First in the world, Montreal woman receiving new type of breast cancer treatment

A Montreal woman is the first person in the world to receive a new type of breast cancer treatment.

Robin Berman, 53, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an invasive type of breast cancer that grows and spreads faster, and has fewer treatment options.

“It was like getting a punch in the face,” said Berman.

She is now undergoing a clinical trial called, TROPION-Breast04.

“I’m not happy by any means to have triple negative breast cancer or any breast cancer or that anyone has this disease. But I’m grateful that I get to participate in this trial,” said Berman.

It’s a global study with several countries participating but in Quebec it’s led locally by Dr. Jamil Asselah, a medical oncologist at the McGill University Health Centre and an investigator in the Cancer Research Program at the hospital’s Research Institute.

“It’s combined two new drugs. One is a new chemotherapy and the other one is immunotherapy and to target a protein that we call TROP2,” said Dr. Asselah.

According to a 2020 study, triple-negative breast cancer accounts for 10 to 15 per cent of all breast cancer cases. Dr. Asselah says the goal of the treatment is to find a cure while also offering a better quality of life for patients.

“We were the first country to open the study and Robin was the first patient that will start this medication and had the experimental treatment.”

For Berman, what gets her through her journey is the support she gets from family and friends, as well as staying active.

“I’m actually doing an aqua fitness every day at the Pointe Claire Aquatic Centre and I feel like getting up every day Monday to Friday, having a place to go, getting my fitness, it helps me sort of live in the moment,” said Berman.

Berman is even currently taking a course on forest bathing, the practice of spending time in nature to feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally.

“I’m learning how to be a guide in that. In my future, I plan to help other women or support other women going through the same thing with that.”

“I would encourage other women if they ever get a diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer and they’re in more of a community setting to mention it to their oncologist that there is this trial ongoing and that maybe they would be eligible,” said Berman.