HOPE
A P U B L I C AT I O N F R O M T H E K A R M A N O S C A N C E R I N S T I T U T E A N N C I - D E S I G N AT E D C O M P R E H E N S I V E C A N C E R C E N T E R
ALL THE OPTIONS: CHARTING A WAY FORWARD A SPUR-OF-THE-MOMENT THOUGHT TO CHECK HIS PSA LED HIM TO KARMANOS FOR A SECOND OPINION P. 16
SU M M E R 2026
WI NTE R 2026
I DIDN’T HAVE TO GO FAR FOR EXPERT CANCER CARE. I was young, so I figured, ‘eh – it’s probably nothing.’ As a wife and young mother, I waited until my next annual gynecologic exam to bring it up to my physician. However, my gynecologist did not feel the lump but ordered a mammogram and ultrasound just to be certain. My mammogram results did show a highly suspicious area in my left breast. I chose the Karmanos location in Bay City to receive my care and decided to have a lumpectomy. The lumpectomy revealed my worst fear. I was diagnosed with stage I invasive ductal carcinoma. That’s when I decided to have a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. I’ve been cancer-free for 11 years. I’ve been able to watch my kids grow and participate in all of their activities. I’ve been able to live the life I wanted to live. As a nurse, my interaction with patients is now different from what it was before my diagnosis. I often have one-on-one conversations with patients discussing both of our experiences. They come in as strangers, and they leave as friends. I love serving our rural communities. I get a sense of pride to know that I’m helping people in my community, knowing that they can get the same care that they would get in the big cities right here in our backyard. - Patient and Nurse Angie G. Read more at karmanos.org/forward
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Another Strike Out Cancer Weekend with the Detroit Tigers is in the books! Check out the festivities that Karmanos cancer survivors participated in at karmanos.org/allcancergame26 and karmanos.org/pinkout26.
Welcome, As we enter the summer season—a time of reflection, togetherness, and renewal—I would like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to our patients, their families and caregivers. At the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, we see every day how our patients’ courage and resilience light the way. Our nursing team is deeply committed to our mission to deliver compassionate, high-quality oncology care. Whether at the bedside or in the clinic, we are here to provide expertise and hope when it’s needed most. We understand that cancer touches every aspect of life, and we are honored to walk alongside our patients. In this issue of Hope Magazine, we not only bring you updates on the new treatments, technologies, locations, and renovated spaces we have invested in across the Karmanos Cancer Network, but we also bring you the journeys of our patients. Terrell graces the cover of this issue. This prostate cancer survivor came to Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit because he was seeking more treatment options that fit his desire for healing. There’s also Edgar and Steve, both lung cancer survivors whose families inspired them to quit smoking. They chose two different paths to treatment at two different locations, demonstrating the Cancer Network’s vast portfolio of therapies for treating cancer. We also introduce you to George, one of the first patients to use the new TheraBionic P1 device for treatment of advanced liver cancer. He also came to Karmanos for a second opinion, looking for a clinical trial or new therapy that would offer him more hope. Many more cancer journeys await you beyond this page.
Lastly, we introduce you to Steve, our first hemophilia B patient to receive a new gene therapy. This novel treatment offers hope to hemophilia patients, and, as our chief pharmacy officer notes, gene therapies could be part of the future of cancer treatment. As summer shines bright, we are reminded that a gentle breeze can be found in the kindness of a nurse, the strength of a caregiver and the hope that lives in every patient’s heart. We are grateful that our patients entrust us with their care. Wishing you sunny days. Warm regards,
Kathleen Fedoronko, MSN, RN, OCN Chief Nursing Officer Karmanos Cancer Hospital
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KARMANOS REVEALS NEW BRAND CAMPAIGN, SHOWCASING CANCER SURVIVORS, STAFF AND LOCAL COMMUNITY BUSINESSES
WINNING THE FIGHT AFTER HAVING TO JUMP IN THE GAME Kim Harrison visits Comerica Park in Detroit Watch and read Kim’s story at karmanos.org/kimsstory.
New campaign reiterates the Karmanos Advantage, encourages cancer patients to advocate for their health by getting a second opinion and uses real cancer survivors sharing their Karmanos journey
FIGHTING CANCER WITH THE RIGHT NOTE AT KARMANOS
From the patients served by the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute to the businesses and organizations that patients support, Karmanos has launched a new brand campaign. Michigan residents will be immersed in the stories of cancer survivors, who share their journeys at staple businesses in the community, providing new imagery, radio spots, billboards, print, and digital advertisements. Six stories are presented in the latest phase of this marketing campaign. Patients, a physician and staff members highlight their incredible stories through metaphors and imagery, showcasing their hobbies, motivation and their own experiences of the Karmanos Advantage. The survivors and care team members in this campaign are the people you see at local grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and every place in between as you move throughout your day. These are individuals whose lives have been touched by the caring staff.
Jaimie Hutchison visits Michigan State University’s Community Music School in East Lansing Watch and read Jaimie’s story at karmanos.org/jaimiesstory.
THEIR OWN JOURNEYS WITH CANCER: HAVING A CARE TEAM THAT UNDERSTANDS Angela Gushow, RN, OCN, visits Clark’s Greenhouse and Garden Center in Flushing Township Watch and read Angela’s story at karmanos.org/angelasstory.
With multiple locations across Michigan, Karmanos is committed not only to delivering outstanding cancer care but also to the community.
HOW PATIENTS CAN FOCUS ON HEALING Sophia Logan visits GP Zoology in Grosse Pointe Woods
Take a look at some of the businesses and organizations highlighted in this campaign across the state, as well as the stories shared by Karmanos patients and staff.
Karmanos in the Community Thank you to all the businesses that collaborated with Karmanos to help tell these amazing cancer journeys. It is due to their generosity and charitableness within their neighborhoods that the messages shared were shown in ways that resonate with Michigan residents and cancer survivors everywhere. For more information, visit karmanos.org/forward. 4
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Sophia shared the best part of being a patient navigator at karmanos.org/sophia.
FIND THE RIGHT TOOLS AT KARMANOS Terrell Thomas visits POST Detroit (Mutual Adoration) in Detroit Watch and read Terrell’s story at karmanos.org/terrellsstory.
‘Y’all Saved My Life’: How a Man’s Decision to Quit Smoking Led to the Shocking Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Edgar during the annual All Cancer Awareness Night game with the Detroit Tigers in 2025.
Edgar and his children.
Edgar Cooper was a smoker for “a long time.” In 2023, the 69-year-old Detroit resident finally followed through on a promise to quit after years of encouragement from his children. “I made up in my mind that I wanted to see my grandkids grow up,” Cooper described. “When I told my kids I was going to quit, they were happy to hear it.” He made an appointment with his primary care physician to see if he could get nicotine patches to assist in his journey. That’s when the doctor recommended a lung cancer screening. Both the decision to quit smoking and to get a lung cancer screening likely saved his life. The lung CT scan revealed a nodule in the right upper lobe of his right lung, something he may not have known about for a while if he hadn’t gotten the screening at that time. “I did not have any symptoms. They asked me if I had lost weight, but I had actually gained weight – I didn’t have any of the problems they were asking me about.” Cooper’s doctor referred him to Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit. After a biopsy on the nodule, it was confirmed that he had stage II lung cancer. In December of that year, Cooper had surgery to remove part of his right lung, performed by David Sternberg, M.D., cardiothoracic David Sternberg, M.D.
Edgar and his partner, Yolanda.
Edgar and Yolanda during the 2025 Strike Out Cancer Weekend with the Detroit Tigers.
surgeon and member of the Thoracic Oncology Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) at Karmanos. During the procedure, Dr. Sternberg found another nodule beside the other. The good news is that the cancer had not spread. The next part of his treatment brought new challenges. Under the care of his medical team, Cooper began his chemotherapy regimen, but the side effects were too much. It made him sick. “I told my oncologist that I didn’t want chemo anymore, so he kept pushing with my insurance for immunotherapy until he got the ‘Ok.’ I did a year of immunotherapy,” explained Cooper. “Toward the end of my immunotherapy, I had very few side effects,” Cooper detailed. “My appetite’s back, and I’m sleeping. I’m doing a lot of things that I wasn’t doing before.” As a retiree, his care at Karmanos allowed him to resume hobbies he had pursued for most of his life: tinkering with cars and working on houses, taking on small renovation projects with his better half.
improved outcomes when used in the perioperative setting – both before and after surgery. Cooper’s story is a testament to these advancements and encourages everyone at risk for lung cancer to undergo a low-dose CT lung screening.
A New Era in Lung Cancer Care According to Karmanos thoracic oncologists, the combination of early lung cancer screening and advancements in immunotherapy has a profound impact on patient survival and recovery. Early screening and detection significantly increase the chances of a cure. There is a growing number of patients being diagnosed at earlier stages of the disease. Additionally, immunotherapy, which activates the body’s immune system, has shown
Current or former smokers who are 50-80 years old, have a 20 pack-year smoking history, or have quit within the past 15 years should receive annual lung cancer screenings. To learn more or to schedule your lung cancer screening, call 1-800-KARMANOS or visit karmanos.org/screening.
Edgar’s Advice “If you care about your life and your family members, get the screenings because they are important. They will save your life. And put the cigarettes down,” he added. Cooper also said he recommends Karmanos to anyone asking for advice on where to go for cancer care. “Karmanos has the best doctors and nurses. They treat you like family and will make sure that you receive the care you are supposed to get. “Y’all saved my life,” he added. “I’ve been blessed from the time they started. God put Karmanos in my life, and I thank him every day that I have survived and can see my grandchildren grow up.”
For resources to quit smoking, visit karmanos.org/quitsmoking.
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HEALING IN YOUR COMMUNITY: EXPANDING ACCESS TO THE KARMANOS ADVANTAGE Karmanos and McLaren Health Care reimagine care, one community at a time Shaping the future of cancer care for communities has been one of the brightest points of pride for the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. Karmanos cares for nearly one in four cancer patients across 46 Michigan counties, which represents two-thirds of the state’s population. For patients and families facing cancer, proximity can be as powerful as expertise. Karmanos has made expanding access to care a priority, ensuring that the most advanced oncology expertise is available not only in Detroit but throughout the state. Building on this vision, Karmanos and McLaren Health Care have invested in two new locations and a renovation and expansion project. NEW LOCATION: Karmanos Cancer Institute – Dearborn Karmanos Cancer Institute – Dearborn opened in January 2025 and is located at 18800 Hubbard Drive. The 5,000-square-foot cancer center occupies the main floor of the building and includes infusion bays, clinic exam rooms, a compounding pharmacy, lab services and a consult room. Physicians practicing in Dearborn treat various types of cancer, including breast, gynecologic, head and neck, genitourinary cancers, and more. The clinic also offers breast health services, including 3-D mammography in a private women’s corridor. NEW LOCATION: Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Oakland - Oxford Located in the new McLaren Oakland – Oxford medical campus, the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Oakland – Oxford clinic offers hematology and medical oncology treatments. RENNOVATION & EXPANSION: Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint and the McLaren Proton Therapy Center After more than two years of development and construction, the addition and renovation of the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint and the McLaren Proton Therapy Center in Flint are now complete. The project added 13,735 square feet of clinical care space, increasing the capacity and patient access to several surgical oncology services. Additionally, two forthcoming proton therapy units are expected to come online this year, providing a more effective treatment experience for patients. Patients across the Karmanos Cancer Network have access to specialized treatments and clinical trials offered through Karmanos’ headquarters in Detroit. This includes bone marrow and stem cell transplantation, CAR-T cell therapy, Gamma Knife radiosurgery, proton therapy, and the newly FDA-approved TheraBionic P1 device for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. This also includes Karmanos’ screening and prevention programs, genetic counseling, supportive care, and integrative therapy programs. Find a Karmanos location near you at karmanos.org/forward. 6
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DETROIT TIGERS WRITER EXPERIENCED SEASON OPENER, STROKE AND TESTICULAR CANCER, ALL IN ONE DAY
Ryan and his wife Megan at a Tigers game.
The start of the Major League Baseball season in Detroit is “about hope, and joy, and about things being better than they were the year before.” This was precisely the case for Ryan Ford. As the deputy sports editor for the Detroit Free Press, Ford was ready to capture the essence of the Detroit Tigers’ 2024 season opener against the Chicago White Sox when his life completely changed. During the first road game, Ford was at home watching and working. But he began to struggle. “I found I was having problems typing, and then I fell a couple of times. My face was also drooping,” explained Ford. His wife of seven years, Megan, who was sleeping between her nursing shifts, was present, witnessing these symptoms and immediately identified them as signs of a stroke. Rushing to the nearest emergency room, the medical professionals began assessing Ford’s symptoms and checking the stroke protocol. While putting on a hospital gown, one of the residents noticed one of his testicles was significantly enlarged. A few days passed, and the medical professionals continued to evaluate Ford to understand why the stroke occurred, especially for a healthy individual in his 40s. Fortunately, all of Ford’s mental abilities returned to normal without any lasting effects; however, in the search for the clots, they decided to scan his testicle. All because of a stroke, Ford discovered he had stage III testicular cancer. The biopsy indicated that
one testicle needed to be removed, so they removed it just five days after his stroke. His cancer was producing clots, which usually would have lodged in his lungs; however, medical professionals discovered what Ford called “the worst hat trick ever;” he had a condition called patent foramen ovale (PFO). PFO is a small hole between the heart’s upper right and left chambers. This hole lets blood flow between the atria. According to the American Heart Association, PFOs are normal before birth and usually close once a newborn takes their first breath. Even for individuals whose foramen ovale flap never closes, “your body just deals with it and people can go about their lives without ever knowing, as I had,” explained Ford. “Except, my lower half was throwing clots, and they went up through the heart and crossed over into my brain. That’s what caused the stroke.” After his testicular cancer diagnosis, Ford was transferred to Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit. Further testing indicated that Ford’s cancer had spread to one lymph node behind his abdominal organs. Under the care of Frank Cackowski, M.D., Ph.D., medical oncologist and member of the Genitourinary Oncology Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos, Ford underwent three rounds of chemotherapy. “Testicular cancer is very sensitive to chemotherapy drugs, and we can cure this disease with these
Frank Cackowski, M.D.
Karmanos Cancer Institute
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Ryan at the hospital undergoing chemotherapy.
One of Ryan’s completed Lego sets.
therapies - even in advanced stages. Every person diagnosed with testicular cancer has a chance of a cure,” said Dr. Cackowski. Though Ford could not finish watching the game the day of his stroke, the Tigers won the opener 1-0, and swept the series. Ford’s chemotherapy treatments concluded just as the Tigers were wrapping up one of their best seasons with an 86-76 record. With just eight weeks left of the Tigers’ 2024 baseball season, Ford waited to hear how his future in sports writing would look. It was any Detroit sports fan’s dream: the Tigers won a playoff series for the first time in 11 years, and Ford was there to experience it. Since August 2024, there has been no evidence of testicular cancer in Ford’s body. He returns every six months to Karmanos for an evaluation with Dr. Cackowski. “I don’t think I could have gotten a better doctor than Dr. Cackowski. He did an excellent job of putting together an individual health plan for me,” praised Ford. How fitting it was that Ford was receiving his treatments at Karmanos’ Wertz Infusion Center, named after a former Tigers star, Victor Wertz. He and his wife, Lucille, left a generous donation to Karmanos in their estate, which led to the naming of the Wertz Infusion Center and the Wertz Clinic. As a 45-year-old Detroiter, Ford lives in remission and has returned to writing for the Detroit Free Press, specifically covering the Detroit Tigers, building 8
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intricate Lego sets, and living life to the fullest with his beloved wife. Ford’s advice to men is simple: “Don’t ignore changes in your body, even if they’re not creating a problem; you never know when they will present a problem down the road.” He experienced this first-hand. Ford had been noticing that his testicle was enlarged, but he didn’t really think anything of it. “I had skipped talking about it in my two previous physicals. I also went a few years without getting a physical, which was not smart,” he shared. Ford intended to talk to his physician at his next primary care visit, but the stroke happened before. “The best thing that people can do is to bring anything concerning medical attention to their physician earlier on,” advised Dr. Cackowski. Because of a stroke and being diagnosed with cancer, Ford is now seeking to be more diligent in life. He’s challenging himself to stay current with regular screenings and intentional in annual exams. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with testicular cancer, consulting with a specialist who has dedicated their career to researching and treating this disease is important. Call 1-800-KARMANOS or visit karmanos.org/secondopinion.
MORE OPTIONS TO TREAT CANCER: IT’S IN OUR DNA As a prestigious National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute continues to advance discovery and deliver exceptional care with compassion and purpose. Over the past few years, Karmanos has been involved in significant developments in therapy and approvals for new treatments.
First to Prescribe the TheraBionic P1 Device It sounds like science fiction, but it’s a reality – and Karmanos was the first in the world to prescribe a new at-home treatment. Since November 2024, Karmanos has had several stage IV liver cancer patients fighting their disease from the comfort of their own home with a portable device called the TheraBionic P1 device. The device was FDA-approved in September 2023 to treat advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. Boris Pasche, M.D., Ph.D., FACP, president and CEO of Karmanos, is the co-inventor of this groundbreaking technology.
A demonstration on how patients use the TheraBionic P1 device at home.
Using the device is easy. Patients place a small, spoon-shaped antenna on their tongue while the device delivers low-level radiofrequency electromagnetic fields through the body. The signals are tuned specifically to disrupt the growth of liver cancer cells while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. Patients do not typically experience major side effects when using the treatment. Karmanos researchers are currently testing how this same technology can treat other solid tumors. Learn more at karmanos.org/therabionic.
First and Only in Michigan to Offer TIL Therapy Lifileucel, also known as tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte or TIL therapy, is a game-changing immunotherapy for patients with metastatic melanoma whose cancer has stopped responding to traditional treatments. Yusra Shao, M.D., medical oncologist and leader of the Cutaneous (Skin) Oncology Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), was instrumental in leading the clinical trial studies at Karmanos, which also contributed to the FDA approval of the therapy. TIL therapy uses the patient’s own immune system by using a sample of the tumor to extract T-cells, grow more T-cells and infuse them back into the patient to attack the disease. Learn more at karmanos.org/TILtherapy.
Leading the Theranostics Revolution Karmanos has been leading the way in cancer treatment with theranostics and radiopharmaceutical therapies for years, long before it became mainstream. Since 2017, Karmanos has delivered nearly 850 theranostic infusions, allowing oncologists to visualize the tumor and deliver high-powered radiation directly to cancer cells. This allows radiation oncologists to spare healthy tissue when treating tumors. Going Karmanos Cancer Institute
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even further, Karmanos has installed a new, advanced SPECT/ CT (single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography) imaging system, allowing physicians to monitor treatment responses in real time and adapt the treatments accordingly. Led by Anthony Shields, M.D., Ph.D., associate center director for Clinical Sciences and program leader for Molecular Imaging, Karmanos scientists are expanding this groundbreaking treatment to fight multiple cancer types. Learn more at karmanos.org/theranostics.
One of the First in the World to Use an Upright Proton Therapy System Karmanos has installed a new SPEC/CT in Detroit, allowing clinicians to precisely pinpoint where radiopharmaceuticals localize in the body, monitor therapeutic responses in real time, and adapt treatments accordingly.
In 2026, radiation therapy in Flint is getting a major upgrade. Patients will be able to receive their proton therapy treatments sitting or standing instead of lying down. This year, the McLaren Proton Therapy Center, part of the Karmanos Cancer Network, will begin using Leo Cancer Care’s revolutionary upright treatment system, the first of its type in the world. Proton therapy delivers most of its energy directly to the tumor site while minimizing exposure of surrounding healthy tissue compared with conventional radiation therapy. This new upright position improves patient comfort while enhancing alignment and tumor-targeting accuracy. The center looks to treat its first patient on this new system in late 2026. Learn more at karmanos.org/protontherapy.
And We’re Beyond Cancer Treating Hemophilia B In October 2025, Karmanos Cancer Center became the first independent cancer center in the country to administer a new gene therapy for patients with hemophilia B. The one-time gene therapy is called Hemgenix. Hemophilia B is a rare, life-threatening disorder where the blood doesn’t The new upright treatment system available at clot properly, leading to dangerous bleeding even from the McLaren Proton Therapy Center. minor injuries. Indryas Woldie, M.D., hematologist, medical oncologist and member of the Hematology Oncology MDT, and his team successfully treated Karmanos’ first patient with this breakthrough. Instead of a lifetime of weekly prophylactic injections, this treatment delivers the missing protein to the patient’s liver to help the blood clot. The liver begins making the missing clotting protein on its own. Read the full story on page 10 or learn more at karmanos.org/hemgenix. Treating Osteoarthritis At Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Northern Michigan, they’re not only using radiation therapy to treat cancer – they’re also using it to help relieve severe arthritis. This innovative approach for patients with osteoarthritis reduces joint inflammation and pain, providing relief for those who can’t or don’t want to undergo surgery. Early results show three out of four patients report significant improvements in their daily pain and mobility. Learn more at karmanos.org/northerncancer. 10
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THE DESIGNATION THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE Karmanos Cancer Institute is the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in metro Detroit and one of just 58 centers of its kind in the U.S. To receive this designation, a hospital must demonstrate expertise in laboratory, clinical and population-based research. Hospitals must also provide early-phase clinical trials and conduct community outreach and educational activities. This means patients can access treatments exclusive to Karmanos, cancer prevention programs, and multidisciplinary teams of cancer specialists — a comprehensive approach you cannot find at a community hospital.
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KARMANOS CANCER INSTITUTE BECOMES FIRST AND ONLY FREE-STANDING CANCER CENTER TO TREAT HEMOPHILIA B WITH NEW GENE THERAPY
Steve W. was Karmanos’ first hemophilia B patient to receive a new gene therapy.
Five-year clinical study results show this revolutionary one-time treatment allowed 94% of patients to stop routine factor IX prophylaxis
The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute has become the first and only independent cancer center in the U.S. to provide a new hemophilia treatment. Etranacogene dezaparvovec-drlb, also known by its brand name Hemgenix®, is a one-time gene therapy approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with hemophilia B. Steve W. of Clinton Township was the first patient to receive the therapy at Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit on Oct. 28, 2025. In the U.S., Steve is the 52nd patient treated after clinical studies. “I’m just very blessed to be in the right spot at the right time with the right people,” Steve expressed. “And it’s working. I didn’t have any problems the first few days… I did have some days where I was just tired, but about a week after the infusion, I was good.”
bleeding, potentially after a procedure, and in severe cases, spontaneous bleeding,” explained Indryas Woldie, M.D., a hematologist and medical oncologist who specializes in benign hematological diseases. Dr. Woldie also leads the Hemophilia and Other Bleeding Disorders Clinic and is a member of the Hematology Oncology Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos. Hemophilia B predominantly occurs in males. “Males inherit the X chromosome from their mothers, and if it is hemophilic, they will have hemophilia. Although female carriers may not have severe disease manifestations, they can still have bleeding, particularly during menstrual cycles. In addition, they will need to be properly treated during surgery and in the event of injuries. Depending on the factor IX level, females can also have mild and occasionally moderate hemophilia,” explained Dr. Woldie.
What is Hemophilia B? Hemophilia B is a rare blood-clotting disorder caused by a deficiency of factor IX, a clotting protein. As a result, hemophilia B patients may have excessive bleeding after injury or surgery. Severe deficiency can result in spontaneous bleeding, particularly to the joints. Hemophilia B can be a life-threatening disease in the case of severe injury or surgery without proper therapy.
Hemophilia B requires consistent medical care. The current standard of care is lifelong, routine infusions of factor IX replacement therapy (prophylaxis) to help reduce bleeding risk. Before the gene therapy, Steve would have to inject himself once a week with prophylaxis to increase his factor IX count in his blood. Now, after receiving the treatment, he doesn’t have to treat himself routinely, unless he needs a procedure.
“Although most hemophilia is hereditary, sometimes patients can be diagnosed with this disease without a family history. An official diagnosis of this condition usually happens when a newborn is circumcised, or later in life when a patient experiences excessive
“I think it’s exciting for him. It’s a thing – the kitchen table on Saturday mornings, he’d rub it down with alcohol and spread out all his gear,” shared Alison, Steve’s wife. “Now, he doesn’t have to do that unless he has to have surgery or was in an accident that causes trauma.”
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How Does the Gene Therapy Work? “The gene coding for factor IX is placed into a vector containing an inactive viral capsid. We then infuse it into the patient intravenously, where the vector preferentially travels to the liver and helps it make the deficient protein, factor IX,” said Dr. Woldie.
Steve receiving the gene therapy. This infusion takes around an hour. After being monitored for a few hours, he was able to go home.
Patients are monitored during and after the infusion for at least three hours to ensure there are no infusion-related reactions. Potential symptoms during this time may include: • Elevated levels of a specific blood enzyme. • Fatigue. • Feeling unwell. • Flu-like symptoms. • Headache. • Infusion-related reactions. • Liver enzyme elevations. • Nausea. “Patients will start making their own factor IX from the first few weeks of infusion up to six months and longer,” Dr. Woldie explained. “There have been good long-term results of patients having a factor level that precludes the use of prophylaxis.” According to CSL, the company that makes Hemgenix, 94% of patients in the international clinical trial discontinued their routine factor IX prophylaxis. At the five-year mark after treatment, 94% of those patients maintained mild to normal factor IX levels. Leading Up to Treatment Day “My team is excited to be able to offer this gene therapy for patients,” said Surender Kanaparthi, R.Ph., MBA, DPLA, FACHE, chief pharmacy officer at Karmanos Cancer Hospital. “Our mission has always been to expand access to the most advanced treatments available, and gene therapy is the future of hematology and oncology care.”
we give them more information and spend time discussing the pros, cons and adverse effects that could occur, as well as eligibility criteria,” said Dr. Woldie. “There are many testing requirements before offering Hemgenix to ensure patients are eligible and that their liver is functioning properly. For the patient, once it is determined that they are eligible, administering it is relatively simple,” explained Kanaparthi. Who is Eligible for This Gene Therapy? Hemophilia B patients who are eligible to receive this one-time therapy must currently use factor IX prophylaxis therapy, have current or historical life-threatening bleeding, or have repeated, severe spontaneous bleeding episodes. For more information, visit karmanos.org/hemgenix or call 1-800-KARMANOS.
About six months before Karmanos became a site for this new hemophilia B gene therapy, health care teams, including pharmacists, physicians and nurses, had to complete rigorous training to ensure safe and effective infusion administration. Once Steve was identified as a potential patient for this treatment, the team had to ensure he was truly eligible. “When we see our patients, we talk to them about new treatments approved by the FDA, as well as available clinical trials. If they are interested in any of those options,
Indryas Woldie, M.D.
Surender Kanaparthi, R.Ph., MBA, DPLA, FACHE
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SCREENING & PREVENTION PROGRAM AT KARMANOS
ASK YOUR CARE TEAM ABOUT CANCER SCREENING WOMEN AGES 40+
MEN & WOMEN AGES 45+
Women should begin having annual mammograms at age 40 or earlier if you have a family history of cancer.
Begin screening at age 45 and continue every 10 years. Those at an increased risk should screen sooner and more often.
MAMMOGRAPHY
COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING
ARE YOU A SMOKER?
WOMEN AGES 21-65
If you are a current or former smoker, age 50-80 with at least a 20-pack-year smoking history, you should consider screening.
Certain risk factors increase the risk of getting cervical cancer like family history, smoking, medical history and long-term use of contraceptives.
LUNG CANCER SCREENING
CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING
For more information and to schedule your appointment, call 1-800-KARMANOS, visit karmanos.org/cancerscreening or ask a team member for more information. Screening criteria may vary between individuals based on risk factors and family history. Talk to a Karmanos specialist to find out what screenings are right for you. Genetic counseling is available.
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A Drive Worth Taking: How Theranostics Changed One Man’s Life When a new radiopharmaceutical therapy offered fresh hope for prostate cancer, one man’s six-hour trip proved life-changing David and his wife, Connie.
Living in Cadillac, David Levine was an avid hunter and outdoorsman who thrived on adventure. About 15 years ago, during a routine visit to his primary care physician, his bloodwork revealed elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels – a potential sign of prostate cancer. He was eventually referred to Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Central Michigan, Morey Cancer Center in Mount Pleasant for further evaluation. There, Levine underwent additional bloodwork and a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis: an aggressive metastatic prostate cancer. Levine began radiation treatments and Lupron, a hormonesuppressing medication that effectively slowed his prostate cancer.
Access to a New Therapy
After a few months, his PSA levels began to rise again. He underwent several rounds of additional androgen deprivation therapy, but there was only moderate progress in his levels. His dedicated nurse practitioner, advocated for a newly FDA-approved radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) called Pluvicto® (lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) to target the tumor at the cellular level. “RPT uses radioisotope therapy in the process of delivering radiation intravenously to cancer cells by adding radioactive material, or radionuclides, to proteins that bind with the receptors on
the cancer cells, destroying those cells,” explained Nitin Vaishampayan, M.D., Levine’s radiation oncologist, medical director of Radiopharmaceutical Services and interim leader of the Genitourinary Oncology Multidisciplinary Team at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. The nearest Pluvicto treatment location was at Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit, where Dr. Vaishampayan practices. After a PSA level of 60, and a PET PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen) scan that showed progression of disease, Dr. Vaishampayan and Levine’s new medical oncologist at Karmanos in Mount Pleasant, Elias Zeine, M.D., reviewed the case and approved him to begin Pluvicto therapy. This is what Karmanos refers to as the Karmanos Advantage. “Being part of the Karmanos Cancer Network means our patients, no matter where they live, have access to the most advanced treatments, clinical trials and newly approved therapies as soon as they become available,” said Dr. Zeine. “In many ways, it’s like having early access to care. Our colleagues in Detroit are only a phone call away. That collaboration ensures every patient across our Network receives expert, research-driven care.”
Making the Drive for a Better Outcome
During his cancer journey, Levine reconnected with a woman named Connie at their 50th class reunion. She accompanied Levine on the six-hour round-trip drive to Detroit to receive his first Pluvicto infusion and has stood by his side every step of the way. “I knew if this treatment was going to help me, I would drive wherever to get it,” he expressed.
receive outpatient treatment every six weeks for a maximum of six infusions. Appointment times are usually less than one hour,” Dr. Vaishampayan explained. After his first treatment in November 2024, Levine’s PSA level dropped by close to 50%. Dr. Zeine was pleased that just a single treatment had lowered his PSA to 30. Plus, he experienced no side effects. “I was not nauseous. I could eat whatever I wanted to. It was manageable. I felt like myself - I could do anything I wanted,” he recalled. Six weeks later, Levine returned to Karmanos in Detroit for his second Pluvicto treatment, which resulted in another 50% reduction in his PSA level. Following his third treatment, his PSA levels dropped by yet another 50%. When he completed all six Pluvicto treatments in July 2025, his PSA level had returned to a normal level of 2. New cancer treatment options often come with uncertainty and concern, but Levine had a different outlook. “If I liked my doctor, I trusted my doctor,” he said. “I was willing to do what Dr. Zeine recommended, and I’m so glad I did because it truly helped me.” After completing his final Pluvicto treatment, he married his partner and faithful companion, Connie, on May 17, 2025. Now at 78 years old, Levine is embracing life to the fullest, where he can do whatever he wants, as long as he’s by the side of his beloved wife. If you or someone you know is battling metastatic prostate cancer and wondering if Pluvicto may be the next step in treatment options for you, call 1-800-KARMANOS or visit karmanos.org.
“When treated with Pluvicto, patients Nitin Vaishampayan, M.D.
Elias Zeine, M.D.
Karmanos Cancer Institute
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ALL THE OPTIONS: A SPUR-OF-THE-MOMENT THOUGHT TO CHECK HIS PSA LED HIM TO KARMANOS FOR A SECOND OPINION Terrell Thomas at POST Detroit.
Terrell Thomas has always been a positive person. ‘Extraordinarily positive’ by his own declaration. Thomas’s positive outlook early on carried him through law school and practice. He became a fitness instructor after losing more than 100 pounds. However, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had to undergo treatment in early 2022. Thomas’s diagnosis came as a surprise, but not necessarily a shock. As an African American male with a family history of his father, brother and uncles all having had prostate cancer, Thomas was at high risk of developing the disease. This knowledge and his drive to care for his health motivated Thomas to act proactively. One day in 2021, he was at the gym and decided he would seek out testing for prostate cancer. He admitted that he was one of those men who thought he could not be touched by illness because of his active lifestyle, so he had not seen a physician for quite some time. It was just something in him that day that led to the discovery. “I didn’t have any symptoms. There wasn’t a trigger per se. I just thought, ‘I need to get this done,’” Thomas said. The baseline age for a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test for prostate cancer is 45-50 years old. For African American males, testing can occur even earlier, as they are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer, particularly those with a strong family history, like Thomas. He made an appointment at a local oncology center where a digital rectal examination and PSA test were performed. His PSA test, a test that measures the levels of PSA in the blood, revealed that Thomas had elevated levels, which could indicate the presence of prostate cancer. Thomas said his PSA level was 7.1.
“The first doctor immediately recommended surgery. I just wasn’t comfortable with the advice that I was getting. I needed a second opinion. Soon, I had an appointment at Karmanos.”
A Second Opinion Charts a Way Forward
Thomas said he knew he would have a different experience at the Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit. “I just knew everything would work out,” he said. The family atmosphere at Karmanos reassured him. In late 2021, he attended his second opinion appointment and examination with Michael Cher, M.D., urologic oncologist and member of the Genitourinary Oncology Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) at Karmanos. Dr. Cher ordered a biopsy, and a dozen samples were collected. Cancerous cells were present in one of the 12 samples. Dr. Cher discussed all of Thomas’ treatment options, ranging from observation over time to radiation to surgery. “Watching it wasn’t an option for me, and I didn’t want to have surgery because of the high chance of erectile dysfunction that comes with surgery,” Thomas said. “I chose to have radiation.”
Michael Cher, M.D.
A ‘Bromance’ is Born Thomas’ radiation treatment at Karmanos was overseen by Nitin Vaishampayan, M.D., radiation oncologist and interim leader of the Genitourinary Oncology MDT. Thomas affectionately calls him Dr. V. Nitin Vaishampayan, M.D.
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Terrell and his mom at his graduation.
Terrell at the gym.
Terrell and his fiance.
“I believe in modalities, energies and things like that. I think that the more positive you are, the better the outcomes. When I met Dr. V., that same energy was espoused from him,” Thomas explained.
studies and business law at Wayne County Community College, a fitness instructor and a real estate broker. Additionally, he is a vocal advocate and champion for prostate cancer screening and regular medical care.
Starting in February 2022, Thomas underwent six weeks of radiation treatment, Monday through Friday.
He follows up with Dr. Vaishampayan every six months to check his status and see his friend. Thomas said he also encourages men, young and old, to be proactive about prostate screenings.
“So, at 7 a.m., I went down to Karmanos for radiation, left there and went to work. I never missed a day of work in those six weeks.” Thomas credits Dr. Vaishampayan’s skill and care as the keys that helped him get through his treatment successfully. “He is the best doctor I’ve ever had, not only from a skill set or a knowledge standpoint, but how he truly cares about patients.” “It’s important to make sure patients are well informed about the advantages, disadvantages and potential side effects of their cancer treatment,” said Dr. Vaishampayan. “When I consult with a patient, I review in detail all of the different treatment options and listen to their questions and concerns to give them a balanced view of all the options.” Over the course of his treatment and subsequent follow-ups, Thomas and Dr. Vaishampayan developed a special bond – a ‘bromance’ as Thomas calls it – thanks to Dr. Vaishampayan’s thorough oversight of his treatment and candor. Thomas calls Dr. Vaishampayan his brother, and in exchange, Dr. Vaishampayan said Thomas is ‘such a special man who lights up the room with his positive attitude.’
Professor, Fitness Instructor, Real Estate Expert, Advocate, and Champion
“A lot of men, when they get to a certain comfortable stage of life, just don’t want to learn anything that might disrupt their comfort. My thing is if you get a negative diagnosis, your comfort will be disrupted anyway, so you may as well go get checked out,” Thomas said. “At Karmanos, they are not only people with M.D.s and RNs on their credentials. They are people who care. If someone comes to Karmanos first and then goes to get a second opinion, they’re going to come back to Karmanos. I feel that strongly in my heart.” If you’re diagnosed with cancer, it is important to understand all your options for treatment, including newly approved therapies and clinical trials. Your case will be assigned to a specialist who has dedicated their career to treating and researching your type of cancer. When patients get a second opinion at Karmanos, a team of physicians specializing in different treatment modalities reviews your case collaboratively and recommends your best options. Call 1-800-KARMANOS to schedule a second opinion appointment and be seen by an oncologist in seven days, or visit karmanos.org/secondopinion to complete an online appointment request.
Today, Thomas is in remission. The Oak Park resident is a professor of political science, teaching African American Karmanos Cancer Institute
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ONE WOMAN’S CANCER BATTLE MAY HAVE SAVED HER HUSBAND’S LIFE Though he tried to stop dozens of times, smoking was part of Steve Hollenbeck’s life for decades.
tumor, leaving an exit dose of radiation that can damage healthy surrounding tissue and organs.”
“When I was a teenager, the macho man had to smoke. I had to be the Marlboro man,” said Hollenbeck. “I tried to quit probably 30 times. When my wife, Nora, got throat cancer, she quit smoking, and I quit cold turkey. I didn’t want to smoke in front of her. That time it just worked.”
What this means for patients is fewer long-term side effects, a lower risk of side effects during treatment and a better quality of life.
In 2015, just two years after giving up cigarettes for good, Hollenbeck was stunned to find out that he had lung cancer. “I was feeling good, but I had COPD and sleep apnea, and my lung doctor wanted to check me out. A PET scan showed a spot on my lung,” Hollenbeck said. “I was surprised because I had quit smoking.” After successful treatment with chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy, Hollenbeck had to have lung screenings with a CT or PET scan every six months. Ten years later, in 2025, one of those scans revealed the cancer had come back in almost the same spot. “I was shocked because I really thought the cancer was gone,” Hollenbeck said. “They told me the cancer was inoperable.” Treatment with traditional radiation in the same area a second time was not an option for Hollenbeck due to the damage it can do to healthy surrounding tissue and organs. However, Hesham Gayar, M.D., radiation oncologist and medical director of the McLaren Proton Therapy Center, part of the Karmanos Cancer Network, explained to Hollenbeck that he would be a candidate for a different type of radiation treatment called proton therapy. “X-rays, used in traditional radiation, and protons both effectively deliver radiation to tumors,” said Dr. Gayar. “But protons can deliver higher doses of radiation more precisely to the tumor, then stop. In contrast, X-rays continue moving through the body, past the 18
Karmanos Hope, Summer 2026
“I had what looked like a sunburn, but they gave me some salve to treat that,” said Hollenbeck. “I feel great now. I don’t have any pain.” What he appreciated most about getting treatments at the proton center in Flint was the bond he quickly formed with the staff. “I went every day for weeks,” Hollenbeck said. “You get to know them, and they become friends. They are very good at what they do.” Now, Hollenbeck is on a mission to educate current and former smokers about getting annual CT scans to screen for lung cancer. It’s a screening option that many people aren’t aware they are eligible for. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, lung cancer screenings are for smokers: • Ages 50 to 80. • Who currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years. • Who have a 20-pack-year smoking history (equivalent to a pack a day for 20 years, or two packs a day for 10 years). “You should go in once a year, so they can catch it early if you do have cancer. It’s easier to treat at that stage,” he said. “And I know it is extremely hard to quit smoking. I didn’t think I would ever quit. You’ve just got to set your mind to it.” To learn more about the McLaren Proton Therapy Center or to schedule a consultation, visit karmanos.org/protontherapy or call 855-MY-PROTON (697-7686).
Hesham Gayar, M.D.
Upcoming Karmanos Events in 2026
10 AUGUST
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SEPTEMBER
WEDNESDAY
02 OCTOBER
FRIDAY
03 OCTOBER
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CAPABLE – Petoskey (classes begin) Time: 10 – 11 a.m. Location: CrossFit Petoskey, 345 Division Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770 Cost: FREE to qualifying cancer survivors Register at karmanos.org/CAPABLE.
Community Conversations on Cancer - Same Diagnosis, Different Outcomes: Exploring the Biology of Breast Cancer Disparities Time: 6 – 7 p.m. Location: Detroit Public Library (Main Branch) or via Zoom Cost: FREE Register at karmanos.org/COE.
Karmanos Comedy Champions Time: 6 – 11 p.m. Location: The Harmonie Club, 311 E Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48226 Cost: Tickets start at $250 Purchase tickets and sponsorships at karmanos.org/comedychampions.
5th Annual Screening Saves Lives: Cancer Screening and Educational Event Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Location: Karmanos Cancer Center Cost: FREE Visit karmanos.org/screeningsaves for complete details.
Community Conversations on Cancer - The Road Ahead: Understanding a Triple Negative Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment Time: 6 – 7 p.m. Location: Detroit Public Library (Main Branch) or via Zoom Cost: FREE Register at karmanos.org/COE.
Community Conversations on Cancer - Cancer Immunotherapy and Genetics: A Personalized Medicine Approach Time: 6 – 7 p.m. Location: Detroit Public Library (Main Branch) or via Zoom Cost: FREE Register at karmanos.org/COE.
The list above does not include all planned events. For the latest updates, please visit karmanos.org/karmanosevents. Looking for ways to cope with cancer? Karmanos offers various types of cancer support groups, art and music therapy, yoga, tai chi, meditation sessions, and more! Visit karmanos.org to view the patient and support services available.
Karmanos Cancer Institute
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Got 10 Minutes? Learn How Cancer Clinical Trials Are Saving Lives
Most people have heard of clinical trials, but few truly understand what they are and the significant impact they have on the future of cancer care. The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute’s Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) has created a short, 10-minute video that breaks down the information in an easy-to-watch format. You’ll hear from real patients and experts who explain what clinical trials are, why they matter and how they help shape new, life-saving treatments. Here’s the best part — anyone can watch the video. Learn more about the video at karmanos.org/clinicaltrialsstudy or scan the QR code. Questions? Email marshalld@karmanos.org or call 313-576-9765.
CARING. HEALING. INFORMING. At Karmanos, we believe in care beyond medicine and stand united with the community in the fight against cancer. Our monthly newsletter, ‘Caring. Healing. Informing.’ is an essential part of this commitment. Patients, families, caregivers, friends, and community members in the 46 counties we serve are connected by this newsletter – a beacon of hope and knowledge. From new, industry-leading cancer treatments to inspiring stories of resilience from our patients, including groundbreaking updates in research and care and information about special events, you’ll feel part of Team Karmanos. Stand with us and sign up to receive ‘Caring. Healing. Informing.’ and be part of our story. Sign up at karmanos.org/caring-healing-informing.
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WHAT IS THIS THING? TURNS OUT IT’S A MIRACLE As the second person in the world to receive the FDA-approved device, this survivor is defying liver cancer without skipping out on the hobbies he loves
George Fish and his wife of 48 years, Anne Marie, fill their daily schedules with activities.
Unfortunately, this treatment delivered the same results – no side effects, but the tumor was still growing.
“We have a calendar and we fill it every day. We got stuff to do, and we keep going,” shared his wife. “My dad always said, ‘What you don’t use, you lose.’ So we keep moving.
“We have a lot of faith and believe in miracles,” shared Anne Marie.
“Let’s hope that we can keep doing what we’re doing. We’re fortunate and so lucky.” And fortunate they are.
A Turn of Events It was a regular day in February 2024 for the 73-year-old Macomb resident. He started his day by having lunch with some friends. Suddenly, he felt a horrific pain he had never felt before. His friends had to call his wife, and he was rushed to the hospital with massive internal bleeding. Emergency surgery saved his life. After surgery, doctors had scans done to see what the cause could be and ordered a biopsy. He spent eight days in the hospital. About a week after he was discharged, an oncologist called to tell him and Anne Marie that he had stage IV liver cancer. The Fishes were shocked, especially because George had not experienced any symptoms before that day. “They said they couldn’t operate,” Anne Marie explained. “So, they started with immunotherapy because that would give him an option of continuing the life that we have.” At the same health system where he received emergency care, Fish began his immunotherapy treatment. He had no side effects, was feeling good, and could still do activities with his wife and friends. But the tumor continued to grow. Next, his oncologist put him on a chemotherapy pill.
Getting a Second Opinion Within Days Not feeling confident in his current treatment plan, Fish was considering a second opinion. The treatment options he had tried were not working. He brought the idea to his oncologist, who encouraged him to explore his options. “I was just looking for another avenue than what I was doing because I wasn’t getting any results,” he explained. He already knew about the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. After a few conversations, he and his wife called 1-800-KARMANOS. “When we called Karmanos, we talked to someone on a Monday and got all the records sent over,” explained Anne Marie. “We thought we’d probably get in for the appointment in about a month. Tuesday morning, we were out to breakfast before going bowling, and the phone rings – it’s Karmanos. She said, ‘Can you come in tomorrow?’ Which was a Wednesday. I thought that was a miracle.” “The purpose of our second opinion clinic is to provide patients with expert review of their cancer diagnosis in a timely fashion, because we know how important it is to understand your options,” explained Boris Pasche, M.D., Ph.D., FACP, medical oncologist and member of the Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Oncology Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos. “And it’s the same for patients who are currently in treatment and want to understand if there could be a clinical trial or treatments Karmanos Cancer Institute
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Boris Pasche, M.D., Ph.D., FACP
that are not FDA-approved and are not accessible at other centers.”
“I put my feet up and watch TV.”
In December 2024, the Fishes arrived at George’s second opinion appointment at the Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit and met Dr. Pasche.
“I feel great. I don’t have any problems. I lose one day a week doing this – 21 hours, but that’s it!”
“We do have a lot of faith in him,” stated Anne Marie.
“Easy going, explains everything thoroughly, and I may ask questions twice, but he puts up with me,” added George. Dr. Pasche told George and Anne Marie about the TheraBionic P1 device, for which he was a candidate.
What Is This Thing? Karmanos was the first cancer center to prescribe the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved TheraBionic P1 device to patients outside clinical trials. Patients hold an iPhone-sized device connected by a wire to a metal spoon placed in the mouth. The device is small, portable, and delivers radiofrequency electromagnetic fields throughout the entire body, which block the growth of tumor cells in the liver without affecting normal cells.
Fish said he hasn’t experienced any side effects.
It’s now been almost a year since Fish began using the device. He comes in every two months for imaging. So far, his scans have shown that his tumor is stable – there has been no growth. “There’s a tolerance. If it grows, but at a small rate, it’s still considered acceptable or good. If it doesn’t grow, that’s even better. Dr. Pasche said I fall within that tolerance.” Treatment with the TheraBionic P1 device has given Fish months that he and his wife weren’t sure he’d have, and it hasn’t interfered with his hobbies: golfing, walking, exercising, traveling, and chasing after another perfect 300 bowling game. “One thing I can say is that I’ve had friends who have battled cancer, and I saw them with the chemo and get very sick. If this treatment could help many people, it would be a miracle because you can do it in your home. You do it at your own time. You don’t have to go to a hospital. And it doesn’t make you sick,” explained Anne Marie.
“George was a perfect candidate for this treatment,” explained Dr. Pasche. “It is currently FDA-approved for adult patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC. HCC is the most common form of liver cancer. The treatment is approved for patients who have failed first- and second-line therapies, just like George.”
“So that’s a miracle. If it works for people, it’s a miracle.”
In December 2024, Fish became the second patient to be prescribed the TheraBionic P1 device after its FDA approval.
Believe it or not, physicians encourage patients to get a second opinion after a diagnosis because these types of appointments help patients and their families understand their treatment options. Patients can decide they want a second opinion at any time, even if they have already begun treatment. When patients come to Karmanos for a second opinion, they learn about clinical trials they may be eligible for and newly approved treatments like the TheraBionic P1 device.
Fish described his thoughts when he saw the device. “It looks like it’s out of Star Wars. What is this thing that I put on my tongue? Radio waves? And it’s going to work? But I haven’t got much choice. Why not try it?” After that first appointment with Dr. Pasche, and before he received the device, Fish did some research. “I saw the FDA just approved it in September 2023, and I did some reading,” he described. “They had 10 or 20 people on the trial that didn’t have any choice, and their lives were at stake. So, what have I got to lose? Might as well. I don’t know of any other options at this point. The treatment is simple. Patients have to sit through one-hour treatment sessions, three times a day, in the comfort of their home. 22
Karmanos Hope, Summer 2026
Second Opinions at Karmanos Give Patients Access to More Treatment Options
Call 1-800-KARMANOS or visit karmanos.org/secondopinion to see an oncologist who is an expert in treating the cancer you have been diagnosed with. Our oncology navigators will coordinate the receipt of all of the patient’s records and ensure you are scheduled for an appointment within seven days.
Pam and her husband, Terry.
‘A THIRD CHANCE AT LIFE’: How a Growing Melanoma Led a West Michigan Woman to Karmanos for an Exclusive Clinical Trial
It was a warm, foggy day in 1970 when Pam Roach, then a high school sophomore, spent a rare and cherished day at Lake Michigan with friends. She soaked in the summer air, lying on the sand for hours, careful to wear sunscreen, but she underestimated how powerful the sun’s rays could be, even through the clouds. By the end of the day, Roach had developed a severe sunburn, so intense that her skin blistered across her chest. It was painful, but as a teenager, she brushed it off until she noticed a brown mole appeared in the same spot. Over time, that mole darkened, eventually catching Roach’s and her mother’s attention. Concerned with the change in appearance of this specific mole over several years, her mother insisted she see a doctor.
A Shocking Diagnosis Her mother’s instincts were correct. After a biopsy, Roach learned she had melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. She could not believe what she heard. She was careful to wear sunscreen. How did one foggy day out in the sun result in a cancer diagnosis? “Patients often associate their skin cancer diagnosis with a single sunburn or specific event because it stands out in their memory. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that melanoma develops from just one incident; rather, it is the result of prolonged and repeated UV exposure over time,” clarified Lawrence Flaherty, M.D., medical oncologist and member of the Cutaneous (Skin) Oncology Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. After adjusting to her new reality, she prepared for what was next. In those days, treatment was straightforward: surgery to remove the affected area. As a West Michigan resident, Roach sought care in her local area.
“They took it off my chest and said, ‘Pam, go live your life,’” she recalled. There were no follow-up appointments, no additional treatments, just the assumption that the cancer was gone. Like many patients at the time, she didn’t question her doctors. For 30 years, she did precisely what her doctors told her: “I lived my life.”
A Second Cancer Battle—But Not the One She Expected However, at 50, Roach felt a small lump under her armpit. Having watched her mother battle breast cancer, she immediately thought, ‘This is it.’ She scheduled a biopsy, preparing herself for a breast cancer diagnosis. But when the results came back, the real shock hit – her melanoma had returned. “I thought if melanoma came back, it would be another black mole. That’s not necessarily true. Melanoma can look and present in different ways,” she said. Even more devastating, her oncologist in Grand Rapids informed her that the original melanoma hadn’t been completely removed. Now, the cancer had progressed to stage III metastatic melanoma, and her chances of surviving even one year were estimated at just 15%. Roach had few options until her doctors looked into clinical trials.
Choosing Hope: Enrolling in a Clinical Trial Only two cancer centers in the country were offering leading-edge treatments for her particular type of melanoma. One was in California, and the other was just a few hours away at the Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit. Karmanos Cancer Institute
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Her doctor explained that while clinical trials don’t have guarantees, they often provide the best chance of a cure. “My husband and I talked about it and decided that even if it didn’t save me, if it could help someone else, I had to do it,” Roach remembered. She still recalls the overwhelming anxiety of that first visit to Karmanos until she met Dr. Flaherty. “He is just an absolute angel on Earth,” she shared. “There’s something about him, he makes you feel comfortable, like you’re in the best hands.”
Lawrence Flaherty, M.D.
Dr. Flaherty humbly reflects on these moments with patients, saying, “It is always heartwarming to hear patients feel this way, and it supports my purpose for why I do what I do.” Roach enrolled in a six-year clinical trial with Dr. Flaherty as the principal investigator. The treatment was grueling, but she never allowed herself to quit. Twenty-five years later, she remains melanoma-free.
Another Diagnosis—Another Victory Unfortunately, Roach’s cancer journey didn’t end there. In December 2023, during a routine mammogram, doctors found something concerning. A biopsy confirmed it; she had breast cancer. At 75 years old, Roach underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy, facing yet another battle with cancer. And once again, she beat it. “I feel truly blessed and I’m grateful for the incredible care and advancements in treatment that have given me a third chance at life,” she shared.
Pam’s Advice for Others Despite everything, Roach considers herself lucky. She built a life filled with love, raising her two children alongside her supportive husband, and today, she cherishes every moment with her three granddaughters. This is her advice for others facing a cancer diagnosis: • Don’t Google everything; it can lead you down a rabbit hole of fear and misinformation. • Always bring someone to appointments to help take notes and process information. • Write everything down, including questions, symptoms and treatment details, so nothing is forgotten. • Prioritize screenings, whether it’s for skin, breast, lung, or any other cancer. 24
Karmanos Hope, Summer 2026
The Power of Clinical Trials Thanks to Roach and countless others who participate in clinical trials, new treatments continue to be developed, offering hope to future cancer patients. At Karmanos, the Cutaneous Oncology MDT is committed to advancing treatments and improving survival rates for patients facing this aggressive disease through clinical trials. “We are a team of like-minded professionals dedicated to finding new treatments and support for patients. Like any strong community, we share a common approach to patient care and diversity, ensuring all needs are met in a collaborative and supportive environment with access to novel therapies that improve patient outcomes,” Dr. Flaherty expressed. Just like in Roach’s case, many cancer patients are told there is currently no treatment available to treat their disease, whether they have failed many previous treatments or were diagnosed at a later stage. There are also cases where the standard of care may not target their cancer as aggressively or accurately as a therapy that is currently being studied. These patients are usually eligible for a clinical trial that may be offered only at Karmanos. Karmanos offers a number of cancer treatments not found elsewhere in Michigan. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, call 1-800-KARMANOS to schedule an appointment with one of our world-renowned experts, or visit karmanos.org. Learn more about clinical trials at Karmanos at karmanos.org/clinicaltrials.
Healing Voices: The Impact of the Patient and Family Advisory Council on Cancer Care and Experience The Patient and Family Advisory Council has influenced countless improvements at Karmanos since 1998
Howard Katz, diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer, was searching for signs of hope after receiving the devastating news. Fortunately, he had access to a National Cancer InstituteDesignated Comprehensive Cancer Center in his community—the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute—which not only treated his cancer but supported his mental and physical wellbeing. The Patient-Centered Care Vision That holistic care model was made possible thanks to the foresight of Karen Goldman, former Karmanos vice president of Cancer Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer. Goldman championed the creation of a patient-centered committee dedicated to hearing directly from patients and families to strengthen Karmanos’ care approach. Alongside Valerie Fred, now Karmanos’ ambulatory business operations analyst, and Marcia Mattiello, then lead social worker, the team launched the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) in 1998. “I realized at that time the importance of having the patients’ and caregivers’ voices help us drive decisions for our operations and care,” said Fred. “You could have the most dedicated health care leaders sitting around a table, but without the patient’s input, all the professional knowledge could be off the mark.” Working closely with Karmanos physicians and staff, the team recruited cancer survivors, current patients and caregivers from diverse backgrounds and diagnoses to serve on PFAC. The council quickly became instrumental in addressing operational issues and advising on supportive services that would have a meaningful impact on patients. Providing Influence Across the Institute
“What I found in being a voice on this advisory team is that it’s a true team that looks at the patient care that we’ve received, looks at how our families and others that we know are receiving care, whether it be at Karmanos or other places, and we contrast that care so that the care at Karmanos is better and sets the bar.”
Over time, PFAC’s influence expanded. Karmanos departments began seeking the group’s guidance on more than just patient care. From reviewing marketing materials to offering opinions on facility décor and inpatient menu options, PFAC became a vital resource across the organization. Katz, now serving as PFAC co-chair, shared what inspired him to join. “It was a rough go, but I was treated here. I pulled through, and with all the care and support I had here, it felt right to give something back,” he expressed. “The council is a sincere and candid group, and Karmanos management takes their feedback seriously and works at implementing their ideas,” Fred emphasized. “They ask us about issues around patient care, and we’re able to give feedback and input and hopefully make things better for everybody,” added Katz. “That’s the goal. They listen and act on some of the things we say, which is encouraging.” Thanks in part to PFAC’s input, Karmanos has expanded its support offerings to include a broad range of integrative therapies such as massage, reiki, music and art therapy, and numerous support groups, as well as provided guidance on facility operations — all aimed at improving overall patient experience and outcomes. During the 25th Anniversary celebration on December 5, 2023, a plaque was revealed that honors all past and present PFAC members. That plaque hangs in the Thomas Angott Board Room at Karmanos. Join the PFAC If you’re a cancer survivor, current patient or caregiver with a passion for shaping the future of care at Karmanos Cancer Institute, we invite you to join the Patient and Family Advisory Council. Contact Valerie Fred at 313-576-8676 or fredv@karmanos.org. Learn more about PFAC at karmanos.org/PFAC.
- Robert Brooks Multiple Myeloma Survivor and PFAC co-chair Karmanos Cancer Institute
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Strengthening the
KARMANOS IMPACT: Giving Opportunities
As you consider your giving plans, below are several ideas for supporting the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) allows individuals aged 70½ years or older to support our mission in a simple and tax-advantaged way. You can give any amount up to $108,000 annually from your IRA directly to Karmanos without paying income taxes on the distribution. This popular gift option is also commonly referred to as the IRA charitable rollover.
Our Friends Raising Funds program is for individuals, community organizations and businesses that seek ways to get involved. From golf outings and walks to bake sales and private dinners, hosting your own event offers an excellent opportunity to support Karmanos and showcase your creativity.
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is an excellent way to maximize your charitable giving while receiving meaningful tax benefits. You can secure an immediate tax deduction by contributing assets, such as cash or appreciated investments. These contributions are managed by a trusted sponsoring organization, like a community foundation or financial institution, allowing your assets to grow tax-free. As a donor, you can recommend grants to qualified charities at your discretion, making a lasting impact on the causes you care about most.
Financial donations help Karmanos conduct state-of-the-science cancer research, develop the latest diagnostic and treatment options, and recruit and retain world-class cancer specialists. Donations can commemorate a special occasion or express appreciation for a dedicated doctor, nurse or other caregiver. A Gift of Hope note can be sent to the designated person, notifying them that a tribute gift has been made in their honor.
Donations can be made online at karmanos.org/help or by calling (248) 304-2930 to give by phone.
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To contribute by mail, please make a check payable to the “Karmanos Cancer Institute” and mail it to: Karmanos Cancer Institute Contributions – VEO1FS 4100 John R Detroit, MI 48201 Please include your name, address and telephone number, and provide any special acknowledgment or receipt information.
Karmanos Hope, Summer 2026
Visit karmanos.org/give for more information about the programs above and to discover additional ways to support Karmanos Cancer Institute. To contact our giving department directly, email giving@karmanos.org or call (248) 226-2105.
THE RIGHT CARE AT THE RIGHT TIME — ALL THE TIME
McLaren Medical Group Primary Care mclaren.org/primarycare
McLaren Walk-In Clinics
For more urgent conditions such as accidents, falls, minor burns, or injuries, moderate backaches, sprains, etc.
mclaren.org/walkinclinics
Choosing the proper care helps save time and money while conserving valuable resources. McLaren has the right care for you.
McLaren Now
McLaren Emergency Care
mclaren.org/mclarennow
mclaren.org/ER
Virtual visits anytime, anywhere on your smartphone, tablet or computer with a webcam.
If your condition is emergent, call 9-1-1 or seek care at a dedicated McLaren Emergency Room.
Our Service Area
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McLaren Health Care Corporate Headquarters
HOSPITALS 1 McLaren Bay Region 2 McLaren Caro Region 3 McLaren Central Michigan 4 McLaren Flint 5 McLaren Greater Lansing 6 McLaren Lapeer Region 7 McLaren Macomb 8 McLaren Northern Michigan 9 McLaren Oakland 10 McLaren Port Huron 11 McLaren Thumb Region 12 Karmanos Cancer Center
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AMBULATORY CENTERS 1 McLaren Bay West (Coming Soon) 2 McLaren Northern Michigan at Cheboygan 3 McLaren Clarkston 4 McLaren Fenton 5 McLaren Grand Ledge 6 McLaren Oxford 7 McLaren West Branch 8 West Branch ER
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SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES 9 Lake Orion Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 10 Marwood Nursing and Rehab PROVIDER OFFICES Park Medical Centers McLaren Medical Group
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CANCER SERVICES Karmanos Cancer Institute Karmanos Cancer Network McLaren Proton Therapy Center OTHER SUBSIDIARIES McLaren Health Management Group McLaren Health Plan – Service Area Karmanos Cancer Institute
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Non-Profit Organization US Postage
PAID
Permit 1579 Detroit, MI
4100 John R St. Detroit, MI 48201
1-800-KARMANOS
(1-800-527-6266) or visit karmanos.org
Karmanos Cancer Institute is a 501(3) tax-exempt organization. Visit karmanos.org/give for donation information. PROUD TO BE A PART OF
WORLD-CLASS CANCER CARE CLOSE TO HOME
Our cancer doctors, whether they’re based in Detroit or any of our network locations, have met rigorous criteria to become certified as Karmanos providers. This assures patients and their families that they will receive the very best care from Karmanos treatment facilities located at: DETROIT
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BAY CITY
Karmanos Cancer Center at Karmanos Cancer Institute
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Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Clarkston
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Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Bay Region
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Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Thumb Region
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Karmanos Cancer Institute — Dearborn
Karmanos Cancer Institute at Lawrence and Idell Weisberg Cancer Center
FLINT
Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint, McLaren Proton Therapy Center
GAYLORD
Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Northern Michigan
LANSING
Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing
Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Lapeer Region
Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Macomb, Ted B. Wahby Cancer Center
12. MOUNT PLEASANT
Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Central Michigan, Morey Cancer Center
13. OXFORD
Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Oakland — Oxford
14. PETOSKEY
Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Northern Michigan
15. PONTIAC
Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Oakland
16. PORT HURON
Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Port Huron
17. ROSEVILLE
Karmanos Cancer Institute — Roseville