How biomarker testing is helping Stephanie navigate CRC

When Stephanie, then 44, rushed to the hospital in March 2023 with severe abdominal pain, she thought she might have a cyst. Instead, doctors discovered a five-centimeter tumor in her colon, leading to an emergency surgery and a stage IIIC colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Initial chemotherapy treatments appeared successful, but just as she prepared to celebrate with a family cruise, scans revealed the cancer had spread to her lungs. 

“I was in a dark place,” she said, recalling how her oncologist encouraged her to go on the trip while planning the next steps for her care.

Biomarkers Provide a Roadmap

Very early in her treatment, Stephanie underwent biomarker and genetic testing on her tumor, something she says has been central to her journey. The results showed she was microsatellite stable with a KRAS G12D mutation.

“Knowing my biomarkers hasn’t changed the standard chemotherapy I received, but it has shaped how I look at future options,” she said.

One example is a vaccine in development designed to target her specific mutation once she reaches no evidence of disease.

The testing also gave Stephanie the knowledge to advocate for herself. 

“Doctors are brilliant, but they see hundreds of patients a week. You have to understand your disease and bring ideas to your care team,” she said.

Advocacy and Advice for Others

Stephanie’s treatment path has also included aggressive surgery. After 12 rounds of chemotherapy, she traveled to Memorial Sloan Kettering, where surgeons removed 31 metastases from her lungs. 

“At Duke, I was told surgery wasn’t possible,” Stephanie said. “At Sloan Kettering, they said, ‘Come up, we’ll take care of this.’ That decision could add more time to my life.”

Her experience has made her an advocate for biomarker testing and second opinions. 

“First, get biomarker and genetic testing immediately — that information is critical,” she said. “Second, always get a second opinion. What one hospital won’t do, another might.”

Now part of the young-onset colorectal cancer community, Stephanie uses her story to raise awareness and encourage screenings.