Breaking Barriers: Women in Oncology Discuss the Evolution of Lymphoma Therapy
As part of the Breaking Barriers: Women in Oncology program, CancerNetwork® spoke with Julie M. Vose, MD, MBA, and Avyakta Kallam, MD, about the evolution of their careers in the hematology-oncology space, including some of the critical advances and challenges associated with their work in the lymphoma field. The conversation with the leaders from the lymphoma space highlights the importance of mentorship in establishing their careers and imparts advice to women looking to advance theirs.
Passion for Lymphoma Research Drives Breakthroughs in Treatment Strategies
Vose and Kallam discussed how they first developed a passion for researching lymphoma, which led them to become involved in various breakthroughs related to the use of treatment strategies such as autologous stem cell transplantation, bispecific antibodies, and CAR T-cell therapy. The evolution of therapy options has helped improve patient outcomes while reducing hospitalization periods and minimizing toxicity.
Michael Wang, MD, spoke about the recent liso-cel approval in mantle cell lymphoma and the TRANSCEND trial. Bispecific antibodies including epcoritamab have “a lot of potential for upward mobility” in lymphoma, according to Tycel Phillips, MD. The European Commission is expected to decide on approving epcoritamab in relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma later in 2024. Golidocitinib monotherapy had a superior clinical benefit in patients with relapsed/refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma vs existing treatments.
Overcoming Barriers and Imparting Wisdom
The discussion also extended to the topic of overcoming various physical and social barriers while trying to advance in the lymphoma field. For example, Kallam described her experience with moving to the United States from India to complete her medical training, which involved adapting to a new culture and a new style of approaching treatment. In the early stages of Vose’s career, there were far fewer women involved in oncology and medicine in general, contributing to the challenge of needing to work extremely hard to prove that she was equal to her male colleagues. Vose noted in the early days, she was considered a rarity in the field as one of very few women.
Vose and Kallam also brought up how their mentors have given them key pieces of advice from mentors that have stuck with them throughout their careers. They offered wisdom to any woman looking to advance in the hematology-oncology space. “The biggest piece of advice [I received] is to see the patient as a person—not just as a patient—to be able to get to know them and their families understand some of their struggles so that you can relate to them as a person,” Vose said.
Work-Life Balance
The conversation also focused on the challenge of achieving work/life balance while making advances in the lymphoma space. Dedicating time to hobbies and finding support from friends and family members emerged as potential strategies for balancing professional responsibilities with one’s personal life. “Life is too unpredictable to not do things that you enjoy doing,” Kallam said, recounting a bit of advice she had received from one of her mentors. “What we’re doing is important; we are impacting lives. We’re doing a lot of research, but at the same time, keep in mind to have fun along the way.”
The Role of AI in Lymphoma Treatment
AI tools may show utility in areas such as prostate diagnostic imaging, pathology, and treatment outcome predictions. However, it is important to note that the role of AI in lymphoma treatment is still under exploration and investigation. Further advancements and research in this area may prove to be useful for improving patient outcomes and reducing toxicity in the future.
Conclusion
The conversation with Vose, Kallam, and other leaders in the lymphoma space sheds light on the importance of passion, perseverance, and mentorship in overcoming barriers and advancing in this field. With the evolution of therapy options and the potential for AI to play a role in lymphoma treatment, it is an exciting time for oncology and medicine in general. By continuing to prioritize patient care and personal wellbeing, oncologists and medical professionals can make progress in improving treatment strategies and outcomes while making a meaningful impact on the lives of their patients.
Originally Post From https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/overcoming-physical-and-social-barriers-in-the-lymphoma-field
