By Katie Neith
USC Health Sciences Public Relations and Marketing

Being both scientists and physicians “brings the opportunity to really change the world through science and new technology,” said Debu Tripathy, professor of medicine and co-leader of the Women’s Cancer Program at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, at an event downtown on Oct. 20.

He and fellow speaker Stephen Sener, professor of clinical surgery and chief of the division of surgical oncology at the Keck School of Medicine, addressed a group of women gathered to hear the latest news on breast cancer research and treatment. Held at Tesoro Trattoria, “Medical News You Can Use: Focus on Breast Cancer,” featured presentations from the two national experts recently recruited to the Keck School and the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital.

The program was co-sponsored by the Doctors of USC and the USC Alumni Association to recognize national Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Sener, a renowned breast surgeon and researcher, spoke to the group about advances in understanding the biology of cancer. He talked about the importance of tumor banks and clinical databases as critical to research progress. Sener brings with him to USC access to a large breast cancer database housed at Northwestern University, where he previously worked.

“With this repository of tissue and the clinical data, we can start to answer questions about breast cancer,” said Sener.

Tripathy also talked about his experience as a physician-scientist. He was part of the original team that brought the now commonly used breast cancer drug Herceptin into clinical care.

Tripathy noted that a critical part of progress in clinical care is learning from clinical trials and patient feedback. He also emphasized the importance of new technologies in analyzing data that will lead to new, tailored therapies for cancer patients.

“New therapies are moving so quickly that many of my patients will actually get a new therapy for breast cancer at some point in their lifetime,” he said.

Both physicians touched on the idea of personalized care at USC and how they will work together to individualize and improve treatment.

“It’s great that we came at the same time, as we have really interesting skill sets that complement each other,” said Sener. “I’m excited about the opportunity for us to work together.”

Attendees were given a chance to ask the doctors their personal questions about breast cancer, which addressed issues of diet, hormones and screening guidelines.

Representatives of a number of USC organizations were present at the event including Town and Gown of USC, Trojan Guild of Los Angeles, USC University Hospital Guild, The Norris Auxiliary, Town and Gown Junior Auxiliary and Trojan Junior Auxiliary. The event also included a cocktail hour with wine and appetizers.