Mum’s journey helps rewrite global breast cancer treatment

Kylie Pardo was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2017 at the age of 33. Her journey began when she discovered a lump in her breast.

Upon consultation with Cabrini’s breast surgeon, Dr Jennifer Senior OAM, the young mum was introduced to the possibility of participating in a clinical trial. Dr Senior referred Kylie to oncologist and cancer genetics specialist Associate Professor Yoland Antill, who led the Keynote 522 clinical trial at Cabrini.

The groundbreaking study has since changed the standard of care for women worldwide with stage 2 or 3 triple-negative breast cancer. As Professor Antill explains, “Keynote 522 is the addition of pembrolizumab, which is immune therapy, to chemotherapy for women with stage 2 or stage 3, who have high-risk, triple-negative breast cancer.”

The trial involved 1174 patients globally, with Cabrini contributing approximately 6 participants. Kylie fit the trial’s eligibility criteria and became one of these participants.

When offered the opportunity to participate, Kylie’s initial reaction was enthusiastic. She recalls, “I was like, ‘Yeah, just do it. If it works, then great. If it changes things, great.'” However, Prof Antill insisted that Kylie consider her decision carefully. “Prof Antill made me go away for at least 20 minutes to think it over because I agreed to the trial instantly.”

The trial represented a significant leap forward in breast cancer treatment. Prof Antill explains the groundbreaking results: “The addition of pembrolizumab proved to both improve the likelihood of pathological complete response, but also to improve the likelihood of surviving that diagnosis of breast cancer, regardless of whether you achieved pathological complete response or not.”

The trial treatment lasted approximately nine months. During this time, Kylie experienced minor potential side effects, such as skin irritations, but nothing major that significantly impacted her quality of life.

A crucial aspect of Kylie’s story is her ability to have children post-treatment. Before starting chemotherapy, she underwent egg harvesting as a precautionary measure. However, three years after completing her cancer treatment, Kylie was able to conceive naturally. She gave birth to her third child, who is now 3.5 years old.

Reflecting on her experience, Kylie expresses pride and satisfaction in her participation, “I feel like I have made a difference along with everyone else who participated.” She highlights the importance of clinical research, “Science is there for a reason. And if you’re in the position to get on a trial and help yourself but help many other people, you have to have a go.”

Kylie’s case highlights the potential benefits of clinical trials in advancing cancer treatments. Her successful treatment and subsequent ability to expand her family serve as hope for other breast cancer patients.

This trial has now changed the standard of care for women with high-risk triple-negative breast cancer, offering new hope and improved outcomes for patients globally.

Read more about Cabrini’s breast cancer research trials, to mark Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Cabrini Breast Cancer Care service