In this episode of MedNews Week, presented in partnership with OncoDaily TV, we sit down with Dr. Karine Tawagi, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine and practicing medical oncologist at the University of Illinois Chicago, as well as a Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program Director to discuss evolving treatment paradigms in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. She discusses emerging perioperative chemoimmunotherapy, antibody-drug conjugates, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and biomarker-driven strategies.
Could ctDNA and molecular biomarkers help identify patients who need treatment escalation, or enable safer bladder-preserving approaches? Dr. Tawagi examines organ-sparing strategies, trimodal therapy, ctDNA-guided treatment, and HER2-directed approaches, while reflecting on the challenge of translating emerging evidence into clinical practice.
The conversation delves into her work in precision oncology, clinical trials, immuno-oncology, real-world data, and healthcare disparities, as well as the importance of making innovative cancer treatments more accessible and equitable.
Dr. Tawagi also discusses her research and academic career, mentorship, curriculum development, and the challenges of bridging the gap between scientific advances and their impact on patients in the real world. She shares her journey through medical oncology, clinical research, medical education, and leadership, exploring what drives her commitment to improving cancer care and training the next generation of oncologists.