EPS 207. Is the Medicine Working? Exploring Treatment Efficacy in Breast Cancer with Dr. Rodriguez.

In this episode, we discuss the use of ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA) in surveillance for breast cancer patients. Dr. Rodriguez, being a board-certified medical oncologist, has extensive experience in breast cancer oncology and has conducted clinical research in ctDNA application and breast cancer management.

Together we dive into the different stages of breast cancer, ranging from early stage (zero through stage three) to late stage (metastatic or de novo breast cancer) and highlight the importance of monitoring the effectiveness of treatments and understanding whether the medicine is working. This is where ctDNA surveillance plays a crucial role.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:06:07 Understanding breast cancer recurrence.
00:11:27 Predicting cancer recurrence is complex.
00:20:07 Lifestyle changes reduce cancer recurrence.
00:24:13 Open communication with doctors is important.
00:30:06 Monitoring treatment effectiveness is challenging.
00:34:52 Circulating tumor DNA improves cancer detection.
00:42:00 Improving adherence to breast cancer treatment.

About Our Guest, Angel Augusto Rodriguez
Dr. Angel Augusto Rodriguez is Oncology Medical Director at Natera.  Natera is a company with expertise in cell-free DNA technology which delivers platforms in prenatal care, transplant medicine, and oncology.  Dr. Rodriguez   is a board certified medical oncologist and attended Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas where he completed his residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology.  

He was the recipient of a Komen for the Cure Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer grant and specialized in breast oncology at Baylor College of Medicine where he conducted clinical research in ctDNA application in breast cancer management.  

Before joining Natera, Dr. Rodriguez practiced in Houston Methodist Cancer Center where he was Director of the Clinical Trials Office and led the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Clinic.  He is based in Austin, Texas. 

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SBC’s Mission: To empower those diagnosed with breast cancer and their families from day one and beyond. 

About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.