Cristina.M.Merkhofer@medstar.net
1. PERSONAL INFORMATION
A. Education:
Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania, College of Arts and Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, 2004-2008, Biology, Cum laude
Graduate Education: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 2008-2010, Department of International Health, Program in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control
Medical Education: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 2010-2014, MD
Internship: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 2014-2015, Global Health and Underserved Populations track, Department Chair: Mark Gladwin, MD
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 2015-2017, Global Health and Underserved Populations track, Department Chair: Mark Gladwin, MD
Fellowship: University of Washington/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Divisions of Hematology and Oncology, Seattle, WA, 2017-2020, Division Chairs: Janis Abkowitz, MD (Hematology) and Nancy Davidson, MD (Oncology)
B. Professional Experience:
Medical Oncologist, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Washington, DC, 2024-present
Clinical Assistant Professor, West Virginia University Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Morgantown, WV, 2024
Associate Medical Director, Flatiron Health, Research Oncology/Real World Evidence, New York, NY, 2022-2023
Assistant Professor, University of Washington Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Seattle, WA, 2021-2022
Assistant Professor, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division and Public Health Sciences Division, Seattle, WA, 2021-2022
Acting Instructor, University of Washington Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Seattle, WA, 2020-2021
ACGME Fellow, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, WA, 2020-2021
Attending Physician, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Thoracic Head & Neck Clinical Group, Seattle, WA, 2020-2022
C. Licensure:
State: Maryland
License No: D0101468
Initial Date: 08/13/2024
Renewal/Expiration Date: 09/30/2025
State: District of Columbia
License No: MD500002403
Initial Date: 10/11/2023
Renewal/Expiration Date: 12/31/2024
State: West Virginia
License No: PMD 33420
Initial Date: 01/10/2024
Renewal/Expiration Date: 06/30/2025
D. Certification:
Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine Certification
Date of Certification: 08/21/2017
Date of Re-certification: 12/31/2027
Sub-Specialty Board: American Board of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology Certification
Date of Certification: 10/20/2020
Date of Re-certification: 12/31/2030
Sub-Specialty Board: American Board of Internal Medicine, Hematology Certification
Date of Certification: 10/10/2024
Date of Re-certification: 12/31/2034
E. Languages Spoken:
English (fluent), Spanish (intermediate proficiency)
2. RESEARCH AND SCHOLARLY ACTIVITIES
A. Publications:
i. Original Papers in Refereed Journals
- Merkhofer CM, Eastman B, Densmore I, Halasz LM, McGranahan T, Baik C. Systemic treatment patterns and outcomes in patients with EGFR mutated non-small cell lung cancer and leptomeningeal disease. Clinical Lung Cancer. 2022 Jul;23(5):446-455. doi: 10.1016/j.cllc.2022.03.013. Epub 2022 Apr 29. PubMed PMID: 35610115.
- Merkhofer CM, Chennupati S, Sun Q, Eaton KD, Martins RG, Ramsey SD, Goulart BHL. Effect of clinical trial participation on costs to payers in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. JCO Oncology Practice. 2021 Aug;17(8):e1225-1234. doi: 10.1200/OP.20.01092. PubMed PMID: 34375561; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8360452.
- Merkhofer CM, Baik C. Durable resolution of leptomeningeal disease with osimertinib and pemetrexed in EGFR mutated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. JTO Clinical and Research Reports. 2021 Apr 25;2(6):100177. doi: 10.1016/j.jtocrr.2021.100177. PubMed PMID: 34590025; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8474424.
- Merkhofer CM, Eaton KD, Martins RG, Ramsey SD, Goulart BHL. Impact of clinical trial participation on survival of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Clinical Lung Cancer. 2021 Nov;22(6):523-530. doi: 10.1016/j.cllc.2021.04.003. Epub 2021 Apr 22. PubMed PMID: 34059474; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8531178.
ii. Reviews or Editorials in Refereed Journals
- Uy NF, Merkhofer CM, Baik CS. HER2 in non-small cell lung cancer: a review of emerging therapies. Cancers (Basel). 2022 Aug 27;14(17):4155. doi: 10.3390/cancers14174155. PubMed PMID: 36077691; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC9454740.
iii. Books or Chapters in Books (indicate if refereed)
None
vi. Other Publications
- Merkhofer C, Maslow J. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection and non-cervical oncogenic disease states. Virology & Mycology. 2015 Jun 16;4(2): 1000144. doi: 10.4172/2161-0517.1000144.
- Merkhofer C. Healer’s Journey - On (not) being the miracle. University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Quarterly Magazine. 2013;15(2):39.
v. Abstracts for Conference papers and posters
- Uy NF, Ng K, Voutsinas JM, Wu V, Merkhofer CM, Tseng D, Giustini NP, Lee S, Baik CS, Santana-Davila R, Eaton KD, Rodriguez CP. Socioeconomic factors and outcomes among patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer receiving immunotherapy. Poster presentation at 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology Quality Care Symposium, Chicago, IL, September 2022.
- Merkhofer CM, Chennupati S, Sun Q, Eaton KD, Martins RG, Ramsey SD, Goulart BH. Costs to healthcare payers associated with clinical trial (CT) participation in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Oral presentation at 2020 American Society of Clinical Oncology Quality Care Symposium, virtual meeting, October 2020.
- Merkhofer C, Eastman B, Densmore I, Baik C, Halasz L, McGranahan T. Presentation and radiographic characteristics of leptomeningeal disease in non-small cell lung cancer. Poster presentation at 2020 North America Conference on Lung Cancer, virtual meeting, October 2020.
- Eastman BM, Merkhofer C, Densmore B, Baik C, Halasz L, McGranahan T. Clinical presentation and imaging characteristics of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC) in patients with EGFR mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Poster presentation at 2020 Society for NeuroOncology Conference on Brain Metastases, virtual meeting, August 2020.
- Merkhofer CM, Chennupati S, Sun Q, Eaton KD, Martins RG, Ramsey SD, Goulart BH. Cost implications of clinical trial (CT) participation in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Poster presentation at 2020 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, virtual meeting, May 2020.
- Merkhofer CM, Eaton KD, Martins RG, Ramsey SD, Goulart BH. Potential impact of clinical trial (CT) participation on survival of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Poster presentation at 2019 American Society of Clinical Oncology Quality Care Symposium, San Diego, CA, September 2019.
- Merkhofer C, Sylvester S, Zmuda M, Jonassaint J, De Castro LM, Kato GJ, Butters MA, Novelli EM. The impact of cognitive function on adherence to hydroxyurea therapy in patients with sickle cell disease. Poster presentation at 2016 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, December 2016.
B. Research Funding:
i. Current Active
None
ii. Submitted (Not yet funded)
None
iii. Previous
Agency: Stork Petersdorf Lung Cancer Research Award
Title of Project: A Real-World Comparison of Initial Chemotherapy +/- Immunotherapy-based Treatment Regimens in EGFR+ Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Dates of Project Period: 05/2020-05/2022
Corresponding PI: Cristina Merkhofer
Total Direct plus Indirect Costs over all years of award: $60,000
Role on Project: Principal Investigator
Agency: American Society of Clinical Oncology Conquer Cancer Foundation - Merck & Co, Inc Young Investigator Award
Title of Project: Chemotherapy and Pembrolizumab Versus Pembrolizumab Monotherapy for Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with PD-L1 Tumor Proportion Score Greater Than or Equal to 1%: A Real-World Evidence Study
Dates of Project Period: 07/2020-12/2021
Corresponding PI: Cristina Merkhofer
Total Direct plus Indirect Costs over all years of award: $50,000
Role on Project: Principal Investigator
Agency: PhRMA Foundation Research Starter Grant in Health Outcomes Research
Title of Project: Chemotherapy and Pembrolizumab Versus Pembrolizumab Monotherapy for Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with PD-L1 Tumor Proportion Score Greater Than or Equal to 1%: A Real-World Evidence Study
Dates of Project Period: Awarded 05/2020; declined award due to overlap with Conquer Cancer Foundation Young Investigator Award
Corresponding PI: Cristina Merkhofer
Total Direct plus Indirect Costs over all years of award: $100,000
Role on Project: Principal Investigator
C. Invited Lectures:
- Lecture, University of Washington Hematology/Oncology Fellow 101 Series, Lung Cancer 101, Seattle, WA, August 2022.
- Lecture, Binaytara Foundation Checkpoint Inhibitors in Lung Cancer Conference, Immunotherapy for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, Everett, WA, March 2022.
- Lecture, University of Washington Internal Medicine Resident Noon Seminar Series, Lung Cancer for the Internist, virtual, February 2022.
- Panel, Radiological Society of North America 107th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, Lung, Mediastinum, Pleura – Case-based Multidisciplinary Review, virtual, November 2021.
- Lecture, University of Washington Internal Medicine Resident Noon Seminar Series, Lung Cancer for the Internist, virtual, October 2021.
- Lecture, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance 12th Annual Virtual Comprehensive Hematology and Oncology Review Course, Small Cell Lung Cancer, virtual, September 2021.
- Lecture, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance 12th Annual Virtual Comprehensive Hematology and Oncology Review Course, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, virtual, September 2021.
- Lecture, University of Washington Hematology/Oncology Fellow 101 Series, Lung Cancer 101, Seattle, WA, July 2021.
- Lecture, Binaytara Foundation Molecular Targeted Therapies in Lung Cancer Conference, Epidemiology of Molecular Alterations in Lung Cancer, virtual, July 2021.
- Lecture, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Thoracic Head and Neck Seminar, Leveraging Real World Data to Inform Care Delivery in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Seattle, WA, December 2020.
- Lecture, Johns Hopkins Upper Aerodigestive Cancer Program Seminar, Leveraging Real World Data to Inform Care Delivery in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, virtual, December 2020.
- Lecture, Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research Work in Progress Series, Costs to healthcare payers associated with clinical trial participation in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, virtual, October 2020.
- Lecture, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Lung Cluster Meeting, Costs to healthcare payers associated with clinical trial participation in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, virtual, September 2020.
- Lecture, University of Washington Hematology/Oncology Fellow 101 Series, Lung Cancer 101, Seattle, WA, July 2020.
- Lecture, University of Washington Division of Hematology Grand Rounds, Lessons in Postmarketing Surveillance, Seattle, WA, January 2020.
- Lecture, University of Washington Hematology/Oncology Fellow 101 Series, Cancer of Unknown Primary, Seattle, WA, September 2019.
- Lecture, Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research Work in Progress Series, Chemotherapy and Pembrolizumab Versus Pembrolizumab Monotherapy for Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with PD-L1 Tumor Proportion Score ≥ 50%: A Real-World Evidence Study, Seattle, WA, August 2019.
- Lecture, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Lung Cluster Meeting, Value of Clinical Trial Participation in Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Seattle, WA, July 2019.
- Lecture, University of Washington Hematology/Oncology Fellow Solid Tumor Conference, Thymoma, Seattle, WA, April 2019.
- Lecture, University of Washington Division of Hematology Grand Rounds, Evans Syndrome in Adults, Seattle, WA, March 2019.
- Lecture, University of Washington Division of Hematology Grand Rounds, Psychosocial Screening Before Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Seattle, WA, March 2018.
D. Editorships, Editorial Boards, and Reviewing Activities
Ad hoc peer reviewer for manuscripts submitted to:
2022: JCO Oncology Practice
2021: JCO Oncology Practice, Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
3. TEACHING, MENTORING, AND ADVISING
A. Teaching Activities
i. Medical School Courses
None
ii. Medical School Clerkships
None
iii. Graduate Biomedical Education Courses
None
iv. Undergraduate Courses
None
v. Teaching Recognition/Awards
None
B. Mentoring:
None
4. SERVICE
A. University Service:
i. Department
None
ii. School
None
iii. University
None
B. MedStar or Hospital Service
1/2025 – present: MedStar Washington Hospital Center Committee on Cancer
C. Professional Service:
None
5. HONORS AND AWARDS
Conquer Cancer Merit Award, American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2020
January Consultant of the Month, University of Washington Department of Medicine, 2018
Honors in Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 2014
Katherine Kulak Scholarship, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 2014
Biology Honors, University of Pennsylvania College of Arts and Sciences, 2008
Dean’s List, University of Pennsylvania College of Arts and Sciences, 2007-2008
6. PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP
2021-2022, Member, Southwest Oncology Group
2020-present, Member, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer
2017-present, Member, American Society of Clinical Oncology
2017-2020, Member, American Society of Hematology
I certify that this curriculum vitae is a current and accurate statement of my professional record.
Signature:__________________________ Date:________________________