Ladonna’s Story: ‘Coming to the Cancer Center and Finding Dr. Margiotta Was a Gift from Heaven’

September 16, 2024

In Ladonna Behnke’s life, family is everything. After being diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer, spending more time with loved ones was a major 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.

At Graham Cancer Center, Philip Margiotta, MD, was able to offer Ladonna Behnke a new, targeted approach that was more effective over time and better aligned with her personal goals.

Her team at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute could offer Behnke an effective new treatment to shrink her cancer without the debilitating side effects of conventional chemotherapy. She could continue with what matters most in her life.

“Because we are a cancer treatment and research center, we always look beyond conventional methods to find more effective and better tolerated treatments for our patients,” said medical oncologist Philip Margiotta, MD

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“When Ladonna’s cancer proved resistant to previous treatments, she came to us for a second opinion,” said Margiotta.

“We were able to offer a new, targeted approach that proved effective over a longer period of time and better aligned 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 out of control.

“I get the care I need, right here close to home, and all I have to do now is be with my children and grandchildren.” – Ladonna Behnke

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 hit cancer cells more directly and better than traditional chemotherapy.

Behnke responded well to eight months of targeted antibody treatment and is now undergoing an additional cycle of chemotherapy to keep her cancer under control.

“Because we are a cancer treatment and research center, we always look beyond conventional methods to find more effective and better tolerated treatments for our patients,” said medical oncologist Philip Margiotta, MD

“As new therapies become available, we hope to provide Ladonna with more options so she can continue to live her life on her own terms,” Margiotta said.

“Coming to the Cancer Center and finding Dr. Margiotta is a godsend,” Behnke said. “My faith is very strong and I believe that my doctors are the right ones for me.

“I want to enjoy every day,” she said. “I get the care I need right here close to home, and all I have to do now is be with my children and grandchildren.”