SUMMARY
The research of Matthew T. Houdek, M.D., focuses on improving the care of patients with musculoskeletal cancer. Dr. Houdek's clinical work involves the care of patients with sarcoma and the treatment of patients with metastatic bone disease in the extremities and pelvis.
His research explores the outcomes of patients with upper extremity sarcomas and the care of pediatric, adolescent and young adult patients.
Dr. Houdek also focuses on the use of regenerative medicine techniques to reconstruct tissue that has been resected during an oncologic procedure. This includes bone, periosteum, muscle, tendons and skin.
Focus areas
- Dr. Houdek researches the outcomes of patients with sarcomas involving the upper extremity, with a specific focus on the shoulder girdle.
- He focuses on regenerative medicine, specifically mitigating the impact of radiation to bone and soft tissue, which can used to improve fractures and wound healing.
- Dr. Houdek researches improving biological reconstruction in pediatric, adolescent and young adult cancer patients.
- Dr. Houdek studies the care and function of patients with pelvic and sacral tumors.
Significance to patient care
Sarcomas are rare forms of cancer that can arise from bones and soft tissues. Sarcomas impact fewer than 20,000 patients per year, but account for over 7,000 cancer-related deaths per year.
Treatment for patients with sarcomas involves multidisciplinary care with radiation therapy and for some patients chemotherapy. Most patients with sarcomas require surgery. Since this is a rare form of cancer, research into this disease is limited.
Dr. Houdek's goal is to evaluate how outcomes of sarcoma patients can be improved. This includes functional reconstruction of volumetric muscle loss to maximize function and improving the rate of wound healing in the setting of radiotherapy.
In addition to treating patients with sarcoma, Dr Houdek also treats patients with metastatic disease that impacts the bone. With improvements in the treatment of patients with metastatic cancer, the incidence of skeletal-related events subsequently rises every year.
Currently over 400,000 patients in the United States have bony metastatic disease, and often patients need orthopedic intervention to maintain the ability to walk and use their arms. Patients often are treated with radiation to kill the tumor locally, but this has an impact on the blood supply to the underlying bone.
Dr. Houdek's team is investigating ways to regenerate and revascularize bone in the setting of radiation.
Professional highlights
- Chair, Instructional Course Lecture Committee in orthopedic oncology, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 2022-present.
- Mayo Fellows Association Teacher of the Year, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 2023.
- Best Clinical Paper, "Serum Metal Ion Concentration in the Setting of an Oncologic Endoprosthesis: Is There Cause for Concern?" annual meeting, International Society of Limb Salvage Surgery, 2022.
- Patrick J. Kelly Research Award, "Tendon Regeneration Potential through the Use of PEP," Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 2020.
- Best Clinical Paper, "Comparison of Reconstructive Techniques Following Oncologic Intraarticular Resection of Proximal Humerus," annual meeting, International Society of Limb Salvage Surgery, 2019.