How Biomarker Testing Changed my Cancer Treatment Plan
On November 30th, 2020 my world was turned upside down. On that evening I received a phone call from my primary care physician and heard those four dreaded words, “Yes Angela, it’s cancer.” My diagnosis was invasive ductal carcinoma with lymph node involvement. Thankfully, I had a connection with a breast surgeon and was able to have my initial appointment set for three days later.
That day, I met with my breast surgeon and medical oncologist, both of whom already had a plan in place. They explained to me that the biomarker results showed I was ER/PR negative and HER2 positive, which made me eligible for two targeted therapy drugs along with two chemotherapy drugs. I would have a port placed, six rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and then 12 additional rounds of targeted treatment after chemotherapy. They explained that the additional infusions of targeted therapy were to further reduce the risk of cancer recurrence by targeting specific cancer cells that chemo might not fully eliminate.
I was also told that my HER2 biomarker made me eligible to participate in a clinical trial. This clinical trial for HER2+ breast cancer allowed me the opportunity to receive a dendritic cell vaccine, which utilized my own white blood cells to create a personalized vaccine to be injected over six visits prior to chemotherapy and then four boosters after chemotherapy. The outcome of this clinical trial has allowed them to work towards FDA approval to treat those with HER2 biomarkers with their own personalized vaccine and targeted therapy. This approval might allow for a reduced need for general chemotherapy.
It was so important that I underwent biomarker testing so that my oncologist would be able to select the most effective targeted treatment. As a result, I’ve had a better outcome. I can proudly say that I am currently three years NED (No Evidence of Disease)! You can check out more details about my journey here.