WATERLOO (KWWL) -
Breast cancer treatment has come a long way in recent years thanks, in part, to clinical trials. One of those trials is underway in eastern Iowa.
One size definitely does not fit all when it comes to breast cancer treatment options.
Marilyn Svobada, 58, was diagnosed in January with a 2 ½ centimeter tumor in her breast. She is one of 4,000 women participating in this study.
"Said there was a study I could participate in if I would like to and there were like 3 or 4 steps I had to go through and we just finally decided, let's do it," she said.
That study is called RxPonder and the goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients because for many it is unlikely to do them any good.
Dr. Makund Nadipuram has been working with patients like Marilyn first hand at the Covenant Cancer Treatment Center in Waterloo.
"More and more you look at it cancer therapy will eventually end up in what is known as a targeted therapy, also called biological therapies so you can actually target and individualize the treatment options for each patient," Nadipuram said.
Marilyn is happy to be making a difference.
"To see how, you know, it's gonna benefit me and not only me but somebody that has similar symptoms like me that you know will be able to take my study and look at that and compare 'em and say okay this is what she went through and this is maybe what you will be able to go through," Svoboda said.
She is doing her part in the fight against breast cancer to make the fight of others a little more bearable.
