Dr. Vandemark studies a range of conditions that involve bones, joints, and cancers. One of his major research areas is the effectiveness of immediate chemotherapy in women with advanced breast cancer that has spread to the bones, showing that quick treatment leads to better outcomes. He also investigates unique bone growth conditions, such as Bizarre Parosteal Osteochondromatous Proliferation (BPOP) and its diagnosis and treatment, as well as issues related to wrist conditions that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Additionally, he analyzes how different imaging techniques can improve the diagnosis of spine injuries, ensuring patients receive the appropriate treatment.
Key findings
Women with metastatic breast cancer treated immediately with high-dose chemotherapy had a median event-free survival of 12 months, compared to 4.3 months for those who waited for treatment.
For women receiving immediate treatment, overall survival was 2.97 years compared to 1.81 years for those with delayed treatment, although this difference was not statistically significant.
The case of a 67-year-old woman with pancarpal synovial chondromatosis showed significant improvement in symptoms after surgery, demonstrating that treating both nerve and growth issues can relieve wrist pain.
In the evaluation of severe spine trauma, CT scans are more effective than X-rays in assessing the extent of injuries, thus improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Vandemark study breast cancer treatments?
Yes, he has researched the effects of immediate chemotherapy in women with metastatic breast cancer that has spread to the bones.
What bone conditions does Dr. Vandemark investigate?
He studies conditions like Bizarre Parosteal Osteochondromatous Proliferation (BPOP) and other unique bone growth disorders.
Can Dr. Vandemark's work help with wrist pain?
Yes, his research on conditions like pancarpal synovial chondromatosis focuses on alleviating wrist pain associated with these disorders.
What imaging techniques does Dr. Vandemark focus on for spine injuries?
He analyzes the use of X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment of severe spine injuries.
Publications in plain English
Pancarpal Synovial Chondromatosis of the Wrist: A Case Report.
2025
JBJS case connector
Drazick A, Erie A, Askeland R, Anderson M, VanDemark R
Plain English This paper discusses a unique case of a 67-year-old woman who had a condition called pancarpal synovial chondromatosis in her wrist, which caused carpal tunnel syndrome. After she underwent surgery to relieve pressure on her median nerve and remove the abnormal tissue, her symptoms got better. This finding is important because it shows that treating both the nerve issue and the growths can successfully relieve pain and discomfort.
Who this helps: This benefits patients dealing with wrist pain and carpal tunnel syndrome linked to similar conditions.
Usual clinical presentation of bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation (BPOP) with unusual histology.
2013
South Dakota medicine : the journal of the South Dakota State Medical Association
Lynch DW, Jassim S, Donelan K, VanDemark R, Jassim AD
Plain English This study looked at a specific type of bone growth called Bizarre Parosteal Osteochondromatous Proliferation (BPOP), often found in the small bones of hands and feet. The researchers reported a case of a 35-year-old man who had a non-painful bump on his finger, which was found to be BPOP after surgical removal and analysis. The study highlights the importance of thorough medical checks and tests to properly identify this benign but sometimes aggressive condition, as it tends to come back even after being removed.
Who this helps: This helps patients with unusual bone lesions and their doctors in diagnosing and treating BPOP effectively.
A randomized phase III comparative trial of immediate consolidation with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell support compared to observation with delayed consolidation in women with metastatic breast cancer and only bone metastases following intensive induction chemotherapy.
2006
Bone marrow transplantation
Vredenburgh JJ, Madan B, Coniglio D, Ross M, Broadwater G +7 more
Plain English This study looked at whether giving high-dose chemotherapy right away, along with support from blood cell treatments, helps women with advanced breast cancer that has spread only to their bones. Researchers found that women who received immediate treatment had a longer median event-free survival of 12 months compared to just 4.3 months for those who waited for treatment until their cancer worsened, a difference that is very significant. While overall survival was slightly better for those who received immediate treatment (2.97 years versus 1.81 years), this difference was not statistically significant, meaning it may not be as impactful.
Who this helps: This research is beneficial for women with metastatic breast cancer that has spread only to their bones, as well as their doctors in deciding treatment plans.
Plain English The study looked at how doctors evaluate severe injuries to the upper and lower spine using different imaging techniques: X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. Researchers found that X-rays are used first to locate the injury, but CT scans are better at showing the full extent of the damage. MRIs are used when other tests do not explain the patient’s symptoms or when serious soft tissue injuries might be present. This matters because using the right imaging technique helps ensure that spine injuries are correctly identified and treated, which is crucial for recovery.
Who this helps: This helps patients with spine injuries by ensuring accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.