Barbara A. Pockaj, M.D.

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SUMMARY

Barbara A. Pockaj, M.D., is a surgical oncologist who has a strong clinical and research interest in breast cancer and malignant melanoma. Dr. Pockaj's research focuses not only on clinical studies but also translational science. She has a large clinical database of newly diagnosed individuals with breast cancer and melanoma. This database is paired with a large matching biobank of breast cancer specimens for further research.

Dr. Pockaj is chair of the Breast Cancer Interest Group, which is a partnership with researchers at Arizona State University. The cooperation focuses on using the state-of-the-art genomics infrastructure and a high-quality breast cancer tumor biorepository. The group studies molecular pathways to find treatment targets for people with triple negative breast cancer and endocrine-resistant breast cancer.

Focus areas

• Identification of pathways used by triple negative breast cancer for oncogenic growth. Dr. Pockaj studies clonal analysis of triple negative breast cancer based upon DNA gains or losses. Proof of the not typical pathway is then looked at by tissue microarray.
• Breast cancer. She studies new techniques to find circulating tumor cells in recently diagnosed individuals with breast cancer. Dr. Pockaj researches the best use of breast imaging for the diagnosis of breast cancer. She also takes part in all aspects of clinical care for breast cancer, including new diagnostic modalities, surgical care, and advancement of reconstructive techniques and clinical outcomes. Dr. Pockaj examines translational research involving molecular phenotypes, their connections and immunological aspects including vaccine therapy.
• Melanoma. Dr. Pockaj studies all features of the clinical care of melanoma.
• Single institution and multi-institution clinical trials. She is involved in quality-of-life studies in people with cancer.

Significance to patient care

Breast cancer treatment has changed from treating only a single disease to considering tailored treatment for a varied group of cancers with unique pathobiology. The molecular grouping of major tumor groups is mostly the result of thorough genomics research. This approach offers major results for treatment possibilities. This is true for not only breast cancer but also melanoma.

Using clinical and translational work is the only way to improve future treatment for people with cancer.

Professional highlights

• Vice chair for research, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 2020-present.
• Co-medical director, Mayo Clinic Breast Center, Mayo Clinic, 2019-present.
• American Society of Breast Surgeons:
  • Board member, 2008-present.
  • Publication Committee, 2007-present.
  • Research Committee, 2008-2016.
  • Chair, Program Committee, 2006-2007.
• Board member, Sentinel Lymph Node Working Group-Melanoma, Mayo Clinic, 2005-present.
• Society of Surgical Oncology:
  • Member, 1996-present.
  • Program Committee, 2015-2018.
• Board of governors, American College of Surgeons, 2017-2023.
• Educator of the year, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 2016.
• Michael M. Eisenberg Professor, Mayo Clinic, 2015.
• American College of Surgeons, Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology:
• Research vice chair, chair of the Surgery Committee, 2003-2011.
• Surgical liaison for the Breast and Quality-of-Life Committees, 2003-2011.
• Breast Cancer Intergroup of North America:
  • Chair, Surgical working group, 2007-2008.
  • Planning Committee, State of the science symposium for preoperative therapy for breast cancer, 2006-2007.
  • Neoadjuvant working group, 2005-2007.