Unlocking the Hidden Impacts of BRCA: Beyond Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Rona Greenberg’s journey through the trials of hereditary cancer is both poignant and illuminating. With a family history steeped in breast and ovarian cancer, Rona faced her own health challenges head-on, leading her to become an advocate for clinical trials and genetic testing. Her story is a testament to resilience and the importance of seeking advanced treatment options, particularly for BRCA mutation carriers.
A Family Legacy of Cancer
Rona’s connection to cancer began long before her own diagnosis. Her grandmother succumbed to breast/ovarian cancer in 1934, leaving her mother, just ten years old, to grapple with the loss. Tragedy struck again when Rona’s mother passed away from the same illness in 1967, leaving Rona at the tender age of nineteen. This family history served as a catalyst for Rona to undergo genetic testing.
Discovering the BRCA2 Mutation
In 1997, shortly after the identification of the BRCA genes, Rona and her sisters participated in a significant clinical study aimed at testing individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent for BRCA mutations. Rona tested positive for the BRCA2 mutation, while her sisters did not. Armed with this knowledge, Rona took proactive steps to reduce her cancer risk. She underwent a total hysterectomy in 1998 and joined a high-risk surveillance program at the University of Pennsylvania.
Through her involvement with FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered), Rona not only received crucial support but also learned that her daughters had a 50% chance of inheriting the BRCA mutation. Both were subsequently tested and found to be positive for BRCA2.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
In September 2010, Rona faced her first major health challenge when she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Following her oncologist’s recommendations, she underwent a bilateral mastectomy, a decision aimed at significantly minimizing her cancer risk as a BRCA carrier.
The Unexpected Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer
Fast forward to October 2015, when Rona began experiencing unusual pain beneath her right rib cage. An ultrasound revealed alarming results: numerous masses in her liver and a large tumor in the pancreas. Despite a clear CT scan a year prior, Rona was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma, linked to her BRCA2 mutation. Her prognosis was grim—inoperable and incurable.
Navigating Clinical Trials
Faced with this challenging diagnosis, Rona turned to FORCE once more to explore available clinical trials. She consulted with Dr. Michael Hall at Fox Chase Cancer Center, who was conducting a trial for a new drug called Olaparib. However, Rona opted out due to the randomized nature of the trial, which offered only a 50% chance of receiving the treatment.
Her search continued, leading her to Dr. Eileen O’Reilly at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and then to Dr. Michael Pishvaian at Georgetown Hospital. It was here she found a non-randomized trial that suited her needs, focusing on Veliparib in combination with other chemotherapy agents. This was a pivotal moment for Rona.
The Journey Through Treatment
Beginning her clinical trial in November 2015, Rona’s regimen included a combination of medications designed to combat her cancer effectively. While she faced typical chemotherapy side effects such as fatigue and nausea, her treatment showed promise—regular CT scans indicated a reduction in tumor size.
Future Considerations and Research
As Rona’s treatment progressed, her oncologist cautioned that the disease would eventually progress, prompting her to explore additional options. She engaged with experts like Dr. Robert Vonderheide at UPenn and Dr. Allyson Ocean at NY-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell, considering new avenues such as immunotherapy and precision medicine.
In her quest for innovative treatments, Rona participated in significant conferences, including the AACR Special Conference for Pancreatic Cancer and the BRCA Scientific Symposium, demonstrating her commitment to advancing cancer research. She even took part in the Cancer Moonshot Summit, initiated by former Vice President Joe Biden, aiming to accelerate cancer research efforts.
A Legacy of Courage
Tragically, Rona Greenberg’s battle with pancreatic cancer concluded fifteen months after her inspiring story was shared. Her legacy as a BRCA advocate serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges. By actively pursuing clinical trials and educating herself and her family about their options, Rona exemplified a proactive approach to cancer treatment.
Her story underscores the importance of genetic testing and the potential of clinical trials to improve outcomes for those affected by hereditary cancer. Rona’s journey inspires others to seek knowledge, support, and innovative treatments in the fight against cancer. Let’s continue to rally together in the search for effective therapies and a cure!
