SUMMARY
The research interests of Sandhya Pruthi, M.D., include preventive endocrine therapy with selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), such as tamoxifen and raloxifene; aromatase inhibitors; and alternative therapies in women who are at increased risk of breast cancer.
Dr. Pruthi has been the principal investigator for several complementary and alternative therapy trials. These include studies of flaxseed for hot flash management, vitamin E and evening primrose oil for management of cyclical mastalgia, and yoga exercises in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.
Dr. Pruthi has been the principal investigator at Mayo Clinic for several nationwide, multicenter breast cancer prevention trials; these are interdisciplinary efforts with Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center. She also is actively involved in cancer education for both patients and healthcare teams.
Focus areas
- Breast cancer prevention, early detection and risk reduction.
- Biomarkers for early detection of breast cancer and breast cancer risk assessment in women at high risk of breast cancer.
- Breast cancer genetics.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Pruthi studies how to better identify and care for women who have a higher risk of breast cancer. She leads clinical trials that test new medicines and treatments. Dr. Pruthi improves patient care and helps medical teams create risk-reduction plans to fit each patient's level of risk. She also studies complementary and alternative therapies to improve care for patients who have survived breast cancer.
Professional highlights
- Mayo Clinic:
- Individual Scholar Award, Artificial Intelligence Translation of Mayo Clinic Patient Education to Expand Global Reach, Richard M. Schulze Innovation Awards in Artificial Intelligence, 2025.
- Mayo Clinic Distinguished Education Award, 2023.
- Distinguished Service in Cancer Education Professional Award, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center Education Network, 2010.
- National Consortium of Breast Centers Inc.:
- Member, 2015-2024.
- President, 2019-2022.
- President-elect, 2017-2019.
- American Society of Breast Disease:
- Vice chair, Advisor Advisory Board, 2010-2014.
- Member, Consensus Committee, 2009-2014.
- Member, Board of directors, 2007-2013.
- Treasurer and secretary, 2007-2013.
- Chair, Consensus Committee, 2009-2011.
- Member, Education Program Committee, 2008-2009.
- Program director and principal investigator, Breast Cancer Screening Outreach Project and Navigator Program, funded by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 2011-2013.
- Spirit of Collaboration Award, Minnesota Cancer Alliance, 2008.