Stage IV cervical cancer survivor thankful for immunotherapy clinical trial

Looking back, Paulette Burkhart believes the fatigue she began experiencing in 2023 was not because she needed to take vitamins or get more sleep. When she also started having abnormal vaginal bleeding the following year, she knew something was wrong.

She made an appointment with her gynecologist for a Pap test. The doctor suspected cancer, so Paulette had an MRI and biopsy. The symptoms she’d been having turned out to be caused by an 11 cm tumor in her cervix that involved several other organs.

At age 70, Paulette was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, the most common type of cervical cancer. 

“I live in Houston, just a few miles away from UT MD Anderson,” says Paulette. “I immediately hopped online and requested an appointment for a second opinion.”

A few days later, she had her first appointment. 

Why Paulette enrolled in an immunotherapy clinical trial

Paulette met gynecologic oncologist Roni Wilke, M.D., on May 8, 2024.

“Her temperament and compassion really set me at ease,” Paulette recalls.

Pathology confirmed the cervical cancer diagnosis. It was stage IVB. Wilke told Paulette about the TRACTION clinical trial led by gynecologic oncologists Amir Jazaeri, M.D., and Jeffrey How, M.D. The trial was testing an investigational immunotherapy drug called lorigerlimab (MGD019) to see if it could control cancer in advanced cervical cancer patients.

“I have a major in biology, and I’d done my research. So, when she mentioned the clinical trial, I asked, ‘Is this the one that takes the brakes off the immune system to recognize the cancer?’” Paulette recalls. “When she said it was, I told her to sign me up.”

Paulette understood that after nine weeks on the clinical trial, she’d get scans and another biopsy. If the treatment wasn’t working, she could switch to conventional treatment.

“It’s like I already had a backup,” she says. “It just made sense for me.”

Interventional Radiology helps treat kidney condition

Before Paulette was scheduled to start immunotherapy, she was admitted to UT MD Anderson’s Acute Cancer Care Center for hydronephrosis. This happens when urine does not properly drain into the bladder, causing the kidneys to swell.

Paulette is unique in that she was born with three kidneys – two on the left and one on the right. They are all fully functional.

UT MD Anderson’s Interventional Radiology team performed nephrostomies to place tubes into each of Paulette’s kidneys to help the urine drain into bags. It was an adjustment at first, but after doing some research online, Paulette ordered special pants that had extra room for the nephrostomy bag and a shower belt that tied around her waist. The belt had little pouches to hold her nephrostomy bags, so her hands were free to use in the shower.

She developed several kidney infections that required visits to UT MD Anderson.

“I’m guessing my body did not like having external objects poking into it,” she says. “But all the staff at UT MD Anderson were magnificent. They took great care of me.”

Clinical trial successfully treats advanced cervical cancer

Paulette had her first immunotherapy treatment on July 17, 2024. She gets infusions every three weeks. At her nine-week checkup, the CT scan and retroperitoneal biopsy showed that the tumors had shrunk – the largest by almost 40%.

The cancer has had a complete response to treatment, and the plan is for Paulette to continue immunotherapy until July 2026.

Her kidney function also returned to normal, so she had the nephrostomy tubes removed in February 2025.

“My treat to myself is to valet park on every treatment day,” she says. “I’m a morning person, so I like to get to UT MD Anderson early to get my blood drawn a few hours before my appointment with Dr. Wilke. Then, I’ll grab a cup of coffee or some breakfast from the Waterfall Café in Mays Clinic. Other days, I’ll bring a protein bar with me and just hang out before my appointment.”

Paulette has had some side effects from treatment, including hair loss, fatigue and an irritated digestive system. Her hair has since grown back. On days when she feels very tired or in pain, she takes medicine to calm her stomach, uses a heating pad, reads or goes to sleep.

Because of her digestive issues, it’s hard for her to eat a lot. But she makes sure everything she eats is nutritious. Even her occasional sweet indulgence – cookies – are made with stevia, a plant-based sugar substitute.

“I’m doing fabulously well,” she says. “Do I have some side effects? Yes, but they’re minimal and manageable. I don’t think that would have been the case if I’d had chemotherapy or radiation.” 

Finding power in purpose

While facing cancer, Paulette has had the support of many friends, including one whom she sees often. She chats with the others on the phone or through video calls a few times a week.

She says her faith and positive mindset have helped her through treatment.

Once she completes the clinical trial, she’ll move to active surveillance and come to UT MD Anderson every three months for checkups.

“Dr. Wilke and her physician assistant, Crystal Teague, have helped me throughout this journey,” she says. “They’re fabulous people, and I absolutely love them. In fact, every individual – from the staff at the Acute Cancer Care Center to the technologists performing the CT scans – has all been so caring.”

Paulette is thankful she enrolled in the immunotherapy clinical trial and encourages others facing cancer to ask if they’re eligible for any clinical trials.

“Two years ago, I was diagnosed with stage IVB cervical cancer. Today, I’m on a clinical trial and still living,” she says. “That’s pretty amazing.”

Request an appointment at UT MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.