Cancer Research Institute's video: Immunotherapy Patient Perspectives Panel at the 2020 CRI Virtual Immunotherapy Patient Summit

Three cancer patient advocates share stories of diagnosis, treatment, and their experience of cancer immunotherapy; Dr. Ezra Cohen moderates. https://www.cancerresearch.org/virtualsummit CRI ImmunoAdvocates Stephen, Alan, and Karen share helpful tips for your treatment journey on: - Cancer immunotherapy clinical trials - Finding the right oncologist and getting a second opinion - Caregivers and support networks - Immunotherapy side effects - Communication with your health care team - Practical impact on daily life after a cancer diagnosis - Becoming an informed decision maker and self-advocate - Researching treatment and care options - Overall health and fitness during cancer treatment - Coping with fear of cancer recurrence https://www.cancerresearch.org/patients/free-resources-support-answers Stephen Estrada, Colorectal Cancer Veteran In 2014, at 28 years old, Stephen was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and told he had a 1 percent chance of living for the next five years. With this diagnosis came the news that he has a genetic condition known as Lynch Syndrome, an inherited mutation of the mismatch repair DNA pathway that significantly increased his risk for several types of cancer at an early age. Treatments with surgery, chemotherapy, and NanoKnife failed to work. He then researched other treatment options for colorectal cancer patients with Lynch Syndrome. He enrolled in a phase 1 clinical trial combining chemotherapy with the immunotherapy atezolizumab (TECENTRIQ®). Since beginning immunotherapy over six years ago, Stephen’s disease has remained stable and he has been able to do more of the things he loves, like cooking, trying the latest restaurants, and traveling. https://www.cancerresearch.org/patients/immunocommunity/featured-stories/stephen-e Alan Kaufman, Melanoma Veteran Alan was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in June 2017. At the time, he had five tumors in his brain and one in his lung. He underwent a pair of brain surgeries to remove two of the tumors, followed up by Gamma Knife and Linac radiation therapy. In July 2017, he began immunotherapy, initially with ipilimumab (Yervoy®) and nivolumab (Opdivo®), then nivolumab only that September. Two years later, in November 2019, he ran his 26th NYC Marathon (his second as a cancer patient). On January 28, 2020, he successfully completed immunotherapy. Today he feels great, has had minimal side effects, and continues to share his story through essays and cartoons on social media with a hope to inspire, encourage, and uplift others struggling with a cancer diagnosis. https://www.cancerresearch.org/patients/immunocommunity/featured-stories/alank Karen Peterson, Breast Cancer Veteran When Karen was initially diagnosed with stage 1 triple-negative breast cancer in 2015, she underwent standard treatments, including surgery and chemotherapy. She was declared cancer-free, but she knew there was a strong likelihood the cancer would return. Throughout the following year, Karen took charge of her cancer narrative by researching other treatment options and talking to experts. In 2017, the breast cancer returned, and this time it was metastatic. Facing a life expectancy of 18 to 24 months, she decided not to undergo chemotherapy again because of the debilitating side effects. She researched clinical trials and eventually found a phase 1 trial at NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center combining NKTR-214 (bempeg) and nivolumab (Opdivo®). Her first CT scan, after eight weeks of immunotherapy, revealed a 72% reduction in tumors. In June 2020, her oncologist declared her “an official complete responder.” Her experience has impassioned her to become a patient advocate and educator. https://www.cancerresearch.org/patients/immunocommunity/featured-stories/karenp Dr. Ezra Cohen is Chief of the Division of Hematology‐Oncology at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center and Co‐Director of the San Diego Center for Precision Immunotherapy. The 2020 CRI Virtual Immunotherapy Patient Summit is part of the Cancer Research Institute's Answer to Cancer Patient Education Program. Established in 1953, the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing our immune system’s power to control and potentially cure all cancers. Our mission: Save more lives by fueling the discovery and development of powerful immunotherapies for all types of cancer. To accomplish this, we rely on donor support and collaborative partnerships to fund and carry out the most innovative clinical and laboratory research around the world, support the next generation of the field’s leaders, and serve as the trusted source of information on immunotherapy for cancer patients and their caregivers. https://www.cancerresearch.org Cancer Research Institute is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit under EIN 13-1837442. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable under the law.