From OHC, Specialists in the Treatment of Adult Cancers and Blood Disorders
February 14, 2022
OHC partners with US Oncology Research, an experienced network of more than 800 dedicated researchers who have played a role in more than 100 FDA approved cancer therapies. OHC’s leading cancer experts continue to make progress towards finding a cure for cancer through their nationally recognized cancer research and clinical trials program. We recently reported on the impact an OHC clinical trial had on the FDA approval of a promising therapy for breast cancer. OHC patient Betty Moore was one of 10 OHC patients to participate in this groundbreaking trial.
At age 63, Betty noticed an indentation under her left breast. She had a mammogram and ultrasound. The radiologist told her she had breast cancer. “I didn’t cry,” said Betty. “I had faith in God and medical personnel.” Betty’s doctor referred her to OHC medical oncologist and hematologist, Mark E. Johns, MD.
Betty’s formal diagnosis was triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive form of breast cancer. “After researching TNBC, I got scared because it sounded like a death sentence,” said Betty.
“I met Betty, evaluated her condition, and immediately recommended the KEYNOTE-522 trial for treatment,” said Dr. Johns. “TNBC is invasive and it’s challenging to treat because its growth is not fueled by hormones or the presence of the HER2 protein on the cancer cells. This eliminates many therapies.” The KEYNOTE-522 trial was evaluating the use of the immunotherapy Keytruda plus chemotherapy for TNBC. Immunotherapies harness the power of the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
“I didn’t hesitate at all to join the trial,” said Betty. “Dr. Johns answered all of my questions and I wanted to do my part to help find a cure for breast cancer.” She began receiving Keytruda infusions and chemotherapy shortly after her diagnosis. Under the guidance of OHC radiation oncologist, Marc R. Mosbacher, MD, Betty received radiation therapy to destroy the remaining cancer cells.
The attentive care of her husband of 44 years, Greg, and the support she received by her entire OHC care team gave her strength to pull through treatment. “My husband was an angel, and the nurses loved him because he made them laugh,” said Betty. “I spent a lot of time at OHC getting treatments and staff members listened to me talk about my family and began sharing about their family life. Since the day I walked in, everyone at OHC was smiling and friendly and created a family atmosphere.”
Fortunately, Betty’s treatment side effects were minimal, and she was able to continue working as an inspector at Pole/Zero in West Chester, Ohio. “One day I went to the lunchroom and every employee had T-shirts on that said, ‘No one fights alone’ on the front and ‘Team Betty’ on the back,” said Betty. “They raised money for me and gave me gifts.”
Betty finished radiation in April of 2019 and her scans showed a complete response to treatment. She retired almost one year ago, and now she and Greg enjoy hosting friends at their Hillsboro, Ohio home. “We have a pool and firepit and we added a garden with pickles and tomatoes,” said Betty. She does not require any more treatment, sees Dr. Johns every six months, and has an annual mammogram.
To those considering clinical trial participation, Betty says, “Make sure to discuss this option with your doctor and realize your participation will help others as better treatments are made available.”
It is through research and our partnership with patients who selflessly participate in clinical trials that we hope to find a cure for cancer. To learn about OHC’s cancer research and clinical trials program or to request a second opinion, call 1-888-649-4800 or visit ohcare.com.
Top picture: Betty and Greg Moore
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