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| Dr. Dennis Slamon Photo Courtesy © SABCS/Todd Buchanan 2009 |
Even if you haven't dealt with HER2 positive breast cancer, you've probably heard of the drug Herceptin or the movie "Living Proof" about Dr. Dennis Slamon and his work with breast cancer patients. Dr. Slamon is one of the rock stars of breast cancer research. Herceptin, a targeted biological therapy, was developed by Dr. Slamon and a team of researchers, and was tested on women with HER2 breast cancer in clinical trials. I watched as he presented his latest research at the 2009 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, in a vast hall with his image projected on a dozen huge screens that were viewed by a standing-room-only crowd.
Herceptin was FDA approved for treatment of HER2 positive breast cancer in 1998, and has saved and extended the lives the hundreds of thousands of patients. It has been used in conjunction with chemotherapy drugs such as Adriamycin and Avastin. Adriamycin is a powerful drug that is used to treat a variety of cancers, and can be hard on your heart. When Adriamycin and Herceptin have been used together, heart damage can occur. Dr. Slamon says that his study shows that when Herceptin is used without Adriamycin, the results are just as good. Members of the audience challenged his findings after he presented his research, but he stood by his results.
That is wonderful - but here's what really impressed me about Dr. Slamon. When he finished presenting his data, he started thanking people that had helped with the clinical trials. He had plenty of people to choose from - including over 300 researchers in many locations with impeccable credentials and bucketloads of experience. But here's what he did: he began by thanking all the patients who participated in the clinical trials - people who actually helped test the drug with their own lives. He did this rather humbly and with great sincerity. I love it when a doctor puts his patients first. Surely that kind of attitude leads to research that focuses on a cure, as well as patient well-being and quality of life.
Rock on, Dr. Slamon! HER2 positive breast cancer patients all over the world are thanking you.
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Dear Dr. Slamon,
Thank you so much for all your dedication,research and years spent on developing Herceptin. Only by the grace of GOD, You and my Oncologist am I here today. Your discovery has helped so many women celebrate more birthdays, their children’s birthdays, graduations,etc.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Diagnosed 9-2007.