Lisa

Lisa

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

“In the world of oncology, every patient story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the relentless pursuit of healing. One particular case of this stands out among my 40 years in oncology and took place in 2006—a young woman pregnant with her first child, received a daunting diagnosis: a left breast mass with lymph node involvement, identified as triple-negative breast cancer. The situation was further complicated by lung metastasis revealed through a chest X-ray,” said Dr. Joyce O’Shaughnessy, Disease Chair, Breast Cancer Research Executive Committee, Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI); Baylor University Medical Center, Texas Oncology, Dallas, TX.

Lisa, then 37, delivered a healthy baby girl —now a young woman in college.

Soon after delivery, Lisa began her cancer journey.

"When I was diagnosed, I was given only a 10% chance of survival. Triple-negative breast cancer is highly aggressive, with five-year survival rates trailing behind other breast cancer types. At the time, my form of cancer represented just 11% of all cases. Confronted with these daunting odds as a new mother, it was an unbelievably challenging period. Yet, here I am, almost 20 years later – a testament to resilience and hope!" shared Lisa.

Lisa enrolled on an investigator-initiated clinical trial at Texas Oncology in 2006. She had a remarkable response, experiencing only a manageable follicular skin rash controlled by antibiotics.

Over time, Lisa displayed a full clinical response – the breast mass, effected lymph nodes and lung metastasis disappeared. Opting for a lumpectomy, she achieved a pathologic complete response, followed by radiation therapy. It was a triumph, and for a time, she enjoyed the freedom from chemotherapy, relying solely on maintenance drugs.

In 2008, surveillance via CT scan revealed a recurrence of lung metastasis. In a collaborative effort with the study sponsor, permission was granted to reinduce her treatment, leading to approximately four cycles. Since then, maintenance therapy has kept her free of disease.

In the years that followed, increased screening uncovered a genetic mutation, prompting a bilateral mastectomy as a preventive measure. Yet, despite these hurdles, she remains in complete response, a testament to the evolving understanding of cancer mutations.

“Reflecting on this journey, I am humbled by the privilege of being part of such a profound success story. It underscores the vital importance of the research we dedicate ourselves to each day. Her story is a beacon of hope, a reminder of the power of medicine and the human spirit,” said Dr. O’Shaughnessy.