One specializes in cancer above the waist, the other below the waist, but this dividing line disappears when Philomena McAndrew, MD, and Beth Karlan, MD, share expertise that helps them do the most for each patient.
Their ongoing dialogue about breast and ovarian cancers goes beyond how to prolong and save lives. They discuss everything from a woman's hereditary risks to her quality of life and hopes for the future. They've been colleagues and friends for more than 20 years, and have much in common--including their extraordinary level of energy and commitment to offering patients emotional support as well as innovative, individualized medical solutions.
Dr. McAndrew, an oncologist on Cedars-Sinai's medical staff and a leading expert on breast cancer, refers patients to clinical trials conducted by Dr. Karlan, director of the Cedars-Sinai Women's Cancer Program at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute and a clinician-scientist whose research has led to new treatments for gynecologic cancer that are used worldwide.
Both oncologists promote early detection and prevention of breast and ovarian cancers through Cedars-Sinai's Gilda Radner Hereditary Cancer Program, which Dr. Karlan directs.
They point out that this kind of collaboration will increasingly drive cancer treatment in the future. "My patients benefit from cutting-edge research that may not be in the textbook yet," Dr. McAndrew says.
Dr. Karlan, the Board of Governors Chair in Gynecologic Oncology, explains: "Advances in targeted therapy for cancer will depend on mutual respect and open dialogue between researchers and caring clinicians like Dr. McAndrew. We've been able to make discoveries that wouldn't have been possible without the referrals and insights she offers from her clinical practice."