In September 2016, Marilynn Hoffmann visited the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Breast Care Center at Froedtert Hospital campus for her yearly screening mammogram. When the scan found a suspicious area in her left breast, the routine changed. A biopsy indicated stage I breast cancer.
Marilynn was connected quickly with a multidisciplinary team of breast cancer specialists who suggested options. Since her cancer was found early, she was a good candidate for breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), coupled with radiation therapy. Research shows this approach is as effective as mastectomy in controlling cancer.
They also recommended a clinical trial with radiation therapy in five daily sessions instead of the standard 16. Fewer sessions can mean less life disruption and possibly fewer treatment-related expenses for patients.
“When my doctors explained the trial, I thought ‘why not?’” Marilynn said. “I really liked the possibility of reducing the time needed for that part of my treatment.”
Clinical Trial Offers Advantages
Clinical trials allow researchers to explore and evaluate new treatment options that may be more effective than standard treatment. Froedtert & MCW cancer physicians are actively involved in major cooperative group trials funded by the National Cancer Institute and available at academic medical centers nationwide. They also design trials available only through the Froedtert & MCW Cancer Network. The clinical trial Marilynn joined was unique to the Cancer Network.
“For most women with early-stage breast cancer, the standard approach is lumpectomy followed weeks later with radiation therapy to the entire breast,” said Carmen Bergom, MD, PhD, radiation oncologist and MCW faculty member. “But in this trial, we deliver radiation therapy to just part of the breast — the highest-risk area — about a month before surgery.”
According to Adam Currey, MD, radiation oncologist and MCW faculty member, this approach may offer breast cancer patients several advantages.
“First, it is always easier to treat an intact tumor than an area where the tumor has been surgically removed,” he said. “Second, with presurgery radiation therapy, we can use MRI to define the area targeted for treatment and deliver the radiation therapy dose more accurately.”
The clinical trial could show that preoperative radiation therapy will control cancer as effectively as the standard approach. “It may also lead to fewer long-term side effects,” Dr. Currey said.
“The trial will help us determine which types of tumors respond better to radiation therapy,” Dr. Bergom said. “That would allow us to further personalize treatment for patients with different types of tumors.”
Generous Spirit
Marilynn received the shortened course of radiation therapy at the Clinical Cancer Center at Froedtert Hospital campus in October 2016. Weeks later, she had breast-conserving surgery with Tina Yen, MD, MS, surgical oncologist and MCW faculty member. Dr. Yen removed the tumor and pathology tests showed only minimal cancer cells left in the tumor and no cancer cells in the tissue around the tumor, indicating successful treatment.
Marilynn now sees Sailaja Kamaraju, MD, medical oncologist and MCW faculty member, who manages her health and the medications she takes to keep the cancer from returning. Regular monitoring shows no return of disease.
“Because the treatment was so noninvasive and went so well, sometimes I even forget I had cancer,” Marilynn said.
Dr. Currey expressed admiration for Marilynn’s great attitude and generous spirit. “Winning the fight against cancer will not come from a miracle drug that we find one day,” he said. “It will come from the incremental improvements we make because people like Marilynn are willing to take part in clinical trials.”
Need a Mammogram? Try Easy Online Scheduling.
We're making it easier than ever for women to book a mammogram using online appointment scheduling. Finding breast cancer early with a mammogram is important because it saves lives and prevents women from dying of breast cancer. A mammogram can find breast cancer before it is big enough to feel during a self-exam. All of our breast screening locations offer 3-D mammograms. And because it matters who interprets your mammogram, radiologists at Froedtert & MCW hospitals, health centers and Center for Diagnostic Imaging focus solely on breast imaging. Because of their specialized training, our radiologists are experienced in finding even the most subtle signs of breast cancer on your mammogram. Talk with your doctor about having this important screening every year starting at age 40.
