SUMMARY
Sarah E. James, M.D., Ph.D., is a radiation oncologist with clinical specialization in the treatment of breast, genitourinary and gynecologic malignancies. She is an expert in proton beam therapy and gynecologic brachytherapy. Dr. James' research interests include symptom intervention and disparities in oncologic outcomes. She also leads the Coalition of Blacks Against Cancer, a community-based nonprofit organization. This organization has the mission of providing high-quality cancer education and support to the diverse communities of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area and beyond.
Focus areas
- Methods of reducing radiation dermatitis from breast radiation. Dr. James is the community co-chair for the Alliance A221803. This is a phase 3 multicenter randomized clinical trial of Mepitel film for radiation dermatitis in patients after mastectomy radiation. This trial was recently reported at the 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. The trial demonstrated a significant reduction in treatment-related dermatitis, indicating a practice-changing impact for patients after mastectomy radiation.
- Improving cancer survivorship. Dr. James is a co-principal investigator for the RESTORE trial. This trial studies prolonged nightly fasting to improve sleep and cognition in survivors of breast cancer.
- Disparities in cancer outcomes. Dr. James collaborates with Megan A. Allyse, Ph.D., for the ADVANCE 2 study. This study addresses views of African Americans on cancer screening. This is a qualitative research study. The purpose of the study is to understand the views and experiences of non-Hispanic Black women with a diagnosis of or who support a family member with breast or ovarian cancer.
Significance to patient care
Improvements in finding cancer early, along with new advances in treatment, have led to study gains in the success of cures and long-term control of many cancers. However, cancer treatment comes with a major cost to patients in the form of many treatment-related toxicities. Clinical care improvements, such as the use of Mepitel film to prevent the skin reaction caused by radiation treatment, greatly decrease the treatment burden to patients and improve productivity and well-being during treatment.
Long-term treatment issues such as changes in how well the brain works, intermittent fasting, and the ability to get good sleep also are being addressed. These studies and new techniques are low cost. Although cancer outcomes are improving for patients in the United States, there are groups of patients who continue to experience less successful outcomes of cancer care. Mayo Clinic is fully committed to ending these differences in cancer treatment outcomes for all affected communities.