Triple-negative breast Cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer that disproportionately affects younger women and women of color. As awareness grows and research advances, clinical trials have become a crucial avenue for developing new treatments and improving outcomes for TNBC patients. During a recent discussion featuring breast cancer advocates and survivors, the importance of clinical trials in the fight against TNBC was highlighted.
Dr. Monique Gary, a breast cancer surgeon and advocate, emphasized the rapid progress in TNBC treatment options: “It’s no longer just, you know, we used to target the estrogen receptor, and then everybody else got got whatever else. We know that there is targeted and precision therapy available for TNBC.” This evolution in treatment approaches has been largely driven by clinical trials, which continue to explore new possibilities for TNBC patients.
Personal clinical trial experiences from TNBC survivors
Ricki Fairley, a TNBC survivor and advocate, stressed the importance of staying informed about clinical trial opportunities: “There’s so many good treatments now for triple negative that we didn’t have, that Melissa and I didn’t have, and even even you Toks. I’ve just come to the market because you were sick before Keytruda. Right? You didn’t even have Keytruda.”
Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is a significant breakthrough in TNBC treatment. This immunotherapy drug, approved by the FDA for certain TNBC patients, emerged from successful clinical trials and has since become a standard treatment option for eligible patients.
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Hayley Dinerman, Executive Director of the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, pointed out the ongoing nature of research: “We’re learning now, and that’s why my mom saved my life because she was bugging me to get a BRCA test, and I, you know, didn’t really understand the importance of it. And if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be sitting here.” This underscores the importance of genetic testing in identifying potential candidates for specific clinical trials and targeted therapies.
Addressing fears around clinical trials
The speakers also addressed the fear and misconceptions surrounding clinical trials. Toks Olagundoye, an actress and TNBC survivor, shared her perspective on treatment: “These treatments exist. It’s a good thing these treatments exist. That’s a benefit, actually. So being able to go through them is actually a fantastic thing.” This positive outlook can help patients view clinical trials as opportunities rather than last resorts.
Dr. Gary further elaborated on the importance of reframing how we think about cancer treatments, including clinical trials: “These treatments are not the death sentence. They’re the opportunity, right? I have the opportunity to and that reframing is a powerful tool that I don’t think we we don’t name it enough, and we don’t utilize it enough, but it can be very powerful to reframe things in that way.”
The discussion also touched on the political aspects of advancing TNBC research and treatment. Fairley and Dinerman shared their recent experience lobbying on Capitol Hill for TNBC awareness and action. They mentioned a bill being pushed forward by Congressman Joe Morelle, who lost his daughter to TNBC. This bill aims to “change how we screen for it, changing how the drugs are made, and get financial support from the government, you know, to educate people and to and to, you know, find a cure,” Fairley explained.
The importance of clinical trial inclusivity
As TNBC disproportionately affects women of color, their representation in trials is crucial for developing effective treatments for all patients. Fairley noted, “We’re gonna do, you know, more episodes this month, but there’s so many trials. So if you know anyone who needs a trial or is thinking about it, please send them our way.”
Dr. Gary summed up the collective sentiment about clinical trials and TNBC treatment: “Let me use every tool in my toolbox.” This approach encourages patients to consider all available options, including clinical trials, in their fight against TNBC.
As research continues to advance, clinical trials remain at the forefront of progress in TNBC treatment. They offer hope not only to current patients but also to future generations who may benefit from the discoveries made. By participating in or supporting clinical trials, patients, advocates, and healthcare professionals can collectively contribute to the ongoing battle against triple-negative breast cancer.
