Ann H. Partridge, MD, MPH

Ann H. Partridge, MD, MPH, founder and director, Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer, director, Adult Survivorship Program, senior physician, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, associate professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, discusses preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in young patients with breast cancer.

Fertility and fertility preservation are significant issues in young patients with breast cancer. One controversial area of this is PGD, a technology that determines whether a patient's embryo will harbor the same breast cancer predisposing mutant gene, such as 

, as the patient, Partridge explains. This is available and is a relatively safe proceudure; however, it is associated with financial and emotional stress. Patients must also undergo in vitro fertilization, Partridge says.

Societal and ethical issues also surround the procedure and, ultimately, what decision patients make with their embryo. Though PGD is a significant technological advancement in the field, it does remain controversial, she adds.

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Dr. Partridge on PGD in Young Patients With Breast Cancer

Ann H. Partridge, MD, MPH, Founder and Director, Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer, Director, Adult Survivorship Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, gives an overview of the Adult Survivorship Program.

In the program at Dana-Farber, Partridge is looking to provide all cancer survivors with more comprehensive care from the beginning through their long-term survivorship.

The program focuses on issues that are related to the aftermath of cancer and cancer treatment such as long-term or late toxicities, optimization of health behaviors, and emotional well-being. Further, care coordination is important for patients to receive streamlined, comprehensive care and are not seeing too many providers.

Ann H. Partridge, MD, MPH, from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, gives an overview of the Adult Survivorship Program.

Author | Ann H. Partridge, MD, MPH

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Dr. Partridge on PGD in Young Patients With Breast Cancer

Dr. Partridge on Dana-Farber's Adult Survivorship Program