My Life Matters - Fall 2021 - 21

CLINICAL TRIALS
O
ur knowledge about what breast
cancer is, how it works, and treatments
for it have come a long
way from the first documented
cases in 3000BC. At that time
there was essentially no understanding about
cancer, particularly metastatic types, and the
mortality rate for Metastatic Breast Cancer
(MBC) sat solidly at 100% for many years. Since
then, we have learned more about breast cancer,
risk factors, and genetics. We have refined
surgical interventions and medication-based
approaches. We are able to prolong life, giving
many people diagnosed with MBC more time
to spend doing the things that matter most to
them.
And.
Still.
There is much work to be done. The overall
five-year survival rate for breast cancer is
90%, but the average for MBC is only 27%.
There is a current trend in oncology toward
precision oncology which includes less toxic
and less invasive therapies among other
things aimed at increasing survival rates
and decreasing impacts to a patient's quality
of life. While this news is very exciting for
many reasons, it also raises some alarm bells
for us. First, we cannot speak about precision
oncology without honoring Henrietta Lacks.
Cells taken from her tumors have taught researchers
an enormous amount, especially
when it comes to genetically targeted cancer
treatment. And still, she would be twice as
likely to die than a white woman with the
same cancer if she were diagnosed today.
Health care disparities are well documented,
especially in terms of cancer diagnosis
The Power of One
" There is much hope to be had. The societal
reckoning experienced in 2020 had significant
impacts in medicine and research, allowing health
equity researchers to take center stage. "
and care. While Henrietta Lacks was a Black
woman, the databases being used to grow the
body of research around precision oncology
are largely comprised of white donor cells.
Because of the lack of sampling from BIPOC
donors, researchers aren't able to identify
genetic variants that could impact BIPOC
patients as effectively as they can for white
patients. Our concern, along with many
other patient advocates centering around
the lives of BIPOC patients, is that this will
widen the disparity gap.
And.
Still.
There is much hope to be had. The societal
reckoning experienced in 2020 had significant
impacts in medicine and research,
allowing health equity researchers to take
center stage. Patients are also demanding
more and the organizations that serve them
are taking note. From academic researchers,
to pharmaceutical companies, to community-based
clinics, we are seeing an increase in
requests for support. Specifically, researchers
and their organizations are looking for ways
to find their gaps, improve their training
processes, beef up their best practices, and
break down barriers. That's where Tigerlily
Foundation comes in. A colleague said,
" Diversity isn't just one of the things we do,
it's everything we do. It's who we are. " We
know that we are uniquely qualified to step
up and serve in this space because this is who
we are as a Black, woman led organization
with a team made up of professionals with
experience in diversity and inclusion, clinical
trials, public policy, and patient advocacy.
Collectively, we are working to change the
systems that provide care while also empowering
patients through education and
supportive programming. One of our newest
programs, Tiger Trials, is the culmination
of several years of work behind the scenes
within the field of clinical research. We are
bringing this to you now in hopes you will
be open to receiving it. We know that clinical
trials set off alarm bells for many people,
and rightfully so, but the same hearts and
minds that brought you Tigerlily also built
this program. We commit to earning your
trust and being completely transparent so
that together we can transform the future
of clinical trials into one that leads to better
treatments for ALL patients. Together, we
can change how medicine works. Together,
we can create a more equitable future. Will
you join us? Follow #TigerTrials on our social
media pages and check out our website
at www.tigerlilyfoundation.org/programs/
clinical-trials. l
MY LIFE MATTERS
FALL 2021
21
http://www.tigerlilyfoundation.org/programs/clinical-trials http://www.tigerlilyfoundation.org/programs/clinical-trials
My Life Matters - Fall 2021

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