MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston, Texas
Associate Professor, Department of Breast Medical Oncology and Department of Health Services Research MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston, Texas
Investigating factors that influence the rate of breast cancer treatment completion in underrepresented or understudied populations
There are several factors that influence whether a breast cancer patient completes every step in their treatment plan. In order to enhance the quality of cancer care, identify areas of greater need, and ultimately improve outcomes and reduce disparities, a better understanding of the patterns of treatment completion is fundamental. Dr. Chavez Mac Gregor is evaluating the rates of treatment completion in underrepresented or understudied populations, including racial/ethnic minorities and older patients, as well as how treatment-related toxicities and access to care impact them. Her team hopes to gain new insights that will help identify areas of need and inform the design of specific interventions. The results of these studies will potentially improve care, influence policy, and address some of the challenges that breast cancer patients in underrepresented populations experience.
Her team will evaluate how parameters such as the number of emergency room visits or hospitalizations, societal-level factors including socioeconomic deprivation, insurance coverage, and financial toxicity, are associated with the rates of treatment non-completion. She will evaluate whether treatment non-completion is more frequent among underrepresented and understudied patient populations and its contribution to adverse outcomes. To accomplish their goals, Dr. Chavez Mac Gregor and her colleagues will analyze cancer registries and administrative databases to obtain real-world evidence.
Mariana Chavez Mac Gregor, MD is a tenured associate professor in the Health Services Research Department and the Breast Medical Oncology Department of MD Anderson Cancer Center. She received a master’s degree in Clinical Epidemiology at the Netherlands Institute for Health and Sciences with comprehensive training in study design for conducting large cohort studies and data analysis. And completed a Medical Oncology fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center prior to joining the faculty there.
Dr. Chavez Mac Gregor pursues an academic career in breast cancer research and as a medical oncologist devotes her clinical practice to caring for breast cancer patients. Her research focuses on evaluating patterns of care, adherence, toxicities, and complications of cancer treatment, particularly among vulnerable populations. She has significant experience in the design of high-quality observational studies to answer clinically relevant questions including those pertaining to cancer care delivery and utilization. In addition, Dr. Chavez Mac Gregor has been deeply involved in guideline methodology and the development of national and international treatment guidelines.
2022
The Estée Lauder Companies' Employee Fundraising Award
Please remember BCRF in your will planning. Learn More
