Olivia Mannion, Account Supervisor at PAN Communications, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“When I was diagnosed with metastatic lymphoma, I was presented with two treatment options – standard of care or a clinical trial. Without hesitation, I chose the clinical trial, with the hope my treatment would advance medicine, eventually giving the next patient an improved care plan.
Yesterday, the FDA approved the chemoimmunotherapy regimen as a result of my trial. Knowing my data was involved in the decision that ultimately resulted in this approval is without a doubt the coolest part of my cancer journey to date.
Lack of representation in clinical trials is an ongoing barrier to progress in adolescent and young adult cancers, which has a direct correlation to survival rates when compared to pediatric or adult cancers, according to the NIH.
I am grateful to have been treated at a comprehensive cancer center where I had the option to participate in this trial. Ensuring all patients have the same opportunity to prevent, detect, treat – including trials – and survive (or thrive) with cancer is what continues to drive me in my advocacy work.”
Other articles featuring Olivia Mannion on OncoDaily.