Stephanie Maciejewski, of Grafton, has always been faithful about getting pelvic exams and Pap tests. When she learned she had advanced cervical cancer, the 42-year-old mother of three was shocked.
Stephanie’s obstetrician-gynecologist, Anne Lipinski, MD, diagnosed the cancer and referred her to the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Network and William Bradley, MD, gynecologic oncologist and MCW faculty member. He called Stephanie to say he was reviewing her case and wanted to meet immediately.
“After that call, I felt 10 times better,” Stephanie said. “I knew Dr. Lipinski led me to the right team.”
A pelvic MRI and PET scan revealed Stephanie’s cancer had spread beyond her cervix to a nearby lymph node, making it stage IIIC1. After an appointment with Dr. Bradley, Stephanie and her husband met with Beth Erickson, MD, radiation oncologist and MCW faculty member. The two physicians discussed the case with the gynecologic cancer tumor board — a team of experts from each discipline. All agreed Stephanie would benefit from a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy given in the same five-week period.
“Stephanie’s plan involved a once-a-week infusion of a chemotherapy drug called cisplatin, which makes radiation therapy more effective at destroying cancer cells,” Dr. Erickson said.
Following external beam radiation to the pelvis, Stephanie had MRI-guided brachytherapy. An applicator containing radioactive material was placed close to the tumor, where it delivered a high dose of radiation during five outpatient procedures.
Cervical Cancer Clinical Trial Eligibility
Tests showed that Stephanie had the human papilloma virus (HPV), a common infection that causes most cervical cancers. Because she had a specific type, HPV 16, she was eligible for a clinical trial of a targeted therapy drug being studied to see if it enhances the effect of chemoradiation.
When Dr. Bradley first mentioned the clinical trial, Stephanie was unsure. However, after reading about the benefits of clinical trials and talking with her husband, she agreed to participate. Two weeks before she began chemoradiation, she received an infusion of the study drug. The trial also involved additional biopsies to track the drug’s effect on the cancer.
An Unexpected Turn with Another Cancer Diagnosis
The cervical cancer diagnosis was challenging, but as Stephanie was preparing for treatment, a routine mammogram showed suspicious areas in her right breast. A biopsy revealed she had ductal carcinoma in situ, a second and unrelated cancer. Dr. Bradley connected Stephanie with breast cancer specialists Caitlin Patten, MD, surgical oncologist and MCW faculty member, and Adam Currey, MD, radiation oncologist and MCW faculty member. They had reassuring news.
“Stephanie had stage 0 cancer, which is not super aggressive,” Dr. Patten said. “This is why we strongly encourage mammograms — to find cancer as early as possible when there are more treatment options and the best chance for a good outcome.”
Expertise and Collaboration
Stephanie’s four cancer specialists agreed she should complete cervical cancer treatment before addressing the breast cancer. Stephanie had a lumpectomy to remove the breast cancer. After some recovery time, she completed radiation therapy on her breast. Her medical team is pleased with the outcome of the treatments for both cancers.
“Stephanie had an outstanding tumor response,” Dr. Bradley said. “She will be followed closely for at least five years with regular exams and imaging.”
A team approach, treatment coordination and access to a clinical trial made the Cancer Network the right choice for Stephanie. It offers the largest cancer clinical trials treatment program in Wisconsin.
“I’m glad to be able to help future patients,” she said. “And I’m grateful for the compassionate care I received from my team. They make you part of their family and go above and beyond for you.”
