SUMMARY
The research of hematologist Mazie Tsang, M.D., focuses on the care and research of older adults with lymphoid malignancies. She is triple trained in hematology-oncology, palliative medicine and aging research. Dr. Tsang explores the intersection of geriatrics, supportive care and lymphoid malignancies. She studies decision-making and supportive care interventions that preserve the quality of life, cognition and function of older adults with lymphoid malignancies.
Focus areas
- Decision-making for older adults with advanced cancers. Dr. Tsang uses quantitative and qualitative methods to identify how geriatrics and palliative care principles can influence the outcomes of older adults with advanced cancers. Her research centers on exploring decision-making about treatments, examining how preexisting patient factors affect outcomes and applying geriatrics principles to improve the care of older adults with cancer.
- Managing older adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). CLL mainly affects older adults and has been historically treated with chemoimmunotherapy. Dr. Tsang focuses on the optimal management of adults with CLL who are at least 80 years old at the time of frontline treatment and complications. One of these possible complications is Richter transformation, in which CLL may change into a new and more aggressive malignancy.
- Neurocognition and function in older adults with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). PCNSL often occurs in older adults, but treatment may harm their cognition and quality of life. Dr. Tsang's research of PCNSL strives to improve long-term management of older adults with PCNSL who also are frail and have other health conditions. She improves care by focusing on the role of maintenance therapies in PCNSL.
Significance to patient care
As a blood cancer specialist and researcher at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Dr. Tsang focuses on lymphoid malignancies and geriatric hematology. Her research connects geriatrics, supportive care and blood cancers. Dr. Tsang uses supportive care interventions to improve decision-making, communication, patient-reported outcomes and holistic care in older adults with blood cancers.
Professional highlights
- Member, Specialized Survivorship Group Lymphoid Malignancies Research Subcommittee, Mayo Clinic, 2024-present.
- American Society of Clinical Oncology:
- Co-chair, Palliative Care Community of Practice, 2023-present.
- Member, Education Committee Symptom Science, 2023-present.
- Member, Supportive Care Guideline Advisory Group, 2023-present.
- Member, American Society of Hematology Clinical Research Training Institute, 2023-2024.
- Teacher of the Year in Hematology-Oncology and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 2024.
- Participant and alumni co-leader, Research Methods in Supportive Oncology, Harvard University, 2021,2023.
- Attitude, Commitment, and Excellence Award, Internal Medicine Residency Program, Mayo Clinic, 2015-2017.
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii:
- Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, 2014.
- Gold Humanism Honor Society, 2013.