Edward S. Kim, MD, inspired by how patients view ‘big picture’

Editor’s note: This is the latest article in HemOnc Today ’s “Meet the Board” series in which we profile members of our physician editorial board.

Edward S. Kim, MD, is chair of the department of solid tumor oncology at Levine Cancer Institute at Carolinas HealthCare System.

Kim also is a member of HemOnc Today’s Editorial Board. His clinical research focuses on aerodigestive tract cancers, most notably lung and head and neck cancers.

Edward S. Kim

Question: What research have you conducted that you are most proud of?

I started at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where I spent 12 years, and then moved to Levine Cancer Institute a little more than 3 years ago. The research that I am most proud of and feel has impacted clinical care the most has been the BATTLE (Biomarker integrated Approaches of Targeted Therapy for Lung cancer Elimination) study, published in 2011 in Cancer Discovery. This trial was the first of its kind to personalize treatment for patients with lung cancer. We mandated a new biopsy in patients who had already been diagnosed and previously treated with chemotherapy. Between 2007 and 2009, we enrolled and studied more than 250 patients in less than 3 years. Most importantly we proved that a new biopsy in a previously diagnosed patient was safe, feasible and highly useful, especially as the era of molecularly targeted therapy was just beginning in lung cancer treatment. We did not have any targeted therapies with druggable biologic targets until after 2009. Getting repeat biopsy in lung cancer patients is routine, and we no longer have to fight against people saying this is impossible and that we cannot do this.

Q: What inspired you to go into oncology?

A: I had very little interest in oncology until I started my internal medicine residency. What stimulated my interest were the patients. In my fourth month of residency, I did an oncology rotation and ― after interacting with the patients, including several that I still remember very fondly ― I really felt that they were a special group of patients with an ailment that gave them a different perspective in how they viewed “the big picture,” and it was inspiring. I felt like I could help patients with cancer, and this is not something I ever thought I could do because it was so pessimistic. But seeing someone with a terminal disease who was facing death and the way they handled it all and appreciated every little thing you did for them is what truly got me inspired. Before that point, I had never conducted any research in oncology as a medical student or resident. I was kind of a late bloomer.

Q: What are your thoughts on the evolution of immunotherapy and targeted treatments?

A: Immunotherapy has really opened the eyes of many people and, more importantly, non-cancer physicians. I feel it is important to note that, historically, there has always been this testament surrounding cancer patients and especially patients with lung cancer. We are able to give patients these targeted therapies as substitutes for chemotherapy and they actually do better and have fewer side effects. Hopefully this will continue to raise awareness in the primary care field and will lead to more referrals and optimism and more validation that we are making progress in oncology.

Q: Whom do you consider as your mentor?

A: I have been blessed to have had many great mentors over time. My father, David Kim, was a great role model to me and is someone who is always on my mind. Wuan Ki Hong, MD, FACP, DMSc(Hon.), recruited me into fellowship and into the field of head and neck and lung cancer. John Mendelsohn, MD, was president of MD Anderson who had great vision and was able to move the direction of such a great institution, and Scott M. Lippman, MD, was extremely instrumental in my success when I was faculty in the department. In the most recent chapter of my life at Levine Cancer Institute, Derek Raghavan, MD, PhD, FACP, FRACP, FASCO, has served as a mentor and role model of someone who has excelled in building hospital departments and systems over several decades.

Q: What is the biggest breakthrough that you have witnessed in your specialty during your career?

A: It would have to be the advent of cancer biomarkers with corresponding molecular-directed treatments. Discoveries such as EGFR mutations and ALK translocations in lung cancer have transformed the approach of solid tumor oncology patients dramatically.

Q: What do you think will be the biggest breakthrough in your specialty within the next 10 years?

A: The diagnosis of HIV was previously a death sentence for patients. After extensive research and awareness, the 5-year survival of folks with HIV has become similar to that of the general population. If we can get to this point in oncology, that would be awesome.

Q: What is the best advice that you have ever received?

A: Happy wife, happy life.

Q: What advice would you offer someone entering into your field?

A: Keep an open mind and work hard. Research happens between the hours of 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. Always remember that patients are our most valued and precious resource.

Q: If you hadn’t gone into the field of medicine, which career path would you have chosen?

A: A struggling athlete. I probably would have been that person ranked outside of the top 100 tennis players and struggling to qualify for tournaments.

Q: What do you do in your free time?

A: What is free time? Just kidding. I spend time with my family ― my wife, Florence, and my kids, Elyssa and Alex. I play tennis and golf, and I watch sporting events, whether it be football, basketball, baseball or tennis. My favorite teams are the Carolina Panthers ― given I live where they are from ― and the Chicago Bears, even though it is not a good year to say “da Bears.” I’m also a Clemson football fan this year.

Q: What is the last good book that you have read?

A: “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. It was recommended reading by the ASCO Leadership Development Program and I found it a nice read.

Q: What is your favorite travel destination?

A: Anywhere that doesn’t have a cellular or Internet signal.

Q: Which musical artist(s) and/or type of music are at the top of your playlist right now?

A: I listen to musicals all the time now because my wife and child love them. My son is in “The Lion King” at school, so that is all I am hearing right now. I am slowly adopting the “dab.”