Medical student presents cardio-oncology research at national conference

Saad Awan, left, poses with his father G. Mustafa
Awan, M.D., associate professor of internal medicine,
at the Class of 2024's White Coat Ceremony in June.

Saad Awan, a third-year medical student at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, recently presented his research in a virtual format at the American College of Cardiology meeting. His study assessed the risk factors for cardiovascular disease in triple-negative breast cancer patients.

Cardiovascular disease is responsible for increased morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that often requires potentially cardiotoxic chemotherapy. Thus, this population is at increased risk of damage to the heart muscle and worse outcomes compared with other breast cancer patients.

The retrospective study reviewed data from 121 triple-negative breast cancer patients at USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute. Data suggest that younger, Black women with TNBC are more likely to have hypertension and obesity. This identifies a subset of patients that are at higher risk of cardiotoxicity from chemotherapy, Awan said. 

“This study highlights the need for more in-depth assessments of health and racial disparities in cancer patients to improve outcomes as well as reduce cardiovascular disease risk,” Awan said.

Awan completed his research under Christopher Malozzi, D.O., associate professor of internal medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine and a cardiologist with USA Health.

“I had a great experience working with Dr. Malozzi,” he said. “As a mentor, he made my life easy by clearly laying expectations, being efficient with communication, and guiding me with purpose in every part of the process.”

Read the full study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: CardioOncology.