The Value of Palliative Care in Non-Oncologic Illness such as Cardiac, Pulmonary and Neurologic Disorders. Invited. Inaugural Jay Marion Symposium. Shreveport, Louisiana, US.
- 2022. Navigating Difficult Conversations about Nonmedical Opioid Use: A Clinician's Challenge. Conference. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2018. Ethics: Dialysis, A Palliative Perspective. Conference. Ethics: Dialysis, A Palliative Perspective. Houston, TX, US.
- 2016. Implementing Innovative, Learner-Centered Methods to Teach Oncology Fellows How to Face Difficult Conversations. Conference. Implementing Innovative, Learner-Centered Methods to Teach Oncology Fellows How to Face Difficult Conversations. San Francisco, CA, US.
- 2012. Using Sociodrama to Teach Medical Oncology Fellows Communication Skills. Conference. Using Sociodrama to Teach Medical Oncology Fellows Communication Skills. St. Andrews.
- 2009. John Wooden's Pyramid: Building a Hierarchy of Skills for Successful Communication. Conference. John Wooden's Pyramid: Building a Hierarchy of Skills for Successful Communication. Miami, FL, US.
- 2004. “Guinea Pigs and Chemical Warfare in the Development of Cancer Therapy”. Conference. VAMC regional (VISN16) cancer conference. Little Rock, AR, US.
- 2000. “Synergy Between Dietary Methionine Restriction and Chemotherapy in Treatment of Advanced Cancer”. Conference. Ross Products Division Research Conference. Key Largo, FL, US.
- 1999. “Methionine Restriction: Novel Cancer Treatment”. Conference. The Johns Hopkins Medical and Surgical Association. Baltimore, MD, US.
- 1995. “Role of Multifunctional GAPDH in Prostate Cancer”. Conference. Mary Lasker Symposium on Frontiers in Cancer Research. San Diego, CA, US.
- 1994. “Role of GAPDH in Prostate Cancer”. Conference. American Cancer Society Research Professors’ Meeting. Santa Cruz, CA, US.
International Presentations
- 2024. Best Practices for Small Group Facilitation in Cancer Education: Universal Methods for Culturally Diverse Learners. Conference. European Association for Cancer Education. Birmingham, GB.
- 2019. Using stories to Teach Cancer Providers Cultural Competence / Oral presentation. Conference. European Association for Cancer Education. Porto, PT.
- 2018. Breaking bad news: how, where and when?. Conference. Beautiful in Mind Palliative Care. Palermo, IT.
- 2015. Role play on Breaking Bad News. Conference. International Workshop on Palliative Care. Kathmandu, NP.
- 2015. Ethical Issues in Palliative Care: Truth Telling Pros and Cons. Conference. International Workshop on Palliative Care. Kathmandu, NP.
- 2015. Breaking Bad News. Conference. International Workshop on Palliative Care. Kathmandu, NP.
- 2015. Principle of Symptom Management and Nursing Issues in Advanced Diseases. Conference. International Workshop on Palliative Care. Kathmandu, NP.
- 2013. The Role Culture Plays in Oncology Practice. Conference. XVIII Brazilian Congress of Clinical Oncology. Brasilia, BR.
- 2013. Teaching Communication Skills: Research and Educational Programs. Conference. XVIII Brazilian Congress of Clinical Oncology. Brasilia, BR.
- 2013. Helping Geriatric Oncology patients find meaning at the end of life. Conference. Helping Geriatric Oncology patients find meaning at the end of life. Muscat, OM.
- 2013. Geriatric Syndromes in Cancer Patients. Conference. Geriatric Syndromes in Cancer Patients. Muscat, OM.
- 2012. Patient Centered Care: the Key to Cultural Competence. Conference. Patient Centered Care: the Key to Cultural Competence. Ankara, TR.
- 2011. Communication Skills Teaching and Evaluation. Conference. Oncology Fellowship Program Directors. Chicago, US.
- 2010. Transforming the difficult patient: A sociodramatic approach to challenging conversations. Conference. Transforming the difficult patient: A sociodramatic approach to challenging conversations. Verona, IT.
- 2005. “Amino Acid Restriction: Novel Cancer Treatment”. Conference. Third Annual Future of Supportive Therapy in Oncology: An International Congress. San Francisco, US.
- 2001. “Targeting Abnormal Nutrient Metabolism of Tumors to Treat Advanced Cancer”. Conference. First International Conference on Tumor Cell Metabolism. Point Clear, US.
Formal Peers
- 2023. Inaugural Jay Marion Symposium on Palliative Care. Visiting. Shreveport, LA, US.
- 2022. Discussing End of Life and Palliative Care for Surgical Patients. Invited. New York, NY, US.
- 2022. Seizing empathic opportunities when discussing death and dying. Visiting. Houston, TX, US.
- 2022. Navigating a Life in Medicine with Authenticity, Reflection, and Connection, Dr. Joseph Ting Memorial Lecture. Visiting. Houston, TX, US.
- 2022. Using Narrative Techniques to Teach Empathic Practice. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2021. What to Say and Not to Say When Patients and Families Ask Clinicians to Hasten Death. Visiting. Houston, TX, US.
- 2021. Meaning Making: Conversations on Coping with Illness & Crisis. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2020. Gun Violence and Physicians: Importance of Empathy. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2019. Compassion and the Art of Medicine: The Power of Stories to Teach and Inspire. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2019. AΩA Visiting Professor. Visiting. Shreveport, LA, US.
- 2018. The Power of Human Connection. Invited. Baltimore, MD, US.
- 2018. A Day in the Life of a Palliative Oncologist. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2018. Crucial Conversations in Patient Care. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2018. The Impact of Culture on Cancer Care. Invited, US.
- 2017. My Journey from Cancer Researcher to Healer. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2017. Crucial Conversations. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2017. Integration Between Oncology and Palliative Medicine. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2016. "Using Stories From the Medical Literature to Connect with the Stories of Our Patients and with Our Own". Invited. Tel Aviv-Yafo, IL.
- 2016. Facing an Ethical Dilemma: What to Do When a Patient (or family member) Says “I want everything done”. Invited. Dallas, TX, US.
- 2016. Empathy & Intercultural Communication. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2016. "Doctor: If this were your child, what would you do?" Strategies for handling difficult conversations in pediatrics. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. Active Listening & Emotional Intelligence. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. Narrative Medicine as a Curricular Methodology. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. Narrative Medicine Workshop. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. The Power of Stories to Teach and Inspire, Achieving Communication Excellence (ACE) lecture series. Visiting. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. The End of Life- Interprofessional perspectives on death and dying: Breaking Bad News. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Active Listening. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2013. The Power of Relationships in Medicine: My Journey from Cancer Researcher to Palliative Care Doctor. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2013. Difficult Conversations: Teaching Oncologists Communication Skills One Hour at a Time. Invited. Boston, MA, US.
- 2013. Navigating Treacherous Waters: Strategies for Palliative Care Conversations in a World-Famous Cancer Center. Invited. Boston, MA, US.
- 2013. Skills and Strategies for Handling Challenging Conversations in Oncology. Invited. Baltimore, MD, US.
- 2012. "Mistrust as a Barrier to Clinical Trial Enrollment". Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2011. Compassion and the Art of Medicine. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2005. “Amino Acid Restriction: Novel Cancer Treatment”. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2001. “Methionine Restriction: Novel Treatment Strategy for Advanced Cancer”. Invited. Dallas, TX, US.
- 2001. “The Effect of Dietary Methionine Restriction on Tumor Chemosensitivity and its Possible Application in Glioma Patients”. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2001. “Dietary Methionine Restriction: Novel Cancer Treatment”. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2001. "Dietary Methionine Restriction: Novel Cancer Treatment". Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2000. “Dietary Methionine Restriction: Novel Cancer Treatment”. Invited. Columbus, OH, US.
- 1998. “GAPDH: Novel Regulator of Cell Structure and Migration”. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 1997. “GAPDH: Novel Regulator of Cell Structure and Migration”. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 1997. “Role of GAPDH in prostate cancer cell motility and metastasis”. Invited. Dallas, TX, US.
- 1997. “Role of GAPDH in prostate Cancer”. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 1997. “Role of GAPDH in prostate Cancer”. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 1994. “Role of GAPDH in prostate cancer motility and metastasis”. Invited. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 1993. “Role of GAPDH in prostate cancer motility and metastasis”. Invited. Albany, NY, US.
- 1991. “Heavy metal regulation of primary response genes”. Invited. Taipei, TW.
Grant & Contract Support
| Date: | 2011 - 2013 |
| Title: | Faculty Scholars Award: Using Sociodrama to Teach Oncology Providers How to Effectively Engage in Difficult Conversations |
| Funding Source: | Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2011 - 2013 |
| Title: | Developing an Educational Module for Discussing End of Life Issues with Patients with Advanced Disease |
| Funding Source: | The University of Texas Healthcare Safety and Effectiveness Grants Program |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2010 - 2012 |
| Title: | Improving appropriateness and quality of care at the end of life: A communication skills training program for residents, fellows, and faculty to facilitate transition to palliative care |
| Funding Source: | The University of Texas Healthcare Safety and Effectiveness Grants Program |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2010 - 2011 |
| Title: | Patient Provider Communication in Symptom Control |
| Funding Source: | Glaxo Smith Kline |
| Role: | Collaborator |
| ID: | 2010-0075 |
| Date: | 2004 - 2007 |
| Title: | Phase I/II Clinical Trial of Dietary Methionine Restriction Combined with Temozolamide for Patients with Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme |
| Funding Source: | Cancer Research Foundation of America |
| Role: | Co-PI |
| Date: | 2001 - 2002 |
| Title: | “Dietary Methionine Restriction- Novel Cancer Treatment: Mechanistic Studies” |
| Funding Source: | Ross Products Division, Abbott Laboratories |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2001 - 2004 |
| Title: | “Dietary Methionine Restriction: Novel Treatment for Hormone Independent Prostate Cancer” |
| Funding Source: | Department of Defense (DOD) |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 1998 - 2003 |
| Title: | “GAPDH: Novel Regulator of Cell Structure and Migration” |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | 1 R29CA78355 |
| Date: | 1998 - 1998 |
| Title: | Caroline Wiess Law Award for Research in Molecular Medicine |
| Funding Source: | Baylor College of Medicine |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 1998 - 2002 |
| Title: | Phase I Clinical Trial of Dietary methionine Restriction for Adults with Refractory Solid Tumors |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-PI |
| ID: | M01-RR00188 |
| Date: | 1996 - 1999 |
| Title: | “Role of multifunctional GAPDH in prostate cancer” |
| Funding Source: | Veterans Administration |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 1994 - 1997 |
| Title: | Chao Award |
| Funding Source: | Baylor College of Medicine |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 1994 - 1995 |
| Title: | “Role of glycolysis in prostate cancer cell motility/metastasis” |
| Funding Source: | American Cancer Society (ACS) |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 1994 - 1995 |
| Title: | “Role of GAPDH in prostate cancer metastasis” |
| Funding Source: | Baylor SPORE in prostate cancer pilot project |
| Role: | PI |
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Manuntag, LJ, Epner, D. Falling in love with the process. Palliative and Supportive Care 22(6):2226-2227, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39360451.
- Epner DE, Reddy SK, Hui D, Fellman B, Bruera E. Doing the hard work of learning: oncologists' enduring impressions of a year-long communication skills training program. Support Care Cancer 32(1):71, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 38158427.
- Reddy A, Haider A, Arthur J, Hui D, Dalal S, Dev R, Tanco K, Amaram-Davila J, Hernandez F, Chavez P, De Moraes AR, Wu J, Nguyen K, Subbiah I, Epner D, Shelal Z, Guay MOD, Mallipeddi T, Bruera E. Levorphanol as a Second Line Opioid in Cancer Patients Presenting to an Outpatient Supportive Care Center: An Open-label Study. J Pain Symptom Manage 65(6):e683-e690, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 36720398.
- Arthur J, Pawate V, Lu Z, Yennurajalingam S, Azhar A, Reddy A, Epner D, Hui D, Tanco K, Delgado Guay MO, Vidal M, Chen M, Bruera E. Helpfulness of Question Prompt Sheet for Patient-Physician Communication Among Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 6(5), 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 37129892.
- Hui D, De La Rosa A, Wilson A, Nguyen T, Wu J, Delgado-Guay M, Azhar A, Arthur J, Epner D, Haider A, De La Cruz M, Heung Y, Tanco K, Dalal S, Reddy A, Williams J, Amin S, Armstrong TS, Breitbart W, Bruera E. Neuroleptic strategies for terminal agitation in patients with cancer and delirium at an acute palliative care unit: a single-centre, double-blind, parallel-group, randomised trial. Lancet Oncol 21(7):989-998, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32479786.
- Andreev-Drakhlin AY, Epner DE. Chemistry of Caring: Timeless Lessons From Oncology Fellowship. J Clin Oncol 38(18):2107-2109, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32315277.
- Hui D, Abdelghani E, Chen J, Dibaj S, Zhukovsky D, Dev R, Tanco K, Haider A, Azhar A, Reddy A, Epner D, Arthur J, Dalal S, Heung Y, Reddy S, De La Cruz M, Liu D, Bruera E. Chronic Non-Malignant Pain in Patients with Cancer Seen at a Timely Outpatient Palliative Care Clinic. Cancers (Basel) 12(1), 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 31952220.
- Shaw AC, McQuade JL, Reilley MJ, Nixon B, Baile WF, Epner DE. Integrating Storytelling into a Communication Skills Teaching Program for Medical Oncology Fellows. J Cancer Educ 34(6):1198-1203, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 30219971.
- Weathers SP, Epner DE. Rookie. J Clin Oncol 37(9):JCO1801882, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 30742562.
- Azhar A, Kim YJ, Haider A, Hui D, Balankari VR, Epner MC, Park M, Liu DD, Williams J, Frisbee-Hume SE, Allo JA, Bruera E. Response to Oral Immediate-Release Opioids for Breakthrough Pain in Patients with Advanced Cancer with Adequately Controlled Background Pain. Oncologist 24(1):125-131, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 30254187.
- Epner DE. Quinlan Texas. Palliat Support Care 16(5):1-2, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 29362001.
- Kim SL, Epner DE. Seven Haircuts. J Clin Oncol 36(28):JCO2018788455, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 30102573.
- Agrawal C, Epner D. Mother Tongue. JAMA Oncol 3(11):1471-1472, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 28617902.
- Hui D, Frisbee-Hume S, Wilson A, Dibaj SS, Nguyen T, De La Cruz M, Walker P, Zhukovsky DS, Delgado-Guay M, Vidal M, Epner D, Reddy A, Tanco K, Williams J, Hall S, Liu D, Hess K, Amin S, Breitbart W, Bruera E. Effect of Lorazepam With Haloperidol vs Haloperidol Alone on Agitated Delirium in Patients With Advanced Cancer Receiving Palliative Care: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 318(11):1047-1056, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 28975307.
- Kinahan H, Maiti A, Hess K, Dempsey J, Beatty L, Baldwin S, Hong DS, Naing A, Fu S, Tsimberidou AM, Piha-Paul S, Janku F, Karp D, Reddy S, Yennu S, Epner D, Bruera E, Meric-Bernstam F, Falchook G, Subbiah V. Post-Discharge Survival Outcomes of Patients with Advanced Cancer from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Trials) Inpatient Unit. Oncology 92(1):14-20, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 27802448.
- Epner DE. A Perplexing Question. J Clin Oncol 32(23):2503-4, 2014. e-Pub 2014. PMID: 25002712.
- Epner DE, Baile WF. Difficult Conversations: Teaching Medical Oncology Trainees Communication Skills One Hour at a Time. Acad Med 89(4):578-84, 2014. e-Pub 2014. PMID: 24556763.
- Silbermann M, Epner DE, Charalambous H, Baider L, Puchalski CM, Balducci L, Gultekin M, Abdalla RF, Daher M, Al-Tarawneh MR, Smith TJ. Promoting new approaches for cancer care in the Middle East. Ann Oncol 24 Suppl 7:vii5-vii10, 2013. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 24001764.
- Delgado-Guay MO, De La Cruz MG, Epner DE. 'I don't want to burden my family': handling communication challenges in geriatric oncology. Ann Oncol 24 Suppl 7:vii30-vii35, 2013. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 24001760.
- Epner DE. Black and White. Ann Intern Med 159(4):304-5, 2013. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 24026263.
- Epner DE, Baile WF. Patient-centered care: the key to cultural competence. Ann Oncol 23 Suppl 3:33-42, 2012. e-Pub 2012. PMID: 22628414.
- Overman MJ, Epner DE. Lost in Translation: A Fisherman's Tale. J Clin Oncol 29(28):3832-3, 2011. e-Pub 2011. PMID: 21768468.
- Epner DE, Baile WF. Wooden's pyramid: building a hierarchy of skills for successful communication. Med Teach 33(1):39-43, 2011. e-Pub 2011. PMID: 21182381.
- Epner DE, Ravi V, Baile WF. When patients and families feel abandoned. Support Care Cancer. e-Pub 2010. PMID: 20853170.
- Garcia JM, Li H, Mann D, Epner D, Hayes TG, Marcelli M, Cunningham GR. Hypogonadism in male patients with cancer. Cancer 106(12):2583-91, 2006. e-Pub 2006. PMID: 16688773.
- Lu S, Ren C, Liu Y, Epner DE. PI3K-Akt signaling is involved in the regulation of p21(WAF/CIP) expression and androgen-independent growth in prostate cancer cells. Int J Oncol 28(1):245-51, 2006. e-Pub 2006. PMID: 16328002.
- Garcia JM, Garcia-Touza M, Hijazi RA, Taffet G, Epner D, Mann D, Smith RG, Cunningham GR, Marcelli M. Active ghrelin levels and active to total ghrelin ratio in cancer-induced cachexia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 90(5):2920-6, 2005. e-Pub 2005. PMID: 15713718.
- Lu S, Chen GL, Ren C, Kwabi-Addo B, Epner DE. Methionine restriction selectively targets thymidylate synthase in prostate cancer cells. Biochem Pharmacol 66(5):791-800, 2003. e-Pub 2003. PMID: 12948860.
- Li M, Ittmann MM, Rowley DR, Knowlton AA, Vaid AK, Epner DE. Glutathione S-transferase pi is upregulated in the stromal compartment of hormone independent prostate cancer. Prostate 56(2):98-105, 2003. e-Pub 2003. PMID: 12746833.
- Lu S, Hoestje SM, Choo E, Epner DE. Induction of caspase-dependent and -independent apoptosis in response to methionine restriction. Int J Oncol 22(2):415-20, 2003. e-Pub 2003. PMID: 12527942.
- Lu S, Hoestje SM, Choo EM, Epner DE. Methionine restriction induces apoptosis of prostate cancer cells via the c-Jun N-terminal kinase-mediated signaling pathway. Cancer Lett 179(1):51-8, 2002. e-Pub 2002. PMID: 11880182.
- Lu S, Gu X, Hoestje S, Epner DE. Identification of an additional hypoxia responsive element in the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene promoter. Biochim Biophys Acta 1574(2):152-6, 2002. e-Pub 2002. PMID: 11955624.
- Epner DE, Morrow S, Wilcox M, Houghton JL. Nutrient intake and nutritional indexes in adults with metastatic cancer on a phase I clinical trial of dietary methionine restriction. Nutr Cancer 42(2):158-66, 2002. e-Pub 2002. PMID: 12416254.
- Lu S, Jenster G, Epner DE. Androgen induction of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 gene: role of androgen receptor and transcription factor Sp1 complex. Mol Endocrinol 14(5):753-60, 2000. e-Pub 2000. PMID: 10809237.
- Lu S, Epner DE. Molecular mechanisms of cell cycle block by methionine restriction in human prostate cancer cells. Nutr Cancer 38(1):123-30, 2000. e-Pub 2000. PMID: 11341037.
- Epner DE, Sawa A, Isaacs JT. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase expression during apoptosis and proliferation of rat ventral prostate. Biol Reprod 61(3):687-91, 1999. e-Pub 1999. PMID: 10456846.
- Singh G, Lakkis CL, Laucirica R, Epner DE. Regulation of prostate cancer cell division by glucose. J Cell Physiol 180(3):431-8, 1999. e-Pub 1999. PMID: 10430183.
- Lu S, Liu M, Epner DE, Tsai SY, Tsai MJ. Androgen regulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 gene through an androgen response element in the proximal promoter. Mol Endocrinol 13(3):376-84, 1999. e-Pub 1999. PMID: 10076995.
- Kouvroukoglou S, Lakkis CL, Wallace JD, Zygourakis K, Epner DE. Bioenergetics of rat prostate cancer cell migration. Prostate 34(2):137-44, 1998. e-Pub 1998. PMID: 9465945.
- Rondinelli RH, Epner DE, Tricoli JV. Increased glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene expression in late pathological stage human prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 1(2):66-72, 1997. e-Pub 1997. PMID: 12496918.
- Epner DE, Coffey DS. There are multiple forms of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in prostate cancer cells and normal prostate tissue. Prostate 28(6):372-8, 1996. e-Pub 1996. PMID: 8650074.
- Epner DE, White P, Krasnoff M, Khanduja S, Kimball KT, Knaus WA. Outcome of mechanical ventilation for adults with hematologic malignancy. J Investig Med 44(5):254-60, 1996. e-Pub 1996. PMID: 8763976.
- Epner DE, Partin AW, Schalken JA, Isaacs JT, Coffey DS. Association of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase expression with cell motility and metastatic potential of rat prostatic adenocarcinoma. Cancer Res 53(9):1995-7, 1993. e-Pub 1993. PMID: 8481901.
- Epner DE, Herschman HR. Heavy metals induce expression of the TPA-inducible sequence (TIS) genes. J Cell Physiol 148(1):68-74, 1991. e-Pub 1991. PMID: 1907289.
- Manuntag LJ, Epner DE. Falling in Love with the Process. Palliat Support Care.
Invited Articles
- Epner DE. Allowing Awe in Life. Am J Clin Exp Urol 6(2):32-36, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 29666829.
Review Articles
- Fingeret MC, Teo I, Epner DE. Managing Body Image Difficulties of Adult Cancer Patients: Lessons from Available Research. Cancer 120(5):633-41, 2014. e-Pub 2014. PMID: 24895287.
- Epner DE. Can dietary methionine restriction increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy in treatment of advanced cancer?. J Am Coll Nutr 20(5 Suppl):443S-449S; discussion 473S-475S, 2001. e-Pub 2001. PMID: 11603655.
- Epner DE, Koeffler HP. Molecular genetic advances in chronic myelogenous leukemia. Ann Intern Med 113(1):3-6, 1990. e-Pub 1990. PMID: 2073245.
Professional Educational Materials
- Epner, DE, Brown, R, Baile, WF. Discussing Prognosis. American Society of Clinical Oncology.
- Leebov W. Language of Caring Skill Building Video.
Abstracts
- Shaw A, Reilley M, McQuade J, Baile W, Epner DE. Implementing Innovative, Learner-Centered Methods to Teach Oncology Fellows How to Face Difficult Conversations. J Clin Oncol 34(supplement 26S):abstract 27, 2016. e-Pub 2016.
- Neumann JL, Gallagher C, Epner D, Susan G, Buitrago J, Richard C. Advanced Care Planning (ACP) Before Stem Cell Transplantation (SCT) Treatment Begins. Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation 17(2):S359, 2011. e-Pub 2011.
- Epner DE, Baile WF. Pyramid of Relational Excellence. Medical Encounter 24(1):112, 2010. e-Pub 2010.
- Epner D. Using Stories to Teach Cancer Providers Cultural Competence. European Association of Cancer Education.
Book Chapters
- Epner DE, Schmeler KM. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Experience caring for patients from countries undergoing political-social conflict. In: Cancer Care in Countries/ Societies in Transition – Individualized Care in Focus. Springer, 409-416, 2016.
- Lee RT, Lopez G, Epner D, Fisch M. Textbook of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care. In: Alternative Medicine: The Approach to the Patient Wanting To Go To Tijuana. 2. CRC Press, 2015.
- Baile WF, Epner DE. Disclosing harmful medical errors. In: Clinical Oncology and Error Reduction: A Manual for Clinicians. Wiley-Blackwell, 101-110, 2015.
- Epner, D. Giving Bad News. In: The MD Anderson Supportive and Palliative Care Handbook, 5th Edition, 2015.
- Epner DE. Anemia. In: lnternal Medicine Issues in Palliative Cancer Care. Oxford University Press, 127-130, 2014.
- Epner, DE. Thrombocytopenia. In: Internal Medicine Issues in Palliative Cancer. Oxford University Press, 135-138, 2014.
- Epner DE. Communication Between Patients and Health Care Providers. In: Advances in Cancer Survivorship Management. Springer, 421-432, 2014.
- Epner, DE. Cancer Chemotherapy. In: Encyclopedia of Human Biology. Academic Press, Inc, 1997.
- Epner, DE. The hypercoagulable state of cancer. In: Molecular Mechanisms of Hypercoagulable States. RG Landes Co, 1997.
Books (edited and written)
- Epner D. Empathy: Real Stories to Inspire and Enlighten Busy Clinicians. McGraw Hill, 2022.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified March 25, 2026