Monday, June 29 @ 6-7pm CT via Zoom

Join us for an engaging talk on an exciting new blood test called circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and how it may change the way we detect and monitor cancer. Learn how a simple blood draw can potentially identify cancer earlier than traditional scans, track how well treatments are working, and help guide personalized care decisions. This session will explore what this technology means for the future of cancer care. Whether you are a patient, survivor, or caregiver, this talk offers valuable insights into a rapidly advancing area of research that is shaping how we care for cancer.

Questions? Email program@gildasclubwi.org

Featured Speakers:

Vincent Ma, MD, specializes in medical oncology and hematology and treats patients with all forms of skin cancer, including skin cancer that has metastasized (spread) to other parts of the body.

A "40 Under 40 in Cancer" award recipient in 2022, Dr. Ma has advanced expertise in diagnosing and treating both early-stage tumors and complex, advanced-stage cutaneous skin cancers (cancers that develop in the outer layers of the skin). The specific types of skin cancers he treats include melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

In addition to being an associate professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Dr. Ma is involved in academic research. His work includes clinical trials to improve cancer care and outcomes and research focused on immunotherapy, targeted molecular therapies and genetic markers that may affect the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments.

Michael Wilson was diagnosed with stage IIIb melanoma in December 2021. As a software engineer specializing in radiation oncology quality assurance, Michael brings a unique perspective to his health experience, understanding both the clinical technology and the deeply personal reality of a cancer diagnosis. Under the care of Dr. Vincent Ma at the UW Health Carbone Cancer Center, Michael has participated in clinical trials for immunotherapy and a study evaluating innovative ctDNA blood testing—which he continues to use today as a vital tool for his ongoing care and surveillance. Michael is passionate about sharing his story to help other survivors and families navigate the evolving world of cancer care.