Lung cancer survivor LInda Wortman represented Team Draft’s “Survivor at Every Stadium” at the Minneapolis Metrodome.
Tackling Lung Cancer with Survivor Linda Wortman and the Mayo Clinic from TEAM DRAFT on Vimeo.
Dr. Kratzke received his M.D. from the University of Washington in 1983. He conducted an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 1983-1986 and was Research Fellow at the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, 1986-1988. He was on the medical staff of the National Cancer Institute from 1988-1994. He joined the Minneapolis VA Medical Center in 1999 and is currently the Skoglund Professor of Lung Cancer Research and an associate professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Minnesota.
Research Interests
My laboratory conducts research into the role of genetic and epigenetic alterations in the development of thoracic cancers. We have looked extensively at the nature and consequences of mutations involving either the retinoblastoma susceptibility (Rb) or the p16INK4a gene in both lung cancer and mesothelioma. We have identified that the p16INK4a gene product, for example, is absent in virtually all cases of mesothelioma. This appears to be an attractive target for gene replacement therapy in this relatively infrequent disease. Previously, we have been using viral transfer vectors in vitro to investigate this potential.
Recently, we have changed to recombinant protein vectors for gene therapy in an attempt to avoid the potential toxicities of viral vectors. In addition, our lab has become interested in cap-mediated translation as a target for cancer therapy. We hare participating in a novel drug design program that hopes to manufacture a new class of drugs targeting this mechanism. Our lab has also finished a large project to develop molecular assays for micrometastatic disease in patients with early stage (resectable) lung cancer and colon cancer, results of which we are beginning to analyze and report.
Dr. Robert Kratzke, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center from TEAM DRAFT on
The Mayo Clinic Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center with a multisite presence. Its three campuses — in Scottsdale, Ariz., Jacksonville, Fla., and Rochester, Minn. — give the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center a broad geographic reach, enabling it to serve diverse patient populations around the world. The campuses are also home to outstanding, internationally recognized physicians and scientists who collaborate across the full spectrum of cancer research, from basic biology to treatment, as they seek ways to reduce the burden of cancer.
Mayo Clinic Cancer Center NIH from TEAM DRAFT on Vimeo.
Just over three and half years ago, when Gregg Baumbaugh of Noblesville, Ind., came down with a runny nose and scratchy throat, a lung cancer diagnosis was the last thing he expected. But after antibiotics failed to clear a suspected case of pneumonia, a chest X-ray revealed a 5 cm tumor on his left lung and Gregg was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (Adenocarcinoma).
Having never smoked, Gregg was shocked. Though it’s a common misconception that lung cancer is a “smoker’s disease,” between 20,000-30,000 people who have never smoked are diagnosed in the United States each year.
Breaking the stigma against lung cancer and encouraging more research funding are two primary goals of the Chris Draft Family Foundation. As part of a national campaign to change the face of the disease, the Draft foundation invited lung cancer patients and physicians to NFL games across the country this fall.
On Dec. 30, as Indianapolis Colts Coach Chuck Pagano headed back to the field after battling a cancer diagnosis of his own, Gregg cheered on the team from the stands. He was also joined by Dr. DuyKhanh Ceppa, a thoracic surgeon and director of IU Health’s lung cancer screening program.
Surgery and four rounds of chemotherapy treatment at IU Health – home to the state’s only NCI- designated patient care cancer center – allowed Gregg to achieve remission for nearly three years. When a scan in August 2012 showed it had returned and spread into the other lung, he started a new regimen on Xalkori (crizotinb), an oral ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) growth inhibitor following his daughter’s wedding in September.
Roughly a month later, on Halloween, a new scan showed no detectable tumors. “I’m not sure his doctor didn’t do a cartwheel in the hall,” said Gregg’s wife. “He was just beaming!”
Despite dramatic increases in overall cancer survival rates, the five-year survival rate for lung cancer is less than 25 percent – a rate that has changed very little since the 1970’s. But recent research advancements are inspiring hope, said Dr. Ceppa.
For instance, lung cancer screening using low dose helical CT scans have been shown to reduce mortality rates by up to 20 percent in heavy smokers. And thanks to molecular tumor mutation testing, physicians are able to tailor chemotherapy regimens to specific mutations present in some lung cancers.
However, there remains a lot that needs to be investigated and discovered about lung cancer detection and treatment, which requires funding that is largely impacted by the “smoker’s disease” stigma. For current and future lung cancer patients across the country, Team Draft and IU Health are campaigning to change the face of lung cancer.
“I have never smoked a day in my life,” begins Eva Borsi, a Seattle resident who is being treated at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for stage IV lung cancer.
“I am a vegetarian. I ride my bike to work every day. An outdoor enthusiast and all around athletic person, I never imagined hearing the words ‘stage IV lung cancer,’” she says.
Eva was a healthy 46-year old mother of three daughters in March 2011 when she heard those words.
“When I experienced shortness of breath while biking a hill I had biked every day for the past six years, I tried to dismiss it, but at the urging of my friends, I went to see my primary care provider of 20 years, Karen Carlson, at the UW Medicine Roosevelt Clinic,” Eva says.
“Given our long history as patient and provider, she knew I rarely complained and took my concern very seriously,” Eva says.
Thanks to Karen’s swift action, the ball was rolling immediately. That day a chest X-ray revealed fluid around Eva’s lung, and she knew it was serious.
“Karen was worried, too,” Eva says, “and she referred me to pulmonology where the fluid was drained the next day.”
Karen’s worries were validated when pathology found cancer cells in the drained fluid.
“Dignity and pride are very important to me,” Eva says. “I needed to be emotionally ready for whatever news I was to receive. I had to prepare myself for the appointment that ultimately gave me the diagnosis of stage IV lung cancer.”
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Hope
After hearing “lung cancer,” Eva was referred to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance to see medical oncologist Laura Q. M. Chow, MD, the following day. At SCCA, Dr. Chow gave Eva her first tiny ray of hope.
“Thanks to Dr. Chow’s devotion to clinical research, I have been receiving state-of-the-art care since the beginning,” Eva says. “Three weeks after my initial diagnosis, I began chemotherapy. Due to my overall health, Dr. Chow correctly thought I could handle the heavy hitters of cisplatin, Alimta, and Avastin for five rounds. I responded well to initial chemotherapy while still working and commuting on my bike. By the end of round five, the fluid around my lungs disappeared and the tumors shrank, but I was exhausted every day. I learned firsthand what it meant to deal with chemo and all its side effects.”
After three months of initial chemo treatment, Eva was put on Alimta maintenance in hopes that the cancer cells would not grow or spread. Tolerating Alimta alone was much easier than the platinum-based therapy of cisplatin for Eva, but it was certainly not the life she envisioned for herself at age 46.
Treatment on a Clinical Study
“Many people stay on a maintenance therapy drug as long as it works, ” Eva says. “In my case after three rounds, a change needed to happen. Because Dr. Chow believes in the advances of clinical trials, I started a study drug MDX-1105 on October 14, 2011. Not knowing exactly what to expect from this preliminary drug trial, we hoped for the best.”
“Eva is on an exciting new Phase I clinical trial looking at a novel immunotherapy that re-stimulates the body’s own immune system to recognize and kill the lung cancer,” Dr. Chow says.
This trial has kept Eva stable ever since. “And stable is good in the late stages of cancer,” Eva says. “Importantly, it has given me back the quality of life I had prior to diagnosis.”
Very minor side effects allow Eva to feel like her normal spunky self. She receives her “life juice,” as Eva calls it, every two weeks at SCCA. “Physically I have been doing very well, but dealing with the emotional side of cancer is a day-to-day thing. I have been exceptionally strong as Dr. Chow says. One day at a time…”
Caring Network
Eva’s network of friends is large. She used to bring a gang of people with her on chemotherapy days to help her get through it emotionally.
“My coworkers have generously donated their leave time to me so I do not have to face more financial hardship due to treatment,” Eva says. “The outpouring of support from friends, coworkers, and even strangers has been tremendous.”
Eva has also found support from an online forum for people dealing with lung cancer in their lives. Through them, she has discovered that not all treatment centers are like SCCA. “I have received prompt, proper attention and cutting-edge care, and Dr. Chow has even taken the time to call me just to see how I am doing,” Eva says. I have never had to chase anyone or any information down. If you have to be sick, SCCA is the place to be.”
Remove the Stigma
“My greatest hopes for lung cancer, besides a cure, are to decrease the stigma surrounding it and to increase funding for lung cancer research. I wish people did not ask me if I smoked. The stigma and under funding are discouraging,” Eva says, citing the example that far fewer people are aware that November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month than are aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“And many more women are affected by lung cancer than breast cancer,” Eva says.
She is now involved in Breathe Deep Seattle, a local organization that raises support and funds for lung cancer research and awareness through the national organization of LUNGevity.
Living with Lung Cancer
“When you have cancer, you may change your views on life, but you still have the everyday struggles,” Eva says. “Living every day to the fullest can be difficult, and the idea of a bucket list can be impractical. My reality is that I have to take myself to work to keep my insurance to pay for my treatment. Of course I still find time to have fun, but not always in bucket list kind of ways.”
Eva finds pleasure in small things… her friends, her children, her dog, and a good workout in the gym or the occasional sunshine inside and outside.
“I hope to be able to ride my beloved pink bike a little while longer….it has been a year since the start of this new normal…I celebrated it with a weekend of skiing fun with friends,” Eva says.
David K. Madtes, MD
Dr. Madtes is a pulmonary and critical care specialist whose expertise is in lung injury repair process, cell biology, and respiratory system. He also sees patients in the Lung Cancer Early Detection & Prevention Clinic.
Patient Care Philosophy:
It is very important to me that every patient receive courteous, compassionate, and state-of-the-art medical care, just as I would want for members of my family. Our team approach to the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer enables me to provide the very best care for my patients.
Title
Associate Member, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Associate Professor, Medicine Department, University of Washington School of Medicine
Director of Critical Care Medicine; Director of the Pulmonary Function Laboratory; Director of Lung Cancer Early Detection & Prevention Clinic, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
Clinical Expertise
Lung injury repair process, Cell Biology, Respiratory System
Experience
Dr. Madtes has more than 20 years of experience in pulmonary problems among cancer patients. He understands the importance of early diagnosis of lung cancer and has a special interest in using minimally invasive methods for early lung cancer detection. In addition to his clinical expertise, his research focuses on the identification of gene expression profiles in lung cancer and in radiation-induced lung injury.
Education And Training
University Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 1979
David K Madtes, MD, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance from TEAM DRAFT on Vimeo.
PORTLAND, OR (KPTV) -
A former NFL linebacker came to Portland to see how researchers at Oregon Health & Science University are bringing new hope to cancer patients.
Chris Draft lost his wife to lung cancer in 2011. Before she died, the couple launched Team Draft to raise money and awareness to fight the disease.
Keasha Draft was not a smoker. Experts say nearly 60 percent of newly diagnosed lung cancer patients are former smokers or have never smoked.
Chris Draft said he was inspired by what he saw at OHSU’s Knight Cancer Institute Thursday.
He talked to scientists who are working to test DNA so they can determine which cancer drugs work best for each patient.
“It really brings a lot of hope to patients right now and to future patients,” he said.
Chris Draft played in the NFL from 1998 to 2009 on six different teams, including the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers.
Copyright 2013 KPTV-KPDX Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved.
KPTV – FOX 12
Alan Sandler is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon and is the DeArmond Chair for Clinical Cancer Research.
After earning a B.S. in Pharmacy (cum laude) at the University of Toledo in Ohio and an M.D. at Rush Medical College in Chicago, Dr. Sandler completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Yale-New Haven Hospital and a Fellowship in Medical Oncology at the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. His academic honors include membership in Alpha Omega Alpha and Rho Chi, the medical and pharmaceutical honor societies.
Dr. Sandler is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, where he serves as the Co-Chair of the Thoracic Committee. He is principal investigator or co-principal investigator of several therapeutic clinical trials that evaluate the activity of chemotherapeutic agents and/or combined-modality therapies in both small and non-small cell lung cancer as well as sarcoma.
Dr. Sandler serves on the Editorial Boards of Clinical Lung Cancer and the Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology, and is a reviewer for several journals including The New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of Clinical Oncology, Cancer Investigations, Cancer, the British Journal of Cancer, and European Respiratory Journal. Dr. Sandler is the author or co-author of more than 200 published articles, book chapters, reviews, and abstracts involving the pharmacology and clinical activity of chemotherapy and novel targeted agents, with a particular emphasis on lung cancer.
Dr. Alex Sandler, Oregon Health & Science University–Knight Cancer Institute from TEAM DRAFT on Vimeo.
I was diagnosed with lung cancer in July 2011, after a routine CT scan for a kidney cyst showed a ground glass opacity on my left lung. At first, I was somewhat concerned, but not too much—I could breathe well and I was a Zumba instructor for goodness sake. I would have had symptoms if it were cancer, wouldn’t I?
This was in the back of my mind and I wasn’t too concerned until my family doctor said, “You can’t just ignore this. I’m sending you to a pulmonologist.” That’s when things started to change. I liked my pulmonologist right away, but he looked at my scans and said that I needed a bronchoscopy. “What?” I said. “I have no symptoms. I’m ok, right?” He told me that the scans could mean nothing, but we needed to visually examine the mass with a bronchoscopy. READ MORE! Curtsey Of the National Lung Cancer Partnership
This love story is about the youngest of seven children Sarah (Sharon) Johnson. She was born to Henry and Sarah Simmons of Monticello, Florida on December 14, 1961. Cynthia was born January 7, 1961 so the two were eleven months apart and grew up together (inseparable) from the time they were innate. Sharon was quiet, yet strong, a beacon of life, athletic and a fighter for life. She was a beacon of light to all in her path. She ate healthy and was conscientious to eat a healthy diet and get a physical when required. How, could she be facing a diagnosis of lung cancer?
The older sister Carolyn was eight years older so her role in their lives was more maternal until we became adults. The relationship then grew into the strongest friendship ever. Sharon married and traveled extensively to different cities. She settled in Virginia and there is where she was able to visit the family more often. Each city she lived Cynthia and Carolyn would visit her with their families. Sharon has two sons ages 27 and 19. When they were younger she and Cynthia would plan vacations and family reunions together. On January 29, 2010 Sharon called to tell Cynthia she had a pain in her leg. She had tried several treatments that did not work. She went to the doctor and he told her she had a blood clot. He had her to treat the clots with Lovinox shots. This was not helping the pain and in a few days she had excruciating pain in her left arm and had to be taken to the emergency room. They found clots in her arm and had to be hospitalized. On February 9th her fiancée sent a text message stating she was adjusting and he would stay in touch with us. They had given her heparin to control the clots. On February 14th she began to have chest pains. On the 15th we received a text message stating they found more clots on both lungs lower bottom lobes. Her levels had increased some. We broke down and cried and wondered what was causing these clots. Cynthia traveled from Atlanta to Virginia the next day. When we arrived the children and I went to her bedside. We could not wait to touch her, hug her, and let her know how much we love her. When the doctors could not determine what was causing the clots to move around, the specialist ordered a full set of tests which included CT scan, EEG, EKG, and MRI. They observed a spot on her lung. They conducted the lung biopsy on the lower lobe of her lungs. The results were due back at the end of the week; however, they told her on Thursday while her fiancée was with her that she may have cancer. They plan to do a PET scan. She shared the news with us later that evening. When she fell in my arms with the news we couldn’t believe our ears. We grabbed her tightly and were in shock we told her we would go through this together and Satan would not have this victory. My sister’s faith was unshakable. She truly believed God would heal her. She NEVER smoked; therefore being told you have lung cancer came as a shock. That was the case with my dear sister Sharon in January 2010, when she received the devastating news – stage IV non-small cell lung cancer.
She was genetically matched to the pill Tarceva. She began taking it in March. Her oncologist did a pet scan in July and the results were clear.
Carolyn and I began alternating months to visit to take care of Sharon. During the visits she and I would reminisce over our childhood memories, watch movies, and watch her favorite tennis channel. We would take her to get her manicures and pedicures. She loved when her pastor would come serve her holy communion. Carolyn would take her riding, shop for her needs and desires of her heart. We would have her favorite fish dinners, do errands, perform any household chores, and simply chat and have giant laughs.
We thought of the best medical facilities that specialize in cancer. The three sisters visited each facility; Duke Hospital, Durham, North Carolina, followed with lunch, in addition we visited Sloan Kettering lung center, New York, N.Y., both physicians were optimistic. The experts said the medicine Tarceva was suitable for her cancer and she should be fine. We were rejoicing. The New York trip holds a special memory. After the Doctor visit at Sloan’s Sharon called us to her room and embraced us tightly. She said how much she loved us and could never express enough gratitude for all we have done and continue to do for her. She said she knew for sure she would not be where she was in her recovery without our love and unwavering support and generosity.
We spent both Thanksgiving and Christmas as a family. I remember Sharon coming in the kitchen where Cynthia and I were preparing dinner for Christmas, she came and joined us for a few minutes to give a hug (the three of us embraced endlessly) and thanked us for everything, and we replied “we would not have it any other way”. Nonetheless, we rang in 2011 with gratitude “Happy New Year” as a threesome. I recall the Saturday that Sharon shared her personal affairs with me advising that I was her administrator. My weekends were consumed diligently with compassion, love, and commitment for my baby sister (Sharon) who is so missed that no words can begin to neither describe nor explain.
She planned to return to work after Labor Day. Sharon was an avid tennis fan and watched the tennis channel. Her favorite pastime was reading books. Her dream was to attend the US Open in New York to see her favorite Tennis players Roger Federer, Nadal, and the Williams sisters. She was able to attend the Open in Flushing, NY Labor Day 2010. She returned to work in September. Shortly after she began work she began to have chest pains in October and had to be hospitalized. The symptoms were similar to pneumonia. Her oncologist decided to take her off Tarceva. He said he couldn’t be sure if the medication was causing the fluid buildup and didn’t want to chance it causing more complications. During October and November he allowed her to prepare for chemotherapy. She asks if she could participate in a clinical trial. He told her by the time she could locate one to participate in she would probably have six months to live. When she was to start her chemotherapy in November she was told the cancer had spread to three spots in the brain. She began radiation treatment and the spots were eradicated. At the age of 49, with the support of her family on January 7, 2011 she began chemotherapy for the treatment of Stage IV lung cancer. We would visit with Sharon and take her to the doctor appointments. In April when we took her to her last treatment she asks the doctor for her prognosis. He seem hesitate and she told him if he could not promise her ten years to live she didn’t want to know her prognosis. We along with cousins had planned our 50th birthday celebration in May 6, 2011. Sharon doctor tried to encourage her to attend, but she refused because it was the week her 2nd round of treatment was to begin. Her Oncologist knew she didn’t have long but would not share that information with us. Even her last week in the hospital he said to her that when she got stronger she could return and begin treatment. However, he had told her there was no cure and the chemo was to make her comfortable. Sharon desire for life, love for her family and her faith would not allow her to accept this prognosis. The chemo would leave her exhausted, nauseated and stole her energy. This fight lasted for only a short (six) 6 months.
After her passing I called her team of doctors and ask what the cause of her death was. The oncologist shared that the cancer had returned to the brain. They commended her for being such a miracle patient she was truly a beacon of light, hope and inspiration to all in her path. She stayed positive and always had a smile on her face. The earth has truly suffered a great loss. She lived past their professional expectation.
Cynthia and Carolyn are dedicated to raising lung cancer awareness and enhancing the importance of critical funding for lung cancer research by shattering the misconception that lung cancer is a “smoker’s disease.” We have raise funds and participated in several 5K walks with the Free to Breath Foundation. We miss Sharon each day and is so grateful that God allowed us to be encompassed of her fifteen month journey. We know we will see her again. Her spirit will live forever.
We were blessed to have Chris Draft speak at Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia on December 2nd. He shared the story of his wife LaKeasha Draft and how he is raising funds and awareness through changing the face of lung cancer.