Dr. Grace Blitzer is leading a groundbreaking study that could revolutionize the treatment of uterine cancer. As an assistant professor of human oncology and a radiation oncologist at UW Health, Dr. Blitzer is at the forefront of cancer research.

Her current project is a pilot trial investigating the role of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a risk stratification tool for stage II uterine cancer. In simpler terms, Dr. Blitzer is collecting blood samples from uterine cancer patients to measure the levels of cancer DNA circulating in their bloodstream. The goal is to determine if these levels can help doctors tailor treatment plans for individual patients.

While survival rates for many cancers have improved significantly, uterine cancer remains a challenging disease. Dr.Blitzer’s research aims to shed light on the mechanisms underlying this cancer’s recurrence and progression. By gaining a better understanding of how endometrial cancer behaves, doctors can develop more effective treatments and improve patient outcomes.

Thanks to the Badger Challenge, Dr. Blitzer’s research is now a reality. This innovative grant program provides funding for promising research projects that address critical health challenges. Without the support of the Badger Challenge, Dr.Blitzer’s study might not have been possible.

While Dr. Blitzer is still in the early stages of her research and has no results to share yet, her work represents a significant step forward in the fight against uterine cancer. The potential benefits of her findings could be immense, offering hope to countless patients and their families.

Dr. Grace Blitzer sat down with Amber Noggle at WKOW to talk about this research and you can see that interview here.