BREASTMATTERS - A BETTER WAY Inside - Johns Hopkins Medicine
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THE JOHNS HOPKINS KIMMEL CANCER CENTER
BREAST MATTERS 2020/2021
[Inside]
A BETTER WAY
Harnessing the Power of Breast Cancer Prevention
WOMEN’S WELLNESS
ANGELA’S STORY
AND MUCH MORE
THE JOHNS HOPKINS KIMMEL CANCER CENTER
BREAST 2020/2021
MATTERS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Retreat: A Journey of Courage and
Hope for Women with Metastatic
Breast Cancer
April 12-14, 2020
page 2 Support Groups, webinars and more
Women’s on page 12
Wellness
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page 4 Cancer News Review: HopkinsKimmel.libsyn.com
A BETTER WAY Blogs
Cancer Matters (timely topics)
cancer-matters.blogs.hopkinsmedicine.org
On the Cover: Leslie Ries and her daughters, Carly and Emily
Li v i n g with Metastatic
Breast Cancer
Angela always made sure she went for her annual mammogram.
Angela’s
Often times, the results showed spots that were suspicious for story
cancer, but she said it always turned out to be a false alarm.
SO, IN 2013 when the then- 54-year-old chalked it up to the strenuous remodel- and Pain Program began treatments
received several telephone calls about ing process. She went to see a doctor, that got it under control so she could
her mammogram, she assumed it was who said it was bursitis and began begin radiation therapy.
the same scenario. At the time, her pri- treatment. Surgeon Dan Sciubba then removed
ority was caring for two siblings who She didn’t give cancer a thought and cancerous tumors that spread to verte-
had both suffered strokes. neither did the doctor. Given the work brae in Angela’s
“They were so persistent, so I she was doing in her home, bursitis back. When a
thought I better call them back,” says seemed to make sense. However, when small dot that ap-
Angela, but she decided to wait until the pain became so severe and unre- peared on follow
her brother and sister were better. lenting that it kept her up at night and up scans began to
When she finally scheduled time to made it almost impossible to walk, her grow, Sciubba op-
see her doctor, the news was shocking. husband took her to the emergency de- erated again.
“He told me I had breast cancer,” says partment of the hospital where she was “I’m so glad I
Angela. Her husband went with her to first treated for cancer. Angela was came to the
the appointment, and she recalls that shocked when she received the news KatiePapathakis,C.R.N.P. Kimmel Cancer
he began to cry when the doctor deliv- that the pain was not bursitis or an- Center,” says Angela
ered the news. Angela remained stead- other strain or injury. Instead, her who says she and her husband are
fast, however. “I was ready to do breast cancer had returned, and worse grateful to the community physician
whatever I had to,” she says. yet, the source of her pain was from who advised us to come here. What a
Her cancer was diagnosed early, cancer that had spread to her bones. difference they have made. I went from
and her doctor referred her to a com- Radiation therapy was recom- a wheel chair, to a walker, to a cane, to
munity hospital, where she had a mas- mended, but the pain was so severe, nothing,” she says. A car accident
tectomy, radiation therapy and Angela could not lay still long enough caused a bit of setback, so Angela again
chemotherapy. to receive treatment. Her oncologist uses a cane when she walks.
“I’m a positive person, so I went on told her husband, “Take her to Johns Angela’s mother also had breast
with life,” says Angela, who saw her on- Hopkins,” Angela says. cancer. She died in 2000 when the can-
cologist for follow up visits to make Once she arrived at Johns Hopkins, cer spread to her brain, and Angela was
sure the cancer remained in check. she was transferred to the Kimmel sure that was her fate. “I didn’t think I
Angela thought cancer was in her Cancer Center. Her discomfort was so was going to make it,” says Angela. “I
past, so she and her husband bought a severe, even the slightest touch caused told my husband to start donating my
fixer upper house. When she began ex- Angela to scream out in pain, but exerts clothes. I was sure I wasn’t going to
periencing sharp pain in her leg, she from the Duffey Family Palliative Care live, but Johns Hopkins gave me hope.
They tell you about options and ad-
vances. The message is that you can live
with cancer.”
“JOHNS HOPKINS GAVE ME HOPE. THEY TELL YOU When the first treatment she tried
didn’t work, Angela recalls her nurse
ABOUT OPTIONS AND ADVANCES. THE MESSAGE IS
CONTINUED ON BACK PAGE
THAT YOU CAN LIVE WITH CANCER.”
2020/2021 • BREAST MATTERS 1
“I’m glad these doctors recognize what I’ve been through. I know they’ll take my symptoms seriously and be proactive.” Women’s Wellness BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER MENOPAUSE 2 BREAST MATTERS • 2020/2021
Clara is a busy 46-year-old mother of two. She’s also a breast cancer survivor.
Diagnosed in 2012 with hormone receptor positive breast cancer, she underwent
a bilateral mastectomy and, for the past seven years, has taken tamoxifen. She
says symptoms of the medication, which blocks hormone receptors to prevent
her hormone-triggered cancer from recurring, have been fairly mild and
manageable. But Clara recognizes that, as she gets older, her medical history and
the menopausal transition will put her at greater risk for other health issues, such
as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. She’s not too worried about it, for
good reason.
CLARA PLANS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE says breast cancer expert Vered Clara sees the benefits. “I’m glad
of a brand new program at Johns Stearns, Women’s Malignancies these doctors recognize what I’ve
Hopkins dedicated to coordinating and Program Director and the new been through. I know they’ll take my
providing women’s health care before, women’s wellness program co-director. symptoms seriously and be proactive.”
during, and after menopause. The “Women with breast cancer, regardless she says. As a physical therapist, Clara
program was launched with founda- of age at diagnosis, are very likely to understands and values the concept of
tional support from Robin and Mark encounter symptoms of menopause, a multidisciplinary team of medical
Rubenstein and the Bauer Foundation, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and professionals. “It’s good to know that
bringing together a hand-picked multi- bone loss,” says Stearns. While she has they’re talking to one another behind
disciplinary team of medical experts referred many of her breast cancer the scenes,” she says.
from the Kimmel Cancer Center and patients to Shen over the years, this Although the public is beginning to
throughout Johns Hopkins. “It’s a pas- new program provides patients access become more aware of the need for a
sion,” says the program’s co-director to more timely appointments and focus on women’s care in midlife, other
gynecologist Wen Shen of developing coordinated care with dedicated programs currently available to this de-
the women’s wellness program to de- experts. mographic are limited, Shen explains.
liver robust, coordinated care to Under Shen’s and Stearns’ leader- “We are broadening the focus, includ-
women. ship, the expanding multispecialty ing a wide range of specialists and Johns Hopkins
Medicine
team includes experts in: gynecology getting to the core of how women
and women’s health; wellness services can age healthy,” she says.
for breast cancer patients, the care of “We anticipate that our
survivors and women at risk; cardio- program can both serve as the
vascular health; treatment of uterine primary clinic for some women,
and vaginal prolapse, incontinence and or provide a consult with a
related conditions; mood and anxiety roadmap that can be carried out
disorders; arthritis and other joint, lig- by the women’s own physi-
ament and muscle disorders; bone cians,” Stearns says.
Wen Shen, M.D. Vered Stearns, M.D. health and osteoporosis; treating To learn more about
women with more than one health our new program for Managing Wo
men’s
This may be especially relevant to issue; and combining conventional and women’s wellness or to ask Healthcare Be
fore,
During & Beyo
nd
patients who have had breast cancer, integrative medicine. a question, email us at Menopause
womenswellness@jhmi.edu.
2020/2021 • BREAST MATTERS 3
[Feature]
A BETTER WAY
Harnessing the Power of Breast Cancer Prevention
Her diagnosis came decades before drug and
radiation therapies for breast cancer. The cutting
edge science at the time was very literally focused
on the cutting edge of the scalpel with surgery—
in the form of Halsted’s radical mastectomy—that
removed the breast, muscles and lymph nodes
under the arm. Later on, parts of her brain were
When Leslie Ries’s removed after the cancer spread there by
grandmother was metastasis.
diagnosed with Leslie imagines how it must have been for her
breast cancer in the grandmother, when more and more of her body
was carved into and cut away as the disease
early 1940s, there spread, ultimately claiming her life. Although
was no understanding her grandmother died before Leslie’s parents
of BRCA mutations were even married, the source of this cancer was
already eerily shaping Leslie’s future and that of
or the grip the disease her daughters.
would have on future
As far as we’ve come in understanding and treating
generations of the breast cancer, the life-altering experiences of
family. women and their families is a jolting reminder of
how much farther we have to go and the dire need
for prevention.
4 BREAST MATTERS • 2020/2021
“I’ve seen the devastation too many
times,” says Leslie. “Mothers gone,
leaving behind young children. We
have to intervene to protect ourselves,
our children and others from getting
this disease. Breast cancer is a trauma
to the whole family.”
She understands that trauma all too
well. Her own diagnosis came 15 years
ago.
Leslie tested positive for a BRCA
mutation, a genetic alteration that can
occur to one or both types of breast
cancer susceptibility genes (BRCA1 and
BRCA2). It alters the body’s ability to
repair DNA, placing those affected at From left, Carly Ries, Leslie
Ries, Emily Ries
higher risk of developing breast cancer.
This inherited alteration, potentially
affecting multiple generations of fami-
lies, is also associated with other can-
cers in men and women, including
“There has to be a better way than cutting off body parts.”
ovarian, prostate and pancreatic can- – CARLY RIES
cers. The mutation caused her cancer
and now also threatens her two daugh- seen and been affected by the limita- for families who have already been
ters. tions of treatment. Even with major ad- touched by breast cancer as well as for
Leslie is grateful to be a survivor vances, too many patients are not cured others who may not even know that
and for the progress that has been and die of breast cancer, he says. they are at high risk.
made since her grandmother’s diagno- “After trying to cure patients with Leslie and Tom’s daughter Emily
sis more than 70 years ago. After en- breast cancer for 30 years, we need to calls herself a pre-vivor. She has the
during a double mastectomy and implement another approach in our same BRCA mutation as her mother,
reconstructive surgery, and 4 months battle,” says Fetting. “For all of the and that puts her at much greater risk
of chemotherapy, she considers herself success of treatment, the experience for breast and ovarian cancer. For
fortunate and grateful. She doesn’t is punishing and leaves physical and many women who inherit a BRCA mu-
deny that treatment saves lives, but she emotional scars. After treatment, sur- tation, it’s not a matter of “if” they de-
also knows it’s not enough. vivors and their family members live velop breast cancer but “when” they
“The improvements in treatment with fear of recurrence, and their lives develop breast cancer.
options and reconstruction are wonder- are forever different.” She can still recall the pain at 21 of
ful, but they still come at a great cost,” she Among these tolls is the threat of learning about her mother’s breast can-
says. “The long-term emotional, physical breast cancer that looms so heavily over cer diagnosis. At that time, her mind
and financial tolls are immense and often so many families, including that of was focused on the unthinkable possi-
irreparable. We have to do better.” Leslie and her husband Tom. In honor bility of losing her mother. “I won-
Leslie’s own experience and that of of Dr. Fetting, they gave a lead gift in dered, what if she’s not there when I get
so many other families made her real- 2011 to start the John Fetting Fund for married or have kids,” says Emily. She
ize, “We have to think differently.” She Breast Cancer Prevention to move pre- wasn’t yet aware of what lay ahead for
wasn’t alone. Her oncologist, breast vention to the forefront of breast cancer her or the cruel reach of breast cancer.
cancer expert John Fetting, had the research. Using the latest technological When genetic testing showed that
same realization. advances, the team of Johns Hopkins Emily inherited the BRCA mutation,
In the decades Dr. Fetting has been experts in breast cancer and genetics is she’d hoped less invasive ways of
treating breast cancer patients, he has committed to developing better options cancer prevention would become
2020/2021 • BREAST MATTERS 5
available before she had to take action. Leslie and Tom’s daughter Carly on, yet Emily and Carly consider them-
She didn’t want cancer to be her legacy. was just 17 years old, a high school selves lucky. “I got to make my own de-
Now, in her 30s, married and the senior, when her mother was cisions. I didn’t have to wait to have
mother of a young son, the thought of diagnosed. Like her sister Emily, she cancer, but what a choice to have to
not being around to see him grow up has inherited the BRCA mutation. make,” says Emily. Carly agrees. She
weighed too heavily on her to wait for For now, at 32, Carly has chosen says, “There has to be a better way than
those advances. Yet to do the most she surveillance, close monitoring aimed cutting off body parts.” That better way
could do to try to prevent breast cancer, at early detection. she hopes will come from the research
the options were strikingly similar to “I totally understand and support the Fetting Fund is making possible.
her mother’s options, though without the decision my sister made, but for Fetting’s goal, shared by the Ries
the need to have chemotherapy. She me, at this stage of my life, I want to family and the patients, families and
made the difficult decision to have a wait until I have children before I others who support the Fetting Fund, is
double mastectomy. The night before move forward with cancer-preventive to bring an end to these kinds of ago-
her surgery, she recalls looking at her surgery,” says Carly. nizing decisions and the trauma of
perfectly healthy, unscarred breasts breast cancer by shifting the focus from
ROUGHLY 30% OF BREAST CANCER cure alone to cure and prevention.
wondering why the best prevention
CASES COULD BE PREVENTED BY
available to her was lopping off body MODIFYING KNOWN RISK FACTORS
As Leslie and Tom’s daughter Carly
parts. continues to think about the unthink-
This was just the beginning for The heartbreak is that she has to able and whether her only option for
Emily. She had more surgeries over two think about this at all. The Fetting breast cancer prevention will be to
years, including a hysterectomy and Fund’s goal is to change this trajectory have healthy body parts removed so
oophorectomy to remove her uterus through research. they don’t become cancer later, she vol-
and ovaries to prevent other cancers “This was a pivotal time in my unteers for studies, donating blood
caused by the BRCA mutations. She has life and my sister’s life. Emily was samples. Like her sister Emily, she
a hormone patch that helps ease the about to graduate college, and I was hopes researchers can use them to un-
symptoms of the resulting early onset graduating from high school,” Carly ravel the very origins of breast cancer
of menopause. The surgery means remembers. “I don’t want to live my and find better ways to prevent breast
Emily and her husband cannot grow life scared.” Carly’s hope is for progress cancer in the future. It would be ideal if
their family, but eases some of the that will mean one day women won’t these answers came before Carly has to
worry that she won’t be around to see be confronted with decisions like these. make a decision about surgery. She un-
her son grow up. It’s a lot for a young woman to take derstands the timing might not work
out. “I may not see the benefits, but
someone will in the future, and that’s
important,” says Carly.
Lorraine Schapiro understands.
Breast cancer abruptly entered her life
John Fetting, M.D. 14 years ago when her daughter Jill
Mull was diagnosed. When she heard
about the Fetting Fund, she and her
husband Mark joined the cause with-
out hesitation. Prevention was already
on Lorraine’s mind. “We hear so much
about cure, and I thought what about
prevention?”
Tears still fill Lorraine’s eyes when
she recalls the day she received the call
from Jill delivering the shocking news
that she had breast cancer. As the real-
ity sank in and Jill underwent a
lumpectomy to remove the cancerous
tumor, Lorraine says, “I remember
thinking, please don’t let it be in her
lymph nodes.” The pathology from the
lumpectomy found unclear margins
between cancer and normal cells,
6 BREAST MATTERS • 2020/2021
PROTONS ARE THE MOST NOVEL
DEVELOPMENT IN PATIENT-CENTERED
RADIATION THERAPY, AND CAN BE
TAILORED SO THAT THEY PENETRATE
ONLY A SELECTED DEPTH THROUGH
TISSUE. CONSEQUENTLY, RADIATION
STOPS AT THE TUMOR, PRESERVING
HEALTHY, NON-CANCER TISSUE BENEATH.
Jill Mull and family,
from left:Jacob, Jill,
Mike, Ethan
“We cut, burn and poison, and even that doesn’t always work forever.” – JILL MULL
meaning the cancer may have begun to When she lost her hair during Lorraine says. She credits Dr. Fetting
spread. Lorraine once again pleaded, chemotherapy, her son announced to with getting them both through the di-
“Please don’t let her need a mastec- his kindergarten class that Jill was agnosis, treatment and recovery.
tomy,” but the unclear margins of the bald. Later, when she was having her Genetic testing revealed that Jill
cancer required a mastectomy. “Please mastectomy, he told his teacher that had not inherited a BRCA mutation.
don’t let her need chemotherapy,” his mommy was having her boobies There was no answer for why she devel-
Lorraine thought, but Jill’s cancer thrown in the trashcan because they oped breast cancer at such an early age.
required six months of chemotherapy were very bad. Whether there were genetic clues that
and an additional nine months of treat- Funny yes, but also a sober re- could have predicted and prevented it
ment with the drug Herceptin and 10 minder of the intrusion of breast can- is the type of research the Fetting Fund
years of tamoxifen therapy. cer into too many families. supports.
Herceptin and tamoxifen are Jill was diagnosed at just 32 years
AN ESTIMATED 232,000 NEW BREAST
major success stories in the treatment old. For the young mother of 4-year old CANCER CASES ARE DIAGNOSED IN
of breast cancer. They block the hor- twin boys, breast cancer was the last THE UNITED STATES EACH YEAR
mones and other signals that certain thing she was expecting, but she re-
types of breast cancers need to grow mained positive, never asking “Why “We are in the process of identify-
and spread. These drugs work well, but me?” Lorraine, on the other hand, re- ing genetic changes in breast tissue
they cause side effects, and they don’t calls being in denial, certain Jill’s ab- that convert normal cells to cancer
work in every patient. normal mammogram was just a cells. I believe we can figure out which
Jill tried complementary ap- mistake. Lorraine was in a Pilates class changes are necessary for breast cancer
proaches, such as acupuncture to ease and didn’t answer the phone when Jill to develop and intervene,” says Fetting.
her symptoms. Mostly, she is grateful first called. When the phone immedi- When Jill realized breast cancer
for the support of her family, particu- ately rang again, Lorraine instantly was going to be a part of her life, she
larly her husband Mike. knew. Her heart filled with dread and turned it into a way to help other pa-
A little laughter helped as well. she answered. “It was devastating,” tients, joining the Breast Cancer Pro-
2020/2021 • BREAST MATTERS 7
tion endeavor focused on a better un-
derstanding of prevention, health and
wellbeing. “Normal,” however is rela-
tive, Erin pointed out. “The weight of
recurrence never goes away no matter
how well you feel.”
Erin had surgery, chemotherapy, ra-
diation therapy and hormone therapy—
everything doctors have in their
arsenal to fight breast cancer and still,
in 2017 she learned her cancer had re-
turned and spread throughout her
body. There would be no cure for Erin,
who passed away in 2019 at 38, leaving
behind her devoted husband Steve and
their 8-year-old-daughter.
Erin, a Fetting Fund advocate, left a
powerful message, “Early detection
does not necessarily mean survival or
better outcomes. I was diagnosed at
Stage 2, and it still advanced to the worst
stage,” she said. “We can make a differ-
ence in the world. We need prevention.
We need the Fetting Fund so people
don’t go through what I went through. I
don’t want that for my daughter.”
Her call is championed by Fetting,
Jill Mull with her mother, Lorraine Schapiro
Leslie and Tom, Emily, Carly, Jill and
Mike, Lorraine and Mark, and echoed by
women and families around the world.
GENETIC TESTING REVEALED THAT JILL HAD NOT INHERITED A BRCA As the Fetting Fund pioneers a new
MUTATION. THERE WAS NO ANSWER FOR WHY SHE DEVELOPED BREAST
way of thinking about breast cancer
CANCER AT SUCH AN EARLY AGE. WHETHER THERE WERE GENETIC CLUES
THAT COULD HAVE PREDICTED AND PREVENTED IT IS THE TYPE OF care, it is an uphill battle, as the lion’s
RESEARCH THE FETTING FUND SUPPORTS . share of research dollars go to study
new therapies. Stories like these are
gram at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Erin Yale is among the women who inspiring change, however, and the
Cancer Center as a patient navigator remind us of the limitations of treat- early success of Fetting Fund research
for newly diagnosed patients with ment, even when it is diagnosed early. shows what is possible through
breast cancer. Her focus is on patients Erin was supposed to be one of the lucky prevention.
under age 50. ones. Her breast cancer was detected in
ROUGHLY 40,000 WOMEN DIE IN
Sharing her story brings them hope. what is considered a curable stage. THE UNITED STATES FROM
They see a survivor in her. She sees a big- In 2012, at age 30, she nursed her BREAST CANCER EACH YEAR
ger need in them. She has seen too many newborn baby for the last time before
young women lose their lives to breast she went to the operating room for a “We know it will not be easy, but
cancer, and she yearns for the day when mastectomy. After learning she inher- this cannot continue,” says Fetting.
she doesn’t have to sit with women as ited a BRCA mutation, she had surgery “We need the same kind of concerted
they write letters for their children to to remove her fallopian tubes and effort for prevention that has been
open on special occasions in their lives— ovaries in 2014 to ward off cancer. mounted to treat breast cancer.”
birthdays, graduations, weddings, Erin recalled in a video made of her The Fetting Fund is investigating the
births—because their mothers may not be talk at a 2018 Fetting Fund event that, scientific benefits of natural remedies
there. For Jill, Fetting Fund research is as the years passed, she tried to return such as the spice curcumin, broccoli
the key to changing this reality. to her normal life as a young wife and sprouts tea and a magnolia tree extract
“We cut, burn and poison, and even mother, working in the corporate world that may contain properties that detoxify
that doesn't always work forever,” says and launching Pushing Pink Elephants, carcinogens or reset the molecular errors
Jill. a breast cancer awareness and educa- that initiate breast cancer. Technological
8 BREAST MATTERS • 2020/2021“We need prevention.
We need the Fetting Fund
so people don’t go
through what I went
through. I don’t want that
Erin Yale with her family
for my daughter.”
– ERIN YALE, 1981-2019
advances mean we no longer have to
wait until a cancer is visible through
imaging or a lump can be felt to detect
it. New molecular tests that make the THE PATH TOWARD A BETTER WAY
invisible visible can detect early
MISSION OF THE JOHN FETTING FUND
changes that precede breast cancer.
This includes understanding the con- FOR BREAST CANCER PREVENTION
nection between genetic and epigenetic The mission of the Fetting Fund is to identify the one woman in eight who is at
(reversible chemical changes to DNA) high risk for developing breast cancer in her lifetime and to develop safe, effective
that contribute to breast and other can- natural products and drugs to prevent that breast cancer. Of equal importance, the
cers Then, injecting anticancer drugs or research supported by the Fetting Fund seeks to identify the seven in eight women
a drug like tamoxifen directly into the who will not develop breast cancer. Medical caregivers will be able to provide more
breast ducts could eliminate these prevention efforts for those at risk and reassure those who are not.
changes before a cancer has a chance to
Traditional funding sources are focused on advances in treatment and the quest
grow. Vaccines that train the immune
for a cure for breast cancer. As a result, funding for prevention research has
system to patrol and destroy breast can- lagged. The Fetting Fund relies on private philanthropy to support pilot preven-
cer cells are another promising area of tion studies that will produce results and allow Johns Hopkins prevention scien-
study. Lifestyle research, such as the tists to design more substantial research plans and compete successfully for
role of alcohol in promoting breast can- larger grants. Our vision is to support enough high quality pilot studies that our
cer development, could yield simple breast cancer scientists will be able to attract funding for a rich portfolio of large
changes that can ward off breast cancer. breast cancer prevention studies. The Fetting Fund is a catalyst for development
“This is just the beginning,” says of a critical mass of breast cancer prevention science and breast cancer preven-
Leslie. “There is so much promise. I tion scientists resulting in a world class breast cancer prevention program at the
can see it, and I feel that it’s going to Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.
happen.” l
2020/2021 • BREAST MATTERS 9WHAT’S NEW
Study Helps Breast Cancer Survivors Reach Their A Patient App
Weight-Loss Goals Hormone-blocking drugs are a pow-
Attaining a healthy weight is erful weapon against breast cancer.
even more important for breast At the same time, these drugs can
cancer survivors, says new Kimmel have significant side effects—some
Cancer Center breast cancer expert so uncomfortable that they drive pa-
Jennifer Sheng, M.D. Studies show tients to quit taking them before
that losing just 5% body weight can completing the typical
help survivors combat fatigue, im- five-year course, often
prove their body image, and simply without notifying their doctors until the next
feel better after the trying rigors of breast cancer treatment. scheduled appointment weeks or months away.
In addition, research suggests that weight loss can lower the Breast cancer expert Karen Smith, M.D., says a
risk of breast cancer recurrence. A new study open to over- new app called Thrive delivers education,
weight breast cancer survivors treated at Johns Hopkins who helps patients track their appointments, and
have completed treatment and want to lose weight will offer communicate with their care providers about
behavioral intervention that’s been tested before. After two their treatment plans. Now, a new electronic
months, if logging calories, tracking and increasing physical patient reported outcomes module called
activity, and working a coach doesn’t work, the FDA-ap- ePro helps patients to report what medicines
proved weight loss drug naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave) they were prescribed and symptoms they are
will be prescribed for the next four months. having. It also notifies the care team if the
Read more: http://bit.ly/2n6qG80 symptoms pass a severity threshold or if
{ Tracie}
they’ve unexpectedly discontinued taking their medications.
Read more: http://bit.ly/2pnHaJr
A New Leader of the Gene Team
Jessica Tao, M.D., is the new direc-
tor of the GAITWAY program, short
for Genetic Alternations In Targets
With Actionable Yields. This special-
ized tumor board is filled with ex-
perts in cancer medicine, genetics,
and biology, including clinical oncol-
ogists, laboratory scientists, and
molecular pathologists, who keep tabs on the latest research
and targeted drugs to help match the right medicines to
A Model for Breast Cancer Care and Wellness cancer patient’s specific genetic alterations. She received a
Mary Wilkinson, M.D., new clinical director for the Johns grant from the Maryland Cigarette Restitution Fund to better
Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center Under }
{ MiaArmour Breast understand how tumor cell-free DNA—tiny bits of genetic ma-
Health Innovation Center, is overseeing a new model of terial shed from malignant lesions that can be
breast cancer care in which illness and wellness exist in the extracted from a blood sample—might better benefit patients
same space. Read more: http://bit.ly/2pqeWxL and guide treatment. Read more: http://bit.ly/2mXg4rM
10 BREAST MATTERS • 2020/2021WORLD-CLASS CARE IN A
COMMUNITY SETTING
The Possibility for
Better Results With
Fewer Treatments
As our knowledge of
breast cancer has
grown, so have the
number of therapy
modalities and proto-
cols used to treat this
disease, from combi-
nations of chemotherapy to targeted treatments that attack The Breast Center at Green Spring Station moved to a
malignant cells carrying specific genetic variations. Antonio
brand new space in its existing suburban location.
Wolff, M.D., and colleagues are investigating ways that
patients can get more from less by using more targeted treat- When patients come to the Kimmel Cancer Center at
ments, changing the way that treatments are administered, Greenspring Station Pavilion III, they are greeted by more
or even carefully stratifying patients to determine who might than gleaming new private exam rooms; modern infusion
be able to avoid certain treatments altogether. bays; and on-site imaging, pharmacy and lab services. The
Read more: http://bit.ly/2n0te7s
entire practice is designed to provide an optimal cancer
Cancer Treatment care patient experience which now also includes surgical
Without Hair Loss oncology onsite. Read more: http://bit.ly/2oAPHsb
Starting this fall, Kimmel
Cancer Center patients “I’m excited to be part of a
with breast cancer or other practice that’s offering more
services in a setting where
gynecologic cancers will
many patients want to be.
have the option to use a It’s a beautiful site. The
new, FDA-approved device building is new, and the
called a “cooling cap” that services are world-class.”
–R I M A C O U Z I , M . D .
prevents or minimizes chemotherapy-induced hair loss.
Read more: http://bit.ly/2Mo3iLE
Beginning this fall,
patients will be able to
undergo surgical
procedures at the Green
Spring Station pavilion.
Surgical oncologist, Lisa
Jacobs, M.D., calls the
change a “huge
advantage” for this
patient population.
2020/2021 • BREAST MATTERS 11EVENT
Prior Events Recap
Survivor Soul Stroll
On Saturday, May 11, 2019, Team
Hopkins participated in the 3rd Annual
ROUNDUP Survival Soul Stroll: A Breast Cancer
Awareness Walk at Canton Waterfront
Park. Our team included employees,
volunteers, cancer survivors, and
community members.
Upcoming
All events are FREE and open to all Breast Cancer Survivors Program Survivorship Day
breast cancer survivors, thrivers and 4th Thursday of the month
caregivers unless otherwise noted. 6-8 p.m., Johns Hopkins Bayview,
Medical Education Center
Support Groups Contact: cklein3@jhmi.edu,
Early Stage Young Women’s (410) 550-6690
Support Group
1st Monday of the month Integrative Medicine Lunch Workshop
6-7:30 p.m., A monthly workshop on integrative
Green Spring Station Pavilion III medicine modalities. Topics vary, but On May 5, 2019, our Breast Cancer
Contact: jmull1@jhmi.edu, previous ones include yoga, medita- Program hosted its 5th Annual Breast
(410) 583-2972 tion, nutrition, acupuncture, hypnosis Cancer Survivorship Day at the BWI
and traditional Chinese medicine. Marriott Hotel. More than 100
Metastatic Support Group Dates vary. participants attended, learning about
3rd Monday of the month Contact: ebantug1@jhmi.edu, (410) integrative medicine, medical
6-7:30 p.m., 502-3472 marijuana, metastatic breast cancer,
Green Spring Station Pavilion III clinical updates, immunotherapy,
Contact: jmull1@jhmi.edu, Webinars “chemo brain” and exercise. Keynote
(410) 583-2972 Exercise and Breast Cancer speaker, Susan Love, M.D., M.B.A.,
Dec. 4, 2019, 12-1pm discussed breast cancer prevention and
emerging new treatments.
Methods to Enhance Breast Cancer
Survivorship Swim for Engie Against Cancer
Jan. 9, 2020, 12-1pm The 4th annual swimathon was held
Updates in Breast Cancer Research Aug. 24,
and Clinical Care 2019,
Feb. 26, 2020, 12-1 pm honoring
Registration is required metatatic
https://public.onc.jhmi.edu/ breast
Walk and Talk survivorshipwebinars/ cancer survivor Engie Mokhtar. This
Open to all breast cancer survivors Contact: ebantug1@jhmi.edu, (410) year’s event supported research by
and thrivers 502-3472 Otis Brawley, M.D., to close racial,
3rd Friday of of the month economic, and social disparities in
9-10 a.m., Meadowood Regional Park or Retreat cancer prevention, detection and
Towson Towne Center (weather dependent) A Journey of Courage and treatment.
Registration is required Hope for Women with
Contact: jmull1@jhmi.edu, Metastatic Breast Cancer Promising New Treatments
(410) 583-2972 April 12-14, 2019 Brian Christmas, Ph.D., who works in
A weekend retreat for metastatic breast the laboratory of breast cancer expert
cancer patients and women who support Evanthia Roussos Torres, M.D., Ph.D.,
them to gather information and support presented advances in immunother-
on confronting metastatic breast cancer. apy for breast cancer at the Judith A.
Discussions include routines of treat- Lese Breast Cancer Foundation annual
ment, daily life challenges, reflections, dinner. The foundation has supported
and networking with others in a healing breast cancer research at the Kimmel
and renewing environment. Cancer Center since 2004.
Contract: kviands1@jhmi.edu,
(443) 287-2964NOTEWORTHY Targeting
Sukumar lab investigator Bradley BRCA1 and 2:
Downs assembles the cartridges. A research team
led by Victor
Velculescu, M.D.,
Ph.D., was among
seven awarded
grants from the
Gray Foundation
for new ap-
proaches to the
early detection,
diagnosis, and
therapy of cancers
related to BRCA1
and BRCA2
New Laboratory Test Could Make Global Impact: The journal Clinical gene mutations.
Cancer Research reported on a new laboratory test developed by Saraswati Velculescu will
Sukumar, Ph.D., that identifies chemical changes to a group of cancer-related collaborate with
genes and can accurately detect which breast tumors are cancerous or benign, and Vered Stearns,
do it in far less time than gold-standard tests on biopsied breast tissue. The test has M.D., and Kala
the potential to dramatically reduce the time needed to make a definitive breast Visvanathan,
cancer diagnosis in poorer countries. Breast cancer incidence is rising around the M.B.B.S., on
world, and the test—an easy-to-use cartridge—could be especially useful in places research aimed at early detection of
with fewer resources and where mortality rates from breast cancer are much breast and ovarian cancers.
higher compared to the developed world. The research was supported, in part, by
the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Navigating Breast Cancer:
Kimmel Cancer Center Advisory Board
HONORS AND AWARDS Member Debra Huber made a gift to
support a social worker/breast cancer
patient navigator. Huber was inspired
by her sister, a breast cancer survivor,
Dipali Sharma, Ph.D. to do what she could to ease the trauma
Katy Gaffney, R.N.
Society of American Asian of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Friends of Oncology
Scientists In Cancer Research
Nursing Clinical
Outstanding Achievement Award
Excellence Award
Roisin Connolly, M.B.B.Ch.
Daniele Gilkes,
Eastern Cooperative Oncology
Ph.D.
Group-American College of
The Best of the
Radiology Imaging Young
American
Investigator Award
Association for
Cancer Research
Stephanie Gaillard, M.D.,
Journals Collection: Author
Ph.D.
ProfilesMost-cited Article. Read it
Gynecologic Oncology Group
here: http://bit.ly/2ml3ySx
Foundation Scholar Investigator
Award
2020/2021 • BREAST MATTERS 13Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer (continued from page 1)
practitioner Katie Papathakis, Stearns. “As our program grew, we oncologist or a nurse practitioner as a
C.R.N.P. telling her, “Don’t worry. We recognized the need for new approaches ‘quarterback’ who will coordinate the
have something else we want to try.” to specifically support individuals living care plan, navigator, nutritionist, social
Now, Angela takes a pill called pal- with advanced breast cancer and began worker, palliative care provider to
bociclib (Ibrance), a targeted therapy working to raise funds for this new clinic." manage pain and other symptoms, and
for patients who have a type of breast Stearns says the needs of individu- an exercise and rehabilitative medicine
cancer classified as hormone receptor als living with advanced breast cancer expert. Optional services will include a
positive but HER2 negative. She also are different from those with early spiritual provider, financial counselor,
comes to the Kimmel Cancer Center stages of the disease and change and in- integrative medicine, sexual health ed-
every four weeks for an injection of tensify over time. The specialty clinic ucator and child life specialist.
fulvestrant (Faslodex) to slow the for those with advanced breast cancer Angela feels fortunate that she got
growth of her breast cancer. will be set up to provide the most ad- to the Kimmel Cancer Center, and al-
The treatment is working. Angela’s vanced cancer treatment while sup- though she knows it may sound odd,
cancer is under control and she is pain porting patients’ unique needs. Stearns she says breast cancer has had a posi-
free. “All I take now for pain is a little says this includes emotional and spiri- tive impact on her life. “It has made me
Tylenol,” she says. tual support while living with an un- a better person,” she says. “People see
“We want all women to be aware of known prognosis, guidance concerning me and can’t believe I have breast can-
new treatments, clinical trials and sup- complex treatment decisions, manage- cer. I feel like I am spreading joy and
portive care options available to them,” ment of disease symptoms and medica- hope to others.”
says Vered Stearns, a breast cancer tion side-effects, support for all family The experience also inspired
expert and Director of the Women’s members, including specialized, age Angela to turn a hobby into a business.
Malignancies Program at the Kimmel appropriate programming for children, A good eye and knack for interior de-
Cancer Center. “With the right care, and advanced care planning. sign led to a career, working with real
women can live with advanced breast Patients will benefit from a core estate agents to stage homes, boosting
cancer for years and decades.” group of providers, including a medical their appeal to prospective buyers.
This is the inspiration for a new
multispecialty clinic for patients living
with advanced breast cancer planned “WITH THE RIGHT CARE, WOMEN CAN LIVE WITH
by Stearns and colleagues.
“About 30% of the breast cancer ADVANCED BREAST CANCER FOR YEARS AND
patients seen regularly in our clinic
have advanced breast cancer,” says DECADES.” - VERED STEARNS
Help Us Make To make your donation online:
hopkinscancer.org and click
a Difference Make a Gift
Each contribution to the Johns Hopkins To mail your donation:
Kimmel Cancer Center makes a differ- Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center
ence in the lives of cancer patients here 750 E. Pratt St., Suite 1700
at Johns Hopkins and around the world. Baltimore, MD 21202
Our physician-scientists are lead-
ing the way on many of the scientific To contact our development
breakthroughs in cancer, and your do- office:
nation will support patient care and Phone: 410-361-6391
innovative research that is translated Fax: 410-230-4262
to better, more effective treatments. Email: KimmelGiving@jhmi.edu
We are also focusing on ways to pre- If you prefer not to receive fundraising communications from
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