Sarah A. McLaughlin, M.D.

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SUMMARY

Sarah A. McLaughlin, M.D., is a surgical oncologist who also researches lymphedema and issues of survivorship affecting people treated for breast cancer.

Dr. McLaughlin manages a novel prospective research registry of people who have had axillary surgery for breast cancer. She collects clinical, pathological and quality-of-life data at baseline and follow-up to track in the registry. Dr. McLaughlin also is the principal investigator of a long-term study evaluating lymphangiogenesis to better predict the development of lymphedema.

Focus areas

• Predicting the development of lymphedema, including identifying biomarkers.
• Assessing and quantifying the impact of lymphedema risk on quality of life in survivors of breast cancer.
• Developing individualized lymphedema prediction and treatment strategies.
• Maintaining a novel, comprehensive, annotated tissue bank supporting these research focus areas.

Significance to patient care

Many people with breast cancer worry about getting lymphedema after having a lymph node biopsy or surgery that removes lymph nodes from the armpit. Dr. McLaughlin hypothesizes that this anxiety arises when patients can't correctly predict their risk of developing lymphedema. This unknown risk negatively affects overall quality of life. If clinicians could identify the risk level and offer personalized treatments, patients might be less anxious.