HadeelAssadMD

Summary

• My background in oncology with specific expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer as part of a multidisciplinary team has provided me the experience in caring for cancer patients and understanding the importance of not only prolonging life, but also preserving quality of life.
  
  As PI or CoInvestigator on several university- and research committee funded grants, I have established strong ties with community providers that will make it possible to recruit and track participants over time. I am currently investigating the role of immunotherapy combined with PARP inhibition as a therapeutic option for stage IV breast cancer patients with germline BRCA 1 or 2 mutations who have progressed on first line therapy.
  
  I am also investigating the use of novel Antibody Drug Conjugates utilizing chemotherapy conjugated to a monoclonal antibody against the Her2 receptor and comparing it to standard first and second line systemic therapy in Her2 positive metastatic breast cancer as part of a clinical trial. I am also involved in Phase 1 Clinical Trials Program at Karmanos Cancer Institute utilizing newly developed therapeutic agents for treatment of various types of solid malignancies. Previously, evaluated the impact of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment on sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors, which is an aspect of quality of life that is frequently overlooked, especially in women.
  
  I have also evaluated follow-up decisions and care after BRCA testing in women with or without personal history of malignancy, given that many risk reduction methods may have profound effects on both cancer recurrence and quality of life. I also investigated socioeconomic differences and informed medical decision making in regards to contralateral prophylactic mastectomy in participants who have had unilateral breast cancer.