

Ep. 524 Collaborative Oncology: Surgeon’s Perspective and Role in Locoregional Therapy with Dr. Robert Martin
10 snips Mar 11, 2025
Dr. Robert Martin, Director of Surgical Oncology at the University of Louisville, is a trailblazer in liver-directed therapies and minimally invasive procedures. He shares insights on the importance of collaboration among oncology specialties for optimal patient care. The conversation dives into the evolution of liver cancer treatments and emerging clinical trials, highlighting innovative techniques like microwave ablation and irreversible electroporation. Dr. Martin emphasizes the need for a growth mindset and lifelong learning among young professionals in the field.
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Career Shift
- Dr. Martin's career path shifted after 9/11.
- He prioritized family, leading him to Louisville, where he built a surgical oncology program.
Path to Liver-Directed Therapies
- Dr. Martin's diverse patient base and the lack of established IR in Louisville drove him to liver-directed therapies.
- He aimed to provide more treatment options than just resection.
RFA to Microwave Ablation
- Dr. Martin transitioned from RFA to microwave ablation for better tumor ablation, especially in HCC cases.
- Microwave ablation required advanced laparoscopic and ultrasound skills.