Clinical Professor of Surgery and world-renowned pioneer in breast cancer research, Dr. Sarah Blair, MD, and her team at UCSD's Moores Cancer Center have been awarded $250,000 in funding from the Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies (IMAT) program for a new research study testing the efficiency of an innovative highly-anticipated breast cancer surgical removal method.
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Clinical Professor of Surgery and world-renowned pioneer in breast cancer research, Dr. Sarah Blair, MD, and her team at UCSD's Moores Cancer Center have been awarded $250,000 in funding from the Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies (IMAT) program for a new research study testing the efficiency of an innovative highly-anticipated breast cancer surgical removal method. Funding from the IMAT program is very selective and designed to support novel and potentially transformative next generation technologies in cancer research.
The funding from the IMAT program will enable Dr. Blair and her team to test biogradeable nanoparticles to localize breast tumors that are non-palpable (can only see on mammogram but cannot feel). Ultimately these particles will help surgeons remove all tumor cells from patients and reduce the chance of second surgeries from incomplete tumor removal.
“Breast cancer tumors can be difficult to isolate during surgery as a lot of tumors you can't see or feel,” explains Dr. Blair. “As 20-50% of breast cancer operations have positive margins, there is a need for better intra-operative localization. Our hope is that by utilizing this innovative and potentially revolutionary surgical approach, patients can avoid repeated surgeries and be on their way to recovery faster and more easily.”
Initially animal trials will be conducted to ensure safety and dosage. Within the next five years, it is projected to be ready for use on breast cancer tumors in humans.
About Sarah Blair, MD
Sarah Blair, MD is a Clinical Professor of Surgery in the UCSD Department of Surgical Oncology and is a specialist in oncology surgery with a strong background and many years of experience in treating patients with cancer. Dr. Blair is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and has been in practice for more than ten years. Dr. Blair graduated alpha omega alpha from the State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse. She completed a fellowship in Surgical Oncology at City of Hope National Medical Center, where she was honored as the Terrell McElligot Surgical Oncology Fellow. Dr. Blair has received advanced training in the surgical treatment of breast cancers, melanoma, sarcoma and other tumors. She has extensive experience in cutting edge technologies such as sentinel node staging for breast cancer, melanoma, and other soft tissue tumors.
For more information on Dr. Sarah Blair and her endeavors please contact Melissa Holden at (619) 683-3700 or email melissa spearhall.com. | 
