COLORADO – March 2025 –  Almost four years after she was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer, 81-year-old Nancy Chapin is cancer-free and taking big bites out of life. Determined to fight cancer and fully supported by the care team at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC), Chapin is part of the Flamingo-01 Trial, a clinical trial studying a promising vaccine for HER2-positive breast cancer. RMCC is one of 149 research sites – and the highest enrolling site worldwide – for the global study, now in its third and final phase. 

Chapin’s first breast cancer diagnosis came when she was 62, after finding a lump in her breast. She underwent a lumpectomy, a surgical procedure where a small lump or tumor is removed from the breast along with a margin of surrounding tissue, and radiation. Unfortunately, cancer returned almost 20 years later in her opposite breast, this time as HER2-positive breast cancer.

“This aggressive type of breast cancer has high levels of the HER2 protein, which is involved in the growth of cancer cells. As a result, it’s associated with higher rates of recurrence,” explained Mabel Mardones, MD, medical oncologist at RMCC. “However, targeted treatment options for HER2-positive cancer continue to improve outcomes. With treatment, we not only wanted to maintain Nancy’s high quality of life but provide a potential cure.”

As part of the Flamingo-01 Trial, Chapin receives periodic injections of the vaccine in Dr. Mardones’ office at RMCC Rose Medical Center. The HER2-directed IV drug targets HER2 cells by binding to these specific cells and disrupting the chemical signal that tells them to grow. RMCC offers the Flamingo-01 Trial to eligible patients with HER2-positive breast cancer at almost all RMCC sites, allowing patients the opportunity to be part of the sought-after study in a convenient location close to home.

“Having access to promising therapies years before they are available to the public is a tremendous benefit to our patients and one reason we encourage participation in clinical trials,” said Dr. Mardones. “The excitement level regarding this vaccine is extremely high. In Phase 2 of the study, there were absolutely no cancer recurrences and no systemic side effects found.”

RMCC participates in clinical trials through the Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), a joint venture with US Oncology Research and one of the world’s leading oncology research organizations. Through SCRI, care teams can conduct community-based clinical trials, advance therapies, and benefit from their leadership role in cancer drug development. Together, RMCC and SCRI offer the most advanced, nationally vetted treatments available and access to more clinical trials than any other cancer facility in Colorado.

At RMCC’s Rose Medical Center, Chapin received HER2-directed therapy in the trial, as an IV drug that targets HER2 cells directly. The drug works by binding to these specific cells, disrupting the chemical signal that tells them to grow. At the same time, she received extensive chemotherapy to help eliminate the aggressive cancer, which lasted 18 months. Due to her age, Nancy’s therapy was extended over a longer period to give her smaller daily doses that were easier to tolerate.

“No one wants to go to chemotherapy. Period,” said Nancy. “I can’t say that it was easy, but I took it one day at a time. I knew if I could get there each morning, the nurses would make it ok.”

In addition to ensuring Chapin was comfortable and resting during her chemotherapy sessions, the Rose Infusion Center staff administered cold cap therapy, an additional treatment to ward off chemotherapy-related hair loss. The therapy involves wearing a chilled cap, which cools the scalp and reduces blood flow to the hair follicles.

After completing chemotherapy, Chapin underwent a mastectomy to prevent the cancer from returning, taking every step of her treatment and recovery in stride. She and her husband of 40 years, Jesse, tackle her cancer journey the way they approach everything in life – head-on and with courage. Her determination and courage are an inspiration for every member of the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC) team, who are passionate about delivering world-class cancer care, never underestimating the power of forging an unbreakable team with patients and their families.

In partnership with SCRI, one of the world’s leading oncology research organizations, RMCC has conducted more than 2,000 clinical trials and played a role in more than 100 FDA-approved cancer therapies, earning the “Highest Accruing Site Award” from US Oncology Research. RMCC care teams offer the very latest in treatments and lead efforts to advance new treatments, with clinical expertise, trial access, patient recruitment, and overall research operations.

RMCC is part of The U.S. Oncology Network, a highly respected national organization collaborating to advance innovative care and deliver optimal outcomes. As Colorado’s leader in cancer treatment, we’ve been delivering world-class cancer care with compassion and expertise for more than 30 years, and we make our patients’ lives easier by offering coordinated care access in 19 locations throughout Colorado. So, if you find yourself facing new challenges in your health journey, we’ll be on your side, empowering Your Courage with Our Proven Experience.

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Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC) is an independent, physician-led practice that delivers leading-edge technology and treatment options and conducts innovative research. For more than 30 years, RMCC has pioneered community-based care to enable more cancer patients to receive high-quality treatment while staying close to the support of family and friends.

Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers treats more adult cancer than any other healthcare organization in Colorado, providing 19 locations and a network of 54 physicians specializing in cancer care throughout the state. RMCC is collectively focused on treating cancer and blood disorders with advanced technology and innovative research no matter where you live, while taking a community-based approach of integrated subspecialty oncology care. This enables patients to access leading-edge treatment while living at home and receiving the critical support of family and friends.

Patients who are treated at RMCC can participate in some of the most promising national clinical trials for a broad range of cancers. RMCC has played a role in the development of more than 100 FDA-approved cancer-fighting drugs – about one-third of cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date. At any given time, more than 150 national clinical trials are open throughout The Network.

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