Dr. Jemma Buchalter is a Specialist Registrar in Oncology at St. Vincent’s University Hospital and a devoted trainee in the field of cancer research and clinical trials in Ireland. She combines a strong commitment to patient care with a forward-thinking approach to cancer innovation.
A graduate of University of Limerick, Dr. Buchalter earned her post graduate medical degree after completing an undergraduate degree in Medical Physiology at the University of Leicester. She has trained in leading academic hospitals across Ireland, gaining extensive experience in managing complex cancer cases and promoting clinical research from concept to bedside. She is also a fellow-in-training with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and a member of several key oncology networks.
Dr. Buchalter has authored and co-authored multiple publications and her research spans a diverse array of oncology topics but currently focuses on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer with the poorest prognosis when compared to hormone positive and HER2 positive breast cancer subtypes. The focus of Dr Buchalter’s current research is a translational project centred on identifying a predictive or prognostic signature in the blood or tissue of patients with TNBC to help guide treatment strategies.
Why Clinical Trials Matter
Through her active role in the UCD Cancer Trials Cluster, Dr. Buchalter is helping to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and clinical practice and working to enhance the relationship between scientific researchers and clinicians, a key component of translational research.
For Dr. Buchalter, clinical trials are not only about advancing future treatments, they are also a tool to improve care for patients today. Participation in trials often opens the door to cutting-edge drugs and tailored treatment plans that may outperform the current standard of care.
Focus on Immunotherapy and Quality of Life
A key area of Dr. Buchalter’s research is immunotherapy, which is an emerging promising pillar for cancer treatment. This breakthrough approach to cancer harnesses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer.
Throughout her training, Dr Buchalter has been involved in a number of clinical and translation trials investigating immunotherapy drug combinations for example evaluating the role of tremelimumab and durvalumab in people with liver cancer.. These trials aim to improve survival, but also how patients feel and function during treatment by measuring quality of life, side effects, and long-term benefits.
Learning from challenges
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted cancer services across the country, Dr. Buchalter was involved in research into virtual oncology clinics and how remote care worked for patients and staff.
These findings are now helping to shape more flexible, patient-friendly trial experiences, especially for people dealing with fatigue, mobility challenges, or long travel distances. This kind of work ensures that trials stay inclusive and accessible.
Driving the Future of Cancer Research in Ireland
Early career oncologists such as Dr. Jemma Buchalter, who stand at the intersection of cutting-edge research and frontline care, are contributing to a more accessible, patient-centred future for cancer treatment in Ireland.