Dr. Mazurczak studies various types of cancer, particularly looking for new ways to enhance treatment effectiveness. His research includes exploring how certain drugs, like dasatinib and dichloroacetate, can be added to standard chemotherapy and radiation treatments. He also focuses on improving surgical outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer and implementing precision medicine strategies in community oncology settings. By studying the impacts of genetic testing on treatment decisions, Dr. Mazurczak aims to tailor therapies to individual patients for better overall results.
Key findings
In a trial with glioblastoma patients, the average survival time was 15.6 months for those receiving dasatinib compared to 19.3 months for those on placebo, indicating no survival benefit from dasatinib.
In head and neck cancer patients, the addition of dichloroacetate led to a complete response in 71.4% of patients, compared to 37.5% in the placebo group, although overall survival rates were similar.
For patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer, 74% of those who had surgery achieved complete tumor removal, significantly linked to better survival outcomes.
Using the Oncotype DX test, treatment recommendations changed for 45% of stage II colon cancer patients, allowing many to avoid unnecessary chemotherapy.
In a study on lung cancer, only 20% showed stable disease after treatment with triapine and gemcitabine, but patients with a specific genetic variant had better outcomes, with a median survival of 13.3 months.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Mazurczak study glioblastoma?
Yes, he researches treatments for glioblastoma and has explored drug combinations to improve patient survival.
What treatments has Dr. Mazurczak investigated for pancreatic cancer?
He has focused on standardizing treatment approaches for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer, improving surgical outcomes.
Is Dr. Mazurczak's work relevant to patients with head and neck cancer?
Yes, he has conducted studies that explore new drug combinations to enhance treatment effectiveness for head and neck cancer patients.
How does Dr. Mazurczak use genetic testing in his research?
He studies how genetic testing, such as the Oncotype DX test, can help personalize treatment decisions for cancer patients.
What side effects are associated with the treatments Dr. Mazurczak studies?
His research has highlighted various side effects of different treatments, including nausea, anemia, and decreased platelet counts, emphasizing the importance of managing these symptoms.
Publications in plain English
Final report on North Central Cancer Treatment Group N0877 (alliance): A phase II randomized, placebo-controlled trial of chemoradiotherapy with or without dasatinib for glioblastoma.
2025
Neuro-oncology
Breen WG, Dixon JG, Anderson SK, Sarkaria JN, Brown PD +10 more
Plain English This study looked at whether adding a drug called dasatinib to the standard treatment of radiation and chemotherapy helps patients with glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. It found that the average survival time was 15.6 months for those taking dasatinib compared to 19.3 months for those taking a placebo. In addition, patients taking dasatinib experienced more side effects like anemia and nausea, but there were also more severe cases of reduced white blood cells in the placebo group, showing that both treatments have risks.
Who this helps: This research is particularly relevant for patients with glioblastoma and their doctors as it clarifies that dasatinib does not offer additional survival benefits.
Phase II study of dichloroacetate, an inhibitor of pyruvate dehydrogenase, in combination with chemoradiotherapy for unresected, locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
2022
Investigational new drugs
Powell SF, Mazurczak M, Dib EG, Bleeker JS, Geeraerts LH +11 more
Plain English This study looked at adding a drug called dichloroacetate (DCA) to standard chemoradiotherapy for patients with difficult-to-treat head and neck cancer. Researchers found that while DCA led to more side effects like fevers and decreased platelet counts, it also improved the treatment's effectiveness, resulting in a complete response in 71.4% of patients taking DCA compared to 37.5% in the placebo group. However, the overall survival rates were similar for both groups.
Who this helps: This helps patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer by potentially improving their treatment outcomes.
Plain English This study focused on how to standardize the treatment of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer at Sanford Health, a large network of community oncology programs. From October 2013 to April 2017, out of 43 patients diagnosed with this type of cancer, 28 (65%) had surgery to explore their condition, and 19 (44%) could have their tumors removed. Importantly, 14 (74%) of those who had surgery achieved a complete removal of their cancer, which is linked to improved survival rates.
Who this helps: This helps patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer by providing clearer treatment options and improving surgical outcomes.
Delivering Precision Oncology in a Community Cancer Program: Results From a Prospective Observational Study.
2018
JCO precision oncology
Powell SF, Dib EG, Bleeker JS, Keppen MD, Mazurczak M +15 more
Plain English This study examined how a virtual tumor board could improve precision cancer treatment in a community setting. Over 18 months, 120 patients with advanced cancers were enrolled, and 90.8% had successful genetic profiling. The tumor board recommended new treatment options for 58% of those patients, with some entering clinical trials or receiving targeted therapies, which can lead to better outcomes.
Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients looking for personalized treatment options.
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: incidence and characteristics of persistent symptoms and future directions NCCTG N08C3 (Alliance).
2016
Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
Kottschade L, Novotny P, Lyss A, Mazurczak M, Loprinzi C +1 more
Plain English This study examined how common and severe nausea and vomiting are for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Out of 413 patients, about one-third experienced significant nausea, with 35% rating their nausea above 2.5 on a scale from 0 (no nausea) to 10 (worst nausea), and 49% needed extra medication to manage their symptoms. The findings show that certain groups, like younger patients or those getting specific types of chemotherapy, might be more likely to experience these side effects, highlighting the need for tailored treatment strategies.
Who this helps: This research helps cancer patients and healthcare providers better understand and manage chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
A decision-analytic approach to predict state regulation of hydraulic fracturing.
2014
Environmental sciences Europe
Linkov I, Trump B, Jin D, Mazurczak M, Schreurs M
Plain English This research looked at how different countries might regulate hydraulic fracturing, a method used to extract natural gas, based on their political, social, environmental, and economic priorities. The study found that countries could lean towards policies like open or limited fracturing, complete bans, or cap-and-trade systems depending on these factors. Understanding these potential regulations is important for companies investing in natural gas extraction, as it helps them navigate the risks and decision-making processes involved.
Who this helps: This benefits companies and policymakers involved in natural gas extraction.
Prospective multicenter study of the impact of oncotype DX colon cancer assay results on treatment recommendations in stage II colon cancer patients.
2014
The oncologist
Srivastava G, Renfro LA, Behrens RJ, Lopatin M, Chao C +8 more
Plain English This study looked at how the Oncotype DX colon cancer test affects treatment choices for patients with stage II colon cancer. It found that for 141 patients evaluated, doctors changed their treatment recommendations for 63 of them (45%), with many opting for less aggressive chemotherapy after reviewing test results. This is important because it shows that using this test can help avoid unnecessary chemotherapy for some patients, making treatment more personalized and effective.
Who this helps: Patients with stage II colon cancer.
Verrucous carcinoma of the esophagus: a potential diagnostic dilemma.
2013
Case reports in gastroenterology
Ahmed K, Timmerman G, Meyer R, Miller T, Mazurczak M +2 more
Plain English This study looks at a rare type of esophageal cancer called verrucous carcinoma, which is linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). Researchers examined a 58-year-old woman who had trouble swallowing and was found to have a large polyp-like mass in her esophagus. Despite initial biopsies showing no cancer, further tests revealed a serious condition, leading to a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery for treatment.
Who this helps: This helps patients with esophageal cancer and healthcare providers by providing insights into diagnosis and treatment options for this uncommon cancer type.
Phase II trial of vorinostat in combination with bortezomib in recurrent glioblastoma: a north central cancer treatment group study.
2012
Neuro-oncology
Friday BB, Anderson SK, Buckner J, Yu C, Giannini C +7 more
Plain English This study investigated the effectiveness of a combination treatment using two drugs, vorinostat and bortezomib, for patients with recurrent glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. Out of 37 patients, none were free of cancer progression after six months, and the average time patients stayed alive after starting treatment was just 3.2 months. These findings indicate that this combination therapy is not effective and should not be used for glioblastoma treatment.
Who this helps: This helps doctors by providing clarity on ineffective treatment options for glioblastoma patients.
A phase II trial of triapine (NSC# 663249) and gemcitabine as second line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Study 1503.
2010
Investigational new drugs
Traynor AM, Lee JW, Bayer GK, Tate JM, Thomas SP +4 more
Plain English This study was designed to test the effectiveness of two drugs, triapine and gemcitabine, in treating patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer that had returned after other treatments. Out of 18 patients, only 3 (20%) showed stable disease, while the median overall survival was 5.4 months. The findings highlight that this drug combination did not work well overall, but patients with a specific genetic variant (MDR1 C3435T) lived longer, with a median survival of 13.3 months compared to 4.3 months for those without it.
Who this helps: This research helps doctors understand how to personalize treatment for lung cancer patients based on their genetic makeup.
[Diagnostic value of cerebrospinal fluid oxyhemoglobin and bilirubin determination in cerebrovascular diseases].
1976
Neurologia i neurochirurgia polska
Dobosz I, Rafalowska J, Tomankiewicz Z, Mazurczak M
Plain English This study looked at the levels of two substances, oxyhemoglobin and bilirubin, in the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord of patients with brain hemorrhages and bleeding in the brain. Out of 46 patients with different types of hemorrhages, the researchers found that measuring these substances alone wasn't enough to clearly tell the difference between various types of brain bleeding. However, high levels of oxyhemoglobin and bilirubin could indicate the presence of bleeding in the fluid spaces, which can help support a diagnosis in some situations.
Who this helps: This research benefits doctors diagnosing brain injuries.