Kansas City – Lori Anderson, 57, a longtime resident of the city, shared a remarkable health milestone this week. After being diagnosed with stage 2B triple‑negative breast cancer in August 2021 and later developing metastatic disease, Anderson’s latest scans show no detectable cancer.
From diagnosis to remission
Anderson’s journey began with a lump discovered in her breast, leading to a diagnosis of stage 2B triple‑negative breast cancer. She underwent the standard sequence of chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and immunotherapy at Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute. Despite an early response, the cancer returned and spread to her skin by January 2023.
When conventional treatments failed to control the disease, Anderson and her care team at Saint Luke’s Hospital Koontz Center for Advanced Breast Cancer, led by medical director Dr. Timothy Pluard, explored a novel treatment strategy. The team combined pembrolizumab (Keytruda), an immunotherapy drug, with sacituzumab govitecan‑hziy (Trodelvy), an antibody‑drug conjugate. At the time, published data on the safety and effectiveness of this specific combination for triple‑negative breast cancer were limited.
Early results were promising
“We saw a response within weeks,” Dr. Pluard said. Within four months, Anderson’s tumor markers dropped dramatically, eventually becoming undetectable. A subsequent PET scan in September confirmed no evidence of metastatic disease, and a personalized circulating tumor DNA test (Signatera) also showed no detectable molecular signs of cancer.
These outcomes helped pave the way for broader clinical studies of the Keytruda‑Trodelvy regimen, which later received FDA approval for certain patients with metastatic triple‑negative breast cancer. Anderson’s case illustrates how clinical research can expand treatment options for patients facing aggressive disease.
Continuing vigilance
While the current results are encouraging, Anderson’s doctors stress the importance of ongoing monitoring. Regular imaging and blood‑based testing remain essential for patients who have experienced metastatic breast cancer, ensuring any recurrence is caught early.
“I’m grateful for the care and the support of my family and friends,” Anderson said. “It’s given me a second chance to live fully and keep dancing.”
Koontz Center marks a decade of service
The Koontz Center, opened in 2016, celebrated its 10th anniversary this October. The center was founded to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for patients with stage 4 (metastatic) breast cancer, emphasizing personalized treatment plans and access to cutting‑edge therapies.
Anderson’s story underscores the impact of combining innovative therapies with a dedicated care team, offering hope to other Kansas City residents confronting similar diagnoses.
Original reporting: KSHB 41 Kansas City (local) — read the source article.
