Titles and Affiliations
Chief, Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
Chief Surgical Officer, Cancer Service Line, Winship Cancer Institute
Surgical Director, Winship Glenn Family Breast Center, Winship Cancer Institute
Research Area
Optimizing risk assessment, prevention and local-regional treatment of breast cancer
Impact
Dr. King is a leading breast surgical oncologist whose work has transformed how clinicians understand and manage high-risk breast lesions, particularly lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). Her research team produced the first large-scale genomic analyses and detailed clinical outcome datasets for LCIS, paving the way for a better understanding of the underlying biology and long-term risk associated with LCIS, and ultimately to more personalized risk assessment and risk reduction strategies for thousands of women.
Her research has also contributed to national practice patterns for the management of the primary tumor in de novo stage IV breast cancer. As principal investigator of a multi-institutional trial (TBCRC 013), her work led to a new hypothesis for selecting which patients may benefit from surgery in stage IV disease. By translating scientific discoveries into patient-centered clinical studies, her work continues to influence guidelines and the multidisciplinary care of women with and at risk for breast cancer worldwide.
What’s Next
With support from BCRF, Dr. King will serve as the global co-principal investigator with Dr. Andrea DeCensi of E.O. Ospedali Galliera in Italy on BabyTears, an international multi-center clinical trial that will evaluate patient acceptance and tolerability of lower doses of standard preventative medications in pursuit of a more feasible approach to breast cancer prevention for women at increased risk. She will also serve as the PI at Emory University.
BabyTears aims to address one of the biggest barriers in breast cancer prevention: low uptake of current options due to fear of side effects. This study has the potential to reshape patient perception, improve acceptance and adherence to preventative strategies leading to improved efforts towards reduction in breast cancer incidence globally.
Biography
Tari King, MD FACS is a nationally recognized breast surgical oncologist with more than two decades of clinical, scientific, and leadership experience. At Emory University, she leads the Division of Breast Surgery and the Glenn Family Breast Center, building on a distinguished career that includes holding the inaugural Jeanne Petrek Junior Faculty Chair at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, a decade of service as Chief of Breast Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center and an endowed professorship at Harvard Medical School.
As an internationally known investigator in high-risk breast lesions and the multi-disciplinary management of breast cancer, Dr. King has defined the clinical and molecular features of LCIS and other high-risk lesions and has authored highly cited studies that underpin contemporary risk management and breast cancer treatment guidelines. Her work integrates translational science, clinical trials, and innovative program development to improve outcomes for patients across the spectrum of breast cancer risk and treatment.
