Ladonna’s Story: ‘Coming to the Cancer Center and Finding Dr. Margiotta Has Been a Godsend’

In Ladonna Behnke’s life, family is everything. After being diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer, gaining more time to spend with loved ones was an important goal. “I knew I needed treatment, but at the same time, I wanted to feel well enough to be there for my grandchildren,” Behnke said.

Her team at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute was able to offer Behnke an effective new treatment to shrink her cancer without the debilitating side effects of conventional chemotherapy. She could continue to do what matters most in her life. “Because we are a cancer treatment and research center, we are always looking beyond the conventional to find more effective and more tolerable treatments for our patients,” said medical oncologist Philip Margiotta, M.D.

“When Ladonna’s cancer had become resistant to previous treatment, she came to us for a second opinion," Margiotta said. "We were able to offer a novel targeted approach that proved to be effective for a longer period and was more in line with her personal goals.” Behnke has a less common type of colorectal cancer that produces too much of a protein called HER2. Too much HER2 causes cancer cells to grow uncontrollably.

Targeted treatments called antibody-drug conjugates, like the one Behnke received, are designed to work specifically against HER2 positive cancers without harming healthy cells. These drugs can kill cancer cells more directly and more tolerably than traditional chemotherapy. Behnke responded well to eight months of targeted antibody treatment and is now on an additional cycle of chemotherapy to keep her cancer under control.

“As newer therapies become available, our hope is to offer Ladonna more options so she can continue to live life on her terms,” Margiotta said. “Coming to the Cancer Center and finding Dr. Margiotta has been a godsend,” Behnke said. “My faith is very strong, and I believe my doctors are the right ones for me. “I want to enjoy each day,” she said. “I’m getting the care I need right here near home, and the only travelling I need to do now is to be with my children and grandchildren.”