Client Story
How PHM’s evidence-based approach helped reduce Danielle’s treatment uncertainty.
Danielle had a lumpectomy shortly after she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, known to be highly aggressive and resistant to typical breast cancer treatments.
Oncologists gave her differing opinions on chemotherapy options, one of which was an aggressive but highly toxic three-drug regimen. Danielle lost a relative to this same cancer and was understandably anxious about her diagnosis. She planned to pursue an aggressive treatment plan to optimize the chances for a durable response but wanted to balance quality of life as a mother to young children.
PHM researchers did a systematic review and meta-analysis of the scientific literature, comparing the two options in similar patient cohorts. Their findings showed that the more aggressive treatment was not more effective at stemming disease progression or extending overall survival, and side effects were significantly increased.
Her PHM Personal Care Team also ordered molecular profiling tests, which did not detect cancer circulating in her blood, a good sign for the less aggressive option. Danielle chose this option.
After chemotherapy, Danielle, concerned that radiation would not be enough to prevent recurrence, was considering a radical mastectomy. PHM connected her with experts to review the benefits and side effects of each and analyze the latest clinical data. The data showed that radiation had better overall survival and decreased recurrence. That gave Danielle the confidence to choose radiation and avoid invasive surgery and difficult recovery.
Danielle’s PHM Personal Care Team stays in regular communication and frequently monitors her clinical status, while staying on the forefront of potential maintenance treatment and testing options for her next stage of care. Like all patients with cancer, she will be faced with decisions about managing her disease in the future, and PHM will continue to offer support and education to assist her in making those tough choices.
To learn more about breast cancer from PHM experts, please watch our on-demand webinar about the latest, including risk factors, screening tools, and treatments. You can also download our information guide.
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