Cancer Clinical Trial Close to Home | Cheryl’s Patient Story with Dr. Isaac
Watch Cheryl share how participating in a clinical trial at Alliance Cancer Specialists gave her access to advanced cancer treatment close to home. Learn about clinical trials and personalized cancer care.
Peter
Peter’s cancer journey began unexpectedly during a routine annual physical, when his white blood cell count came back elevated. After checking again a few months later, it was still high. Because he felt completely fine, the results surprised him. But his primary care physician took the numbers seriously and referred him to Dr. Zeger at Alliance Cancer Specialists. “That referral changed everything for me,” Peter says. After further evaluation, he entered a watch-and-wait period that lasted nearly ten years. “Looking back, I’m grateful it was caught early through something as routine as a yearly exam.”
When his diagnosis, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, finally came, Peter recalls the fear vividly. “Hearing the words ‘you have cancer’ was one of the most frightening moments of my life. It felt like everything stopped.” What eased his fear was the calm and compassionate way Dr. Zeger explained the diagnosis; knowing CLL could often be carefully managed made all the difference. From the start, Peter felt he was in the right place. “I never felt rushed or like just another patient. I felt heard, respected, and cared for as a whole person.” Over the years, his relationship with Dr. Zeger grew deeper. “It’s built on trust, honesty, and genuine care. He’s extremely knowledgeable, patient with my questions, and has a calm demeanor that eases my fears. And his sense of humor, honestly, that helped more than he knows.”
When treatment finally began, it was both difficult and empowering. “Starting treatment reminded me that I was taking control of my health.” Throughout this time, he felt his care was truly personalized. “The team at Alliance made sure my treatment plan and appointments worked with my life. It never felt generic. Every interaction felt genuine.” What kept Peter going during the hardest moments was something deeply personal to him: running. “Running became my strongest source of strength. When I run, it feels like I’m physically and mentally fighting my CLL. It’s my way of saying ‘you’re not going to get me,’” he said. As an avid runner who participates in dozens of races each year, he channels his determination into every mile. He also uses his social media to raise awareness and empower others living with CLL. “This diagnosis doesn’t stop you,” he added. “If anything, it pushed me to work harder.”
To anyone newly diagnosed, or anyone unsure about where to turn, Peter offers encouragement drawn from experience. “You are stronger than you realize, and cancer does not define you,” he said. “Early detection matters, so routine screenings are incredibly important. Find a care team that listens and supports you. There is life, hope, and strength beyond the diagnosis: you don’t have to face it alone.”
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Peter!
Dawn
In March 2022, Dawn faced the daunting news that she had both Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). “I was overwhelmed with fear and anger,” she recalls, “but I knew I had to take action.” After consulting with Dr. Aithal at Alliance Cancer Specialists, Dawn found the confidence and care she needed. “Dr. Aithal walked me through every step, explaining everything to my family and me, and the nurses were amazing. They distracted me with laughter and gave me the strength to keep going when I felt like I couldn’t.”
Dawn’s treatment was far from easy due to her dual diagnosis. She had to adjust to a slower, more manageable chemotherapy plan. “My body couldn’t handle standard treatment, but Dr. Sramila Aithal and the team made sure I got through it. Their support was incredible.”
Now two and a half years cancer-free, Dawn has a new outlook on life. “My faith and family carried me through the hardest times. I wake up every day thankful for another chance.”
She stresses the importance of early detection: “Always go for your mammograms—they can save your life. If you feel something, don’t wait. It’s better to be told it’s nothing than to hear the word ‘cancer.'”
Dawn’s journey is one of courage, faith, and hope. “You’re never alone in this fight. Rely on your faith, family, and friends, and remember, you have the strength to push through.
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Dawn!
Bobby
“In May 2017, an ultrasound revealed a 12-centimeter mass on my right kidney. By June, on my 50th birthday, I had my kidney removed, and the tumor was confirmed as renal clear cell carcinoma. With the tumor encapsulated, I was optimistic about moving forward, monitoring with regular scans.
In the fall of 2020, an MRI showed growth on my left adrenal gland, with cancer spreading to lymph nodes near my lungs, chest, abdomen, and pelvis. That’s when I was referred to Dr. Mitchell Alden at Alliance Cancer Specialists – a decision I truly believe saved my life. We began a treatment plan combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Over the next few years, through ups and downs, scans showed progress. By July 2024, I completed treatment with stable results and am now in a monitoring phase.
Words can’t fully express my gratitude for Dr. Alden and the amazing team at the Doylestown Alliance Cancer office. Their expertise and care carried me through the hardest chapter of my life. Dr. Alden took the time to explain every step and truly cared about my physical and mental well-being. To the entire Doylestown team: Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your incredible work makes all the difference.” – Bobby H, Patient
Kim
When Kim was diagnosed with stage 4 serous carcinoma ovarian cancer on August 9, 2022, she was hospitalized at St. Mary’s—an overwhelming start to a life-changing journey. But from the very beginning, one constant stood out: her connection with Dr. Krista Isaac. “She’s been more than just my oncologist,” Kim said. “She’s been a constant source of comfort, someone who listens to my fears, answers every question, and truly looks out for me.”
After undergoing initial chemotherapy and a full hysterectomy, Kim began maintenance treatment with Lynparza and Avastin. But within months, the cancer progressed. That’s when Dr. Isaac, working closely with Dr. Marcus from Penn Medicine, began exploring clinical trials. “In any patient with advanced, recurrent cancer I consider if there is a clinical trial option available,” Dr. Isaac said. “This allows a patient to potentially receive a more promising treatment than what I have available as standard of care.” Kim felt their commitment and it made all the difference. “Dr. Marcus and Dr. Isaac are always in contact and truly collaborative,” Kim explained. “I really felt like they were doing everything they could to find the next right step for me.”
In January 2024, Kim enrolled in her first clinical trial with Alliance: Azenosertib. It was a pill she took five days on, two days off. Before starting, she met with Lindsay Klein, the clinical research nurse who supports patients throughout the trial process. “Lindsay walked me through everything—paperwork, logistics, all my questions and concerns,” Kim said. “Of course I was anxious—how would I feel, would it work—but I trust Dr. Isaac.” The trust and respected was recieved on both ends. “Kim is a great clinical trial patient,” Dr. Isaac said. “She is relatively asymptomatic and has tolerated her prior treatments without many side effects.” Kim stayed on Azenosertib for eight months—her longest stretch without progression. When the cancer eventually progressed again, Kim prepared to start a
new chemotherapy combination. But just a week before treatment, she got a call from Dr. Isaac: Kim was eligible for another clinical trial, this time for Rina-S—an infusion given every three weeks that had been showing promise. She started the Rina-S trial in January 2025. Her first scan showed stable disease. Her CA-125 tumor marker, which was 303, dropped to 68. Anything below 35 is considered a healthy range.
And after her fourth infusion, a scan on April 1st brought more good news: all lesions had decreased in size, some significantly, and no new cancer had appeared. Her CA-125 continued to drop, landing at 47.7. “It’s still a little above normal,” Kim said, “but considering where I started, it’s a huge improvement.”
While the process of joining a trial can be overwhelming with scans, EKGs, bloodwork, and paperwork—Kim credits Lindsay for making it manageable. “She sets up everything, checks in constantly, and if any billing confusion arises, she handles it.” “Communication is key,” Dr. Isaac added. “My research coordinator contacts our trial patients on a regular basis, and patients have a separate number to call with any questions or issues.”
The support Kim has received from the entire Alliance team has made a lasting impression. “Everyone from the front desk, to the lab, to the infusion room treats you with kindness. They answer your questions and help lift some of the weight you carry as a cancer patient.” There have been practical benefits too. “Everything related to the trial has been covered like medications, scans, even drugs for side effects. When cancer already brings so much stress, that kind of support makes a big difference.” Kim shared. “Some patients at times find enrolling on a trial overwhelming due to the extra labs or testing needed,” Dr. Isaac acknowledged. “But I would strongly encourage patients to consider enrollment if their physician feels it is a good fit. We’ve developed a robust clinical trial program at Alliance through our relationship with the Sarah Cannon Research Institute.”
“I’ve seen firsthand the potential they hold,” Kim said. “Someone has to help move research forward—why not me?”
Her advice to others considering a trial? “Get informed. Ask every question. Talk with your care team and your loved ones. For me, deciding to do the second trial first meant I still had chemo as a backup. It gave me options, and that matters when you’re living with cancer.”
Today, Kim’s gratitude runs deep—for her care team, for the opportunities clinical research has brought, and for the community she’s found through advocacy. She and her family have participated in the Together in Teal walk/run for three years, raising more than $10,000 for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.
“We do it not just for me,” Kim said, “but for everyone facing this diagnosis. I’m incredibly thankful to be part of something that could help others down the line too.”
