Robin Love, diagnosed with an aggressive form of HER2-positive breast cancer 18 years ago, credits a clinical trial at The University of Kansas Cancer Center for her survival and improved quality of life. This highlights the significant advancements in cancer research, transforming once-deadly breast cancers into survivable conditions.
Evolving Understanding of Breast Cancer
Carol Fabian, M.D., director of the Breast Cancer Prevention and Survivorship Research Center, emphasizes that breast cancer is not a single disease but many, each originating in the breast. Approximately 70% to 80% of breast cancers are estrogen-driven and respond well to treatment. However, 20% to 30% involve growth factors like HER2, making them more aggressive and often affecting younger and older patients.
The Role of Clinical Trials
Love's participation in a clinical trial targeting her specific HER2-positive cancer was pivotal. "In 2006 when she was diagnosed, we didn’t know all the ins and outs about HER2-positive (cancers), but we did know that a tumor like hers was very aggressive," Fabian said. This trial allowed her to see her children graduate high school and become a grandmother, milestones she might have missed without the targeted treatment.
Advances in Detection and Treatment
Since Dr. Fabian began her oncology career in 1975, early detection, new drugs, and prevention strategies have dramatically increased survivorship. "The bottom line is that the stage of disease at diagnosis has gone down, down, down and the survival rate has gone up, up, up, and people’s treatment, importantly, is now tailored not only to the stage but to the type of cancer they have. That is called precision medicine," Fabian noted.
Focus on Prevention and Risk Assessment
Fabian's current research focuses on prevention and survivorship trials. "I’m very interested now in prevention and survivorship trials," she said. "I want to know what we can do to assess who is at higher risk and what we can do to intervene and lower that risk."
Accessing Clinical Trials
Patients are encouraged to explore clinical trial options through resources like clinicaltrials.gov and the KU Cancer Center app. "I will guarantee you that doctors can’t know everything about every clinical trial or what all clinical trials are available," Fabian advises. Patients can use the KU Cancer Center Clinical Trial Finder app to learn more about cancer clinical trials and determine their eligibility.
The Future of Cancer Research
The ultimate goal is to prevent cancer development in individuals with precancerous cells. "Now what we’re trying to do is breach that last barrier and prevent people who have precancerous cells in their body from developing cancer in the first place," Fabian stated. This proactive approach aims to further reduce the burden of breast cancer and improve patient outcomes.
