A second opinion at UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center provided Amy Frochtzweig with a clinical trial opportunity to better manage her stage 4 breast cancer care.
Frochtzweig, of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, is part of a clinical trial testing multiple combination treatments for women with metastatic breast cancer that is ER-positive, meaning it feeds on estrogen, and HER2-negative, meaning it does not have abnormally high levels of the HER2 protein found in normal breast cells. This is the most common form of breast cancer, making up about 70% of diagnoses.
“The hard part is once it’s a stage 4 diagnosis, it’s metastatic, and is not one that can be cured,” said Dr. Malinda West, a breast medical oncologist who is overseeing the trial at Carbone Cancer Center. “All of our treatments are aimed trying to control disease for as long as possible and reduce the symptoms related to cancer.”
Frochtzweig was diagnosed in March 2024 at stage 4. She noticed a lump in her breast, which she brought up with her primary care provider. This led to follow-up imaging and a biopsy.
Frochtzweig was not satisfied with the care plan presented by her initial oncologist, nor did she like feeling that her concerns were being dismissed, so she sought a second opinion at Carbone. At Carbone, she met with West, who determined Frochtzweig would be a good candidate for a clinical trial she was overseeing.
“Dr. West was awesome and she agreed that I should be on more aggressive treatment,” Frochtzweig said.
In this trial, all patients receive an oral selective estrogen receptor degrader, which block the cancer cells’ ability to use estrogen for fuel. They then receive one of several options for a targeted drug that attacks a specific feature of cancer cells. There are multiple combinations because those cellular features differ from patient to patient.
West said this combination approach is focused on effective management of the disease, without causing harsh side effects, because metastatic breast cancer is not currently curable. Based on the latest evidence, West is optimistic this promising combination therapy will remain well-tolerated and control the cancer for a longer duration than standard available options.
"Similar to most patients enrolled in this trial, Amy has experienced manageable side effects that have not interfered with her ability to continue treatment," West said. “Amy can be continued on this indefinitely, until the time when evidence of cancer progression emerges, and when a next treatment would be indicated.”
Frochtzweig has been in the trial for about a year and was relieved to see decreases in tumor size in recent scans. She has had some side effects, such as gastrointestinal issues and fatigue, but she has able to work with her care team on options to improve her comfort.
“It's a relief to have things all figured out,” she said. “I’ve learned that you have to advocate for yourself.”
Learn more about Carbone’s clinical trials and how to get involved.