Breast Cancer: From Diagnosis to Innovative Care | MediVoice

Set your timer for two minutes. In just that brief moment, a life-altering event occurs: someone is diagnosed with breast cancer . This mere snapshot of time, often passing by unnoticed, marks a pivotal change in the lives of patients across the globe. Even as you read through this newsletter, it will happen once or twice more.

In the U.S., 1 out of 8 women are expected to receive a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. This daunting statistic shows its overwhelming pervasiveness, surpassing all other forms of cancer. As we reflect on Breast Cancer Awareness Month and look toward the future, we honor those embarking on this unfathomable journey. Their stories and experiences reinforce the urgency for research advancements and compassionate care.?

In the face of this threat, our industry must make strides, not just steps; we have to act decisively and without delay. Time is of the essence, and patient-first approaches are our guiding star.

Against All Odds: Defeating the Diagnosis

For Karen Peterson , the diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic breast cancer marked the start of a challenging, transformative path. Every minute was precious, with each second more critical than the last. The clock was ticking and she had to move quickly, enrolling in a clinical trial just 12 weeks after receiving a 4% survival prognosis.

The journey was anything but easy, and her initial care team overlooked the potential of trials. Undeterred, Karen took charge, diving headfirst into the world of clinical research and learning every step of the way as she sought a new team that would support her.

Her experience is an inspiring story of exceptional courage and resilience. She faced her diagnosis with remarkable determination, battling near-zero odds to emerge victorious—a testament to the inherent strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Walk a Mile in their Shoes: The Patient Experience

True empathy in healthcare demands a deep understanding of patients' real experiences, from the shock of diagnosis to the complexities of treatment and the emotional journey in between. It's about engaging directly, immersing ourselves in their worlds and walking alongside them every step of the way.?

Medidata’s Patient Insights Board is pivotal in this mission, shaping our clinical research approaches with vital perspectives. In this article , Sheila Johnson and Anne Marie Mercurio share invaluable advice for those facing breast cancer and participating in breast cancer clinical trials, reflecting on the industry’s evolution since their journeys began as patient advocates.

Redefining Hope in the Race Against Time

A patient-centric approach transcends the discovery of novel treatments. It involves revisiting and reevaluating what was once dismissed, unlocking hidden possibilities in existing therapies.

For patients grappling with metastatic breast cancer (MBC)—a form in which the cancer spreads to other parts of the body—the urgency for effective breast cancer treatment escalates dramatically. Historically, MBC patients were categorized based on the presence of a specific protein as either HER2-positive or HER2-negative. This spelled out each patients’ future; they were either candidates for a specific therapy, or would unfortunately be relegated to the existing standard of care. With the emergence of HER2-low, a new breast cancer classification, patients previously facing a lack of options may benefit from therapies previously exclusive to their counterparts.

While this discovery introduces new challenges, it primarily represents an important and promising next chapter for these patients. Listen to the full podcast with Medidata’s Elizabeth Lamont, MD, MS and Dana Farber Cancer Institute ’s Paolo Tarantino , and read more about this vital development creating hope for patients across the globe.

Knowledge is Power: Patient Registries and the Race Against Time

We’ve discussed the critical role time plays for patients, and explored the triumphant stories of those battling it. But we must always ask ourselves: how can we accelerate, ease, and facilitate these journeys? How can we save days, weeks, even months of uncertainty and emotional strife? One important solution is the concept of Patient Registries. This tool—simple yet revolutionary—answers the daunting question many patients face post-diagnosis: "What's next?"

Medidata’s VP of Decentralized Trials Kelly McKee highlights how this technology empowers patients by offering essential information and control over their treatment options, breaking the cycle of being treated as transactional subjects. The benefits don’t end with patients—read more here .

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Linnea Olson

As we continue building a better future for patients, it is crucial that we remember those whose journeys have ended prematurely. Their experiences must be woven into the very fabric of the healthcare landscape, ensuring their legacies endure forever.

Linnea Olson, a beloved patient advocate and co-founder of Medidata’s Patient Insights Board, ultimately lost her life to lung cancer in 2021. She had no shortage of hope as she participated in trial after trial, never giving up. Unfortunately, as often is the case, the only thing Linnea did not have enough of was time. While a cure for her condition could not be discovered during her battle, every second she spent fighting will never be forgotten.

It’s in her honor that we established the Linnea Olson Award for Patient Advocate of the Year, an opportunity to recognize patients who, like Linnea, have tirelessly pursued a better, healthier future. This year, we were proud to award Trialbee 's Jamie Goldfarb , a stage 4 melanoma survivor who has dedicated herself to empowering and educating patients about clinical trials. Learn more about this award and Linnea’s story in the video above.