Plants have an important role in the discovery of active treatments in cancer. There are four classes of plant-derived anticancer agents in the market today discovered over the last century. Join us to learn how they were discovered and what clinical implications they have. We will also touch on the variety of plant-based compounds that have promising implications for our cancer patients but need further study.
The discussion will also cover plants that are used as supplements for the treatment of menopausal symptoms (phytoestrogens), as well as those used for general health maintenance (garlic, ginseng, ginko biloba, et al). Their impact on the body will be explained, and supplement management in the perioperative period will be discussed.
Jennifer B. Manders, MD, FACS, is a board-certified general surgeon fellowship-trained in breast surgery. Her practice is wholly focused on the care of patients with benign and malignant breast disease. She is a graduate of Rosalind Franklin University/The Chicago Medical School and trained in General Surgery at Rush University Medical Center/Cook County Hospital combined program. She then completed a one-year fellowship in Breast Surgical Oncology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Dr. Julie Specht is the Medical Director of Operations for the Oncology Service line, Medical Director for the Breast Cancer Program, and serves as Vice Chair for the Physician Liaison Committee. Dr. Specht completed her undergraduate studies at Binghamton University (Binghamton, NY), graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science. She earned her medical degree from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Specht completed her internship, residency, and fellowship at New York Presbyterian Hospital (Columbia University). She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (Hematology and Oncology subspecialties).