UCLA Journal of Radiation Oncology December First Edition - Flipbook - Page 34
UCLA RADIATION ONCOLOGY JOURNAL
prostate cancer in patients with inflammatory
bowel disease (IBD). Historically, radiation
therapy has been relatively contraindicated for
this cohort of patients. However, preliminary
data shows that IBD patients with prostate
cancer treated with SBRT did not have higher
likelihood of developing late gastrointestinal
and genitourinary toxicities when compared
to controls. This suggests that SBRT may be a
reasonable approach for treating patients with
both IBD and prostate cancer.
Beyond these two projects, I’m also interested
in better understanding the disparities in
outcomes for black men with prostate cancer.
While this may be partially explained by
socioeconomic factors and lack of access to
high-quality care, biological factors may play a
role as well. Emerging data suggests that poorer
outcomes in black men with prostate cancer
may be influenced by the lack of accurate
disease stratification and treatment guidelines
specific to black men. To help address this
issue, I earned a fellowship from the Conquer
Cancer Foundation of ASCO to investigate
differences in treatment responses between
black and white men with prostate cancer
enrolled in clinical trials. We hope our results
will help improve care for black men with
localized prostate cancer.
What diagnosis/treatment site and/or
treatment technique are you interested in
learning more about?
I am fascinated by stereotactic body radiation
therapy (SBRT), which is a form of radiation
therapy that delivers extremely precise
high doses of radiation to neoplasms while
minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Additionally, I have become interested in
how disparities in cancer outcomes may
be influenced by lack of accurate disease
stratification and treatment guidelines. Thus, I
am currently investigating whether differential
treatment responses exist for black and white
men with prostate cancer enrolled in clinical
trials.
Do you see yourself remaining in Radiation
Oncology? If no, how do you see this
experience informing your future direction?
Definitely! I am currently in the process of
applying to residency programs in Radiation
Oncology.
It's early days, but what have you learned
since entering the program?
Since entering the program, I have been
able to participate in tumor boards, where I
experienced how radiation oncology is part
of the multi-disciplinary team. In clinic I was
able to learn how evidence-based decisions
occur with patient goals in mind. Lastly, I’ve
been able to see firsthand the various stages of
workflow from initial consultation, simulation,
creating and reviewing treatment plans to posttreatment follow-ups.
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