Mark Burkard MD, PhD, associate professor, Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care was quoted in two stories about the Precision Medicine Molecular Tumor Board (PMMTB), which he co-directs. 

The PMMTB consults with oncologists statewide about targeted drugs to battle out-of-control cancers. The board also gathers data about treatment outcomes, which helps refine future recommendations. 

The effort is a partnership between the UW–Madison Carbone Cancer Center and regional medical centers, including Gundersen Health System, Green Bay Oncology and Aurora Health Care. 

“The benefit of this group is institutional knowledge about the patients we have seen, the literature, and the in-depth analysis of genetic information on these individual tumors," said Dr. Burkard. 

Under a proposal approved by the state Joint Finance Committee in May, 2017, the initiative could receive a funding boost.

Resources:

• "UW-Madison advisory board aids cancer treatment statewide," UW-Madison, June 29, 2017
• "JFC amends budget to fund precision medicine initiative," Wisconsin Health News, June 29, 2017