Dr. Laura Esserman, MD
Claim this profileUniversity of California, San Francisco
Studies Breast Cancer
Studies Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
9 reported clinical trials
45 drugs studied
Area of expertise
1Breast Cancer
Stage III
Stage II
ER positive
2Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
Stage I
Stage II
ER negative
Affiliated Hospitals
Clinical Trials Laura Esserman, MD is currently running
Risk-Based Screening
for Breast Cancer
Most physicians still use a one-size-fits-all approach to breast screening in which all women, regardless of their personal history, family history or genetics (except BRCA carriers) are recommended to have annual mammograms starting at age 40. Mammograms benefit women by detecting cancers early when they are easier to treat, but they are not perfect. Recent news stories have discussed some of the potential harms: large numbers of positive results that cause stressful recalls for additional mammograms and biopsies. With the current screening approach, half of the women who undergo annual screening for ten years will have at least one false positive biopsy. Potentially more important are cancer diagnoses for growths that might never come to clinical attention if left alone (called "overdiagnosis"). This can lead to unnecessary treatment. Even more concerning is evidence that up to 20% of breast cancers detected today may fall into the category of "overdiagnosis." The WISDOM 1.0 study compares annual screening with a risk-based breast cancer screening schedule, based upon each woman's personal risk of breast cancer. The investigators have designed the study to be inclusive of all, so that even women who might be nervous about being randomly assigned to receive a particular type of care (a procedure that is typical in clinical studies) will still be able to participate by choosing the type of care they receive. For participants in the risk-based screening arm, each woman will receive a personal risk assessment that includes her family and medical history, breast density measurement and tests for genes (mutations and variations) linked to the development of breast cancer. Women who have the highest personal risk of developing breast cancer will receive more frequent screening, while women with a lower personal risk would receive less frequent screening. No woman will be screened less than is recommended by the USPSTF breast cancer screening guidelines. If this study is successful, women will gain a realistic understanding of their personal risk of breast cancer as well as strategies to reduce their risk, and fewer women will suffer from the anxiety of false positive mammograms and unnecessary biopsies. The investigators believe this study has the potential to transform breast cancer screening in America. Starting in Spring 2023, WISDOM's design shifted to remove the randomized option, but will continue with the preference/self-selection option for participation (WISDOM 2.0). Participants will therefore continue to choose their study arm (Personalized or Annual) rather than have the option to be randomized. This study design change was made after review of the WISDOM 1.0 data by an independent monitoring committee, which indicates that personalized screening does not cause harm. WISDOM 2.0 has also lowered the eligibility to ages 30-74. Women ages 30-39 will only be offered to join the Personalized Arm.
Recruiting1 award N/A4 criteria
Various Treatments
for Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients
The goal of this project is to rapidly screen promising agents, in the setting of an adaptive platform trial, for treatment of critically ill COVID-19 patients. In this phase 2 platform design, agents will be identified with a signal suggesting a big impact on reducing mortality and the need for, as well as duration, of mechanical ventilation.
Recruiting2 awards Phase 24 criteria
More about Laura Esserman, MD
Clinical Trial Related9 years of experience running clinical trials · Led 9 trials as a Principal Investigator · 6 Active Clinical TrialsTreatments Laura Esserman, MD has experience with
- Risk-based Breast Cancer Screening Schedule
- Amcenestrant + Abemaciclib
- Amcenestrant + Letrozole
- Cemiplimab
- Cemiplimab Plus REGN3767
- Oral Paclitaxel + Encequidar + Dostarlimab (TSR-042) + Carboplatin With Or Without Trastuzumab
Breakdown of trials Laura Esserman, MD has run
Breast Cancer
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
Lobular Carcinoma in Situ
Breast Cancer Screening
Cancer remission
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need insurance to participate in a trial?
Almost all clinical trials will cover the cost of the ‘trial drug’ — so no insurance is required for this. For trials where this trial drug is given alongside an already-approved medication, there may be a cost (which your insurance would normally cover).
What does Laura Esserman, MD specialize in?
Laura Esserman, MD focuses on Breast Cancer and Ductal Carcinoma In Situ. In particular, much of their work with Breast Cancer has involved Stage III patients, or patients who are Stage II.
Is Laura Esserman, MD currently recruiting for clinical trials?
Yes, Laura Esserman, MD is currently recruiting for 6 clinical trials in San Francisco California. If you're interested in participating, you should apply.
Are there any treatments that Laura Esserman, MD has studied deeply?
Yes, Laura Esserman, MD has studied treatments such as Risk-based Breast Cancer Screening Schedule, Amcenestrant + Abemaciclib, Amcenestrant + Letrozole.
What is the best way to schedule an appointment with Laura Esserman, MD?
Apply for one of the trials that Laura Esserman, MD is conducting.
What is the office address of Laura Esserman, MD?
The office of Laura Esserman, MD is located at: University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94115 United States. This is the address for their practice at the University of California, San Francisco.
Is there any support for travel costs?
The coverage of travel expenses can vary greatly between different clinical trials. Please see more financial detail in the trials you’re interested to apply.
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