From Sidewalks to Science: An On-Route Look at Komen’s Research by Dr. Elizabeth McDonald

Opening Ceremonies
Dr. McDonald, can you tell us a bit about what led you to do breast cancer research?

My mother, who is a breast cancer survivor, was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer in 2012. She had been getting yearly mammograms, but the tumor was missed. She wanted to conserve her breast, but due to the extent of the tumor this was not successful. Eventually, she had a mastectomy, full axillary dissection, chemotherapy, chest wall and axillary radiation with several complications including a post procedural DVT (blood clot in the leg) requiring anticoagulation. Her treatment might not have required that many interventions had the tumor been diagnosed earlier. As a practicing physician, her illness inspired me to get additional training and begin a research career – both to improve early detection and provide more personalized treatment for breast cancer patients. I didn’t want other women to face the same challenges that my mother faced.

On The Route
Since we’ve got some time, could you tell us a bit about your current research?

Our research involves early-phase clinical trials and evaluating functional imaging, an imaging technique that displays the anatomy and the function of the breast which is used as a precision tool combined with a newly developed tracer for PET/CT scans. By looking at these images, we hope to measure or predict a biologic outcome like tumor progression by seeing which women have cancer cells that are actively growing. Early results from an ongoing clinical trial indicate that we are able to measure cancer cell growth with a functional imaging study shortly after a patient is diagnosed with cancer. This may be a key in helping select the best treatment for patients. Our overall goal is to have the right patient receive the right treatment for the best response and outcome.

Dr. McDonald in her lab

Pit Stop
Three things to know about Dr. McDonald:

She enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her family when not in the clinic or the lab.
She is absolutely dedicated to making a difference in the lives of women with breast cancer through: research, education, treatment, and advocacy.
She enjoys walking with her mom to raise support for breast cancer research, when possible. These walks not only raise money, but provide a window into the vibrant community of long-term survivors who, through these events, support and encourage those recently diagnosed or just finishing treatment.

At Camp

Now that we’ve made it “home” for the night and are enjoying the support of our crew, can you tell us how your work would be affected without Komen funding?

To put it simply, my work would not be possible without Komen funding. As a clinician scientist, I have the amazing opportunity to care for patients directly and apply my scientific training to research that is bridging the gap from basic sciences to patient care. These studies are complex and take time to conduct, which would not be available to me without Komen funding. It is incredibly important for physician scientists involved in the direct care of patients to conduct the studies that could be the catalyst for future change in that field. Being involved in patient care brings an important perspective, but balancing clinical duties and research is also a huge challenge for clinicians, especially early in a research career. Without this funding, the future breakthroughs in novel therapies would take longer, or worse, would not happen at all, with fewer hours to spend on developing new treatments successfully. The work we are doing has immense potential to help patients, and the support of Komen has been essential in my ability to do this work.

Day 2
What would you say to somebody who’s just been diagnosed with breast cancer?

As a physician who performs breast biopsies, I communicate with patients who have a new diagnosis of breast cancer nearly every week. I tell them that most patients do very well, and treatments are continuing to improve – becoming more effective with fewer side-effects. Many patients are understandably distressed and some mention friends or relatives who have died from breast cancer. I sometimes communicate that, in the big picture, they will get through this and make it to the “other side” – good health – which is sometimes easier, with support and care from loved ones around them.

Sometimes I share my mom’s journey. The year of her treatment was challenging, but she got through it with dignity and grace. She is now a proud survivor, adding her voice to millions of women and men who are deeply impacted by their experiences with breast cancer. Each survivor comes through treatment stronger, and as part of a growing community of hope, determined to help others through advocacy and sharing their journey.

Cheering Station
Look at all of these enthusiastic supporters out along the route! What would your advice be to those who want to help make a difference in the fight against breast cancer?

People can make a difference by supporting friends and loved ones with breast cancer, donating to and advocating for cancer research funding on a local and national level, and attending or organizing fundraising events for research.

Mile 59
The finish line is in sight! Can you tell us about a defining moment when you realized the impact our work has in the fight against breast cancer?

After working closely with my Komen Grant Patient Advocate and breast density legislative champion, Cindy Spinello, to develop our clinical trial for many months, her breast cancer unfortunately returned. She was placed on a newer drug, a cell-cycle inhibitor, and was told that it would take a few months before her doctors would know whether the therapy was working. She said to me, “I wish our study was already completed, that I might possibly only wait days to know if the drug is working, not months.” I realized then how uncertainty adds additional pain to the journey of a patient with cancer and how comforting advance knowledge of therapeutic efficacy might be – the power of knowing through a reliable predictive biomarker.

Eventually, the tests showed that Cindy’s tumor was not responding to therapy. Things had instead progressed and she passed away six months after our conversation, shortly after I received notice that the clinical trial she had helped design was funded by Susan G. Komen.

Closing Ceremonies
Thanks for walking us through your research, Dr. McDonald! Any final thoughts you’d like to share with our walkers, crew and supporters?

I’m honored to receive Komen funds to help this important clinical trial. It is my hope that this trial assists us in developing new ways to measure and determine whether treatments are successful earlier. Early detection is key to long term survival and being able to measure and determine response to a treatment is equally essential. In my studies and research I think of how the conclusions will impact the patients I see and serve in the clinic. With your funding of breast cancer research at Komen we have the opportunity to change lives.

Dr. Elizabeth McDonald is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Since 1982, Susan G. Komen has funded $920 million in breast cancer research, second only to the U.S. government and more than any other nonprofit in the world. Learn more here.

Healthy Peanut Butter Recipes

Photo Courtesy of Denise Krebs

There’s nothing nutty about loving peanut butter. Our 3-Day favorites are obviously Grahamwiches, but you can go all out with a wide range of sweet and salty treats. Plus, March is National Peanut Butter Month, so it’s the perfect time to embrace this favorite protein-rich ingredient for your training walk snacks, a mid-afternoon boost, or even as a fundraising snack for your team bake sale.

Peanut Butter Oat Squares

If you’re not super skilled in the kitchen, these 3-ingredient bars are the way to go. All you need is rolled oats, peanut butter and honey, and you’ll be set! They’re also a great meal-prep option you can make on Sunday, and then snack on all week long.

Photo via Beaming Baker

Peanut Butter Coconut Oatmeal Cookies

Have food allergies, or are you looking to work some healthier options onto your “dessert” menu? These cookies are made with vegan, gluten-free, dairy free and whole grain ingredients. Plus, they’re tasty! It’s a win-win you can have with your morning coffee, or while watching your guilty pleasure on TV after work.

Photo via Crazy for Crust

Skinny Peanut Butter Dip

Eat this version with crackers, apples, carrots, celery, or just by the spoonful. It’s packed with protein so it will fill you up, and is made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

These are all sweet ways to celebrate National Peanut Butter Month! Or keep it simple, with these no-cook ideas like:

Make the summer camp classic of “Ants on a Log,” by cutting a banana or celery in half lengthwise, spreading peanut butter on each flat side, and topping with a sprinkle of raisins.
Pair your peanut butter with other fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, and celery for an easy mid-afternoon snack.
Give yourself a throwback to Parent Trap and dip Oreos in peanut butter for the ultimate dessert.
Slice a banana in half, put it in the freezer overnight, then spread a little peanut butter between your frozen banana slices. Add some Nutella for an extra indulgence.
Last but never least, sandwich your peanut butter between two graham crackers, then add a little bit of jelly, and you’ll have your very own Grahamwich!

PLEASE NOTE: THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND TRAINING INFORMATION PROVIDED TO YOU IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE SUSAN G. KOMEN 3-DAY IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE OR BE CONSTRUED AS MEDICAL ADVICE AND ANY SUCH INFORMATION IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR SEEKING MEDICAL ADVICE OR TREATMENT FROM YOUR MEDICAL PROVIDER. BEFORE STARTING ANY EXERCISE PROGRAM OR FOLLOWING ANY RECOMMENDATIONS, ADVICE OR OTHER INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING TRAINING FOR THE KOMEN 3-DAY OR ANY ATHLETIC EVENT, YOU SHOULD FIRST CONSULT A PHYSICIAN AND HAVE A PHYSICAL EXAMINATION.

Meet Jen B., a Preventative Mastectomy 3-Day Walker

Jen Besserman first learned about the Susan G. Komen 3-Day via her boyfriend’s mother, Karen. Karen has walked in 24 different 3-Day events for the past 15 years, but Jen’s connection to the fight to end breast cancer goes deeper. “My grandmother is a breast and ovarian cancer survivor, and she just turned 88. A few years ago, my mom found out she and my grandmother were BRCA1+, and last year I found out that I too share the gene,” said Jen.

Jen wasn’t surprised, as she had a feeling she might have it. “Right when I found out, I called my mom and dad and they were more upset than I was. I told them everything would be fine. I didn’t really think too much about it until I met with my genetic counselor and learned more about the gene.” After meeting with her genetic counselor, Jen did the difficult task of putting her emotions aside, and looked at the facts presented to her by her doctors. “The fact was that I had an 86% chance of getting breast cancer and if I chose to have preventative surgery, that risk would go down to under 5%. Those numbers alone sold me on the surgery…and I met incredible surgeons so it was a win-win for me. It also helped that I lived close to the mecca of plastic surgery, Beverly Hills. This made my decision easier as well,” she said.

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Jen’s mom Susan knew about her BRCA gene mutation for nine years, but hadn’t thought about a double mastectomy before. While she had opted to have an oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries), Jen said once she had made up her mind about her surgery, she called her mom and said, “Why haven’t you done this? It lowers our risk 95%. It’s a no brainer!”

Once Jen’s mom knew more about the surgery, she realized it made sense for her, too – so she opted to move forward, and chose to do it before Jen so that she could tell Jen what to expect. Susan is a professional baker and candy maker for her company “Susie’s Sweet Shoppe” in New York, and according to her daughter, has the “most positive attitude – all the time.” While there were no decisions made lightly about both Jen and Susie’s treatments, they found the process brought them together. “We are close and I feel that this surgery brought us even closer, not just because she flew in from New York and stayed with me in Santa Monica for four weeks to take care of me, but because we now have this bond.”

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Susan will be flying from New York to walk the San Diego 3-Day with Jen. Jen is a graphic designer at an advertising agency in Santa Monica, and her hobbies are painting, riding her bike along the beach path, anything related to music, and being surrounded by friends and family. Her fundraising efforts have been successful so far, and Jen is at 87% of the way to her goal. “On my one- year anniversary of my preventative double mastectomy in February, I shared a post on social media and let my friends and family know that I will be participating in the walk in November. Everyone has been very generous.”

What made Jen want to walk, besides her own personal connection to the cause? “Well, I like to try anything once. You never know if you will like or dislike something until you try it! I had the pleasure of witnessing the Closing Ceremony this year and the speeches almost brought me to tears and motivated me to participate next year. Plus half of the walk is by the beach, so the beautiful view will hopefully distract you from your sore muscles,” she laughs.

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“When I showed up to the 3-Day a few months ago, I knew immediately that I wanted to be involved. The energy and camaraderie that I walked into was incredible. I can’t wait to officially walk in November.” And we can’t wait to have you and your mother join us, Jen; and we’re grateful to you and others like you for so bravely sharing your story, and being a part of the fight.