Collaborative Solutions: Institutional Support for Surgical Trials

Collaborative Solutions: Institutional Support for Surgical Trials

In this episode of SurgOnc Today, we will discuss the critical infrastructure and institutional support needed to successfully conduct surgical clinical trials. Host Dr. Christina Angeles, surgical oncologist at the University of Michigan and Chair of the SSO Research Committee, is joined by Dr. Hop Tran Cao, HPB surgeon at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Dr. Melissa Pilewskie, breast cancer surgeon at the University of Michigan – both actively engaged in clinical trials at their respective institutions. Together, they explore the unique challenges surgeons face when initiating and executing clinical trials, how institutional culture and resources shape the research environment, and what it takes to build the infrastructure needed to support high-quality surgical research. From dedicated surgical trials centers and multidisciplinary collaboration to investigator training and fellowship education, this conversation offers practical insights for surgeons at every stage of their career – whether you're just starting out or looking to strengthen your institution's research program.

SSO 2026 HPB Recap

In this episode of SurgOnc Today, Dr. Rebecca Snyder from the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center and Dr. Patricio Polanco from Atrium Health Wake Forest School of Medicine from the HPB Disease Site Work Group are joined by Dr. Katrina Duncan from The University of British Columbia and Dr. David Caba-Molina from RUHS-UC-R and Loma Linda University Health System. We will be discussing some of the most exciting HPB-related research and topics at this year's Annual SSO Meeting. SSO 2026 Abstract Supplement: https://surgonc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SSO-2026-Annual-Meeting-Supplement.pdf [https://surgonc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SSO-2026-Annual-Meeting-Supplement.pdf]

ASO Article Series: "PancreaSeq Genomic Classifier (PancreaSeq GC) Improves Pancreatic Cyst Classification and Detection of Advanced Neoplasia: A Multi-institutional Validation Study"

In this new episode of Speaking of SurgOnc, Dr. Rick Greene & Dr. Aatur Singhi discuss the article: "PancreaSeq Genomic Classifier (PancreaSeq GC) Improves Pancreatic Cyst Classification and Detection of Advanced Neoplasia: A Multi-institutional Validation Study" from the April 2026 issue of the Annals of Surgical Oncology.

Omitting Regional Nodal Irradiation After Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

In this episode, breast surgeons Drs. Abbott, Giacomo, Kantor, and Specht are joined by radiation oncologist Dr. Rachel Jimenez to discuss the evolving role of regional nodal irradiation and the potential for its omission in selected patients. Drawing on recent findings from the NSABP B-51 trial, the panel explores how these data can be applied in real-world clinical practice. Through patient case scenarios, they highlight key considerations for treatment decision-making and emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to optimizing patient care.

SOI Article Series: "Propensity score–weighted analysis of neoadjuvant therapy versus upfront surgical resection in patients with biliary tract cancers"

In this episode of SurgOnc Today's Surgical Oncology Insight series, Dr. Adam Yopp discusses with Dr. Marina Baretti her paper: "Propensity score–weighted analysis of neoadjuvant therapy versus upfront surgical resection in patients with biliary tract cancers."