From Cancer Survivor to Helping Advance Care

Cancer survivor, Tom McTaggart, checks-in with MyMichigan Clinical Research Nurse Brittney Gainforth, B.S.N., R.N., to discuss how he is feeling since enrolling in a clinical trial. The studying helps determine the effects of a medication aimed at reducing cancer-related fatigue. 

Midland resident and retired accountant Tom McTaggart, 67, was diagnosed with cancer in July 2024. The cancer care team at the James T. and Elsa U. Pardee Cancer Wellness Center, located on the campus of MyMichigan Medical Center Midland, put together a treatment plan for McTaggart that included chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Though it was far from an easy road, in May 2025 a sigmoidoscopy revealed that McTaggart was clear of cancer and officially in remission. He and his family were filled with gratitude.

Throughout his cancer journey, McTaggart maintained a positive outlook. His wife, Meldene, a former oncology nurse, was understandably worried when he received his diagnosis of Stage 3 rectal cancer, but he remained calm. When they met with MyMichigan Colon and Rectal Surgeon Kristin Busch, M.D., she communicated that his cancer was treatable and that her team would work together to achieve the best possible outcome.

“Dr. Busch’s explanation and approach gave me comfort, and I moved forward believing in her and the other experts working with me,” McTaggart said. “As it turned out, they were right, and now I’m cancer free.”

At a follow-up visit, McTaggart mentioned that he was still experiencing quite a lot of fatigue. He was asked whether he would be interested in participating in a clinical study with other cancer survivors experiencing fatigue. The study involved taking a pill (medication or placebo) that might have a positive effect on the tiredness many survivors experience after completing treatment. McTaggart agreed.

“When they offered me the chance to participate in a clinical trial, I thought after all we’d been through, taking a pill and answering some questions couldn’t be that bad,” he said. “If there was a chance it could help someone else, it was definitely worth it.”

MyMichigan Clinical Research Nurse Brittney Gainforth, B.S.N., R.N., is one of the research nurses assigned to the study aimed at determining the efficacy of bupropion versus placebo for reducing fatigue. Bupropion is an antidepressant, working as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) to boost mood-regulating brain chemicals. The study was placebo-controlled (one group receives placebo and one medication) double-blinded (neither researchers nor participants know which pill they are receiving) and randomized (participants are assigned groups by chance). Bupropion is also known to lower circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a potent source of inflammation associated with cancer-related fatigue.

“Cancer-related fatigue is very common post treatment,” Gainforth explained. “Some patients never quite get their stamina back, and as of right now, treatment options for fatigued cancer patients are limited. Additional options for these patients are needed; finding them is our goal.”

As part of the 14-week study, patients were required to complete a series of questionnaires, blood draws and saliva collection three times per day for three days prior to starting the drug or placebo and again at the end of the study when the medication cycle was complete.

“All our patients who participate in research do so of their own free-will. We call them our medical heroes because without them, we wouldn’t have the advancements in medicine that we have today readily available to all of us,” said Gainforth.

“I wouldn’t hesitate to participate in another clinical trial for MyMichigan,” McTaggart shared. “Throughout my interactions, every staff member was so nice. My case was complicated, and I know that it was reviewed by my care team in collaboration with Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor. All of these pieces, from my treatment to clinical review to clinical trial, showed me that MyMichigan teams are looking at everything in depth and truly care about me and all of their patients.”

MyMichigan Health offers local access to advanced clinical trials in oncology, cardiology, general medicine and critical care. Available clinical trials include studies in the pharmaceutical, medical devices and surgical procedural areas. The dedicated research nurses help guide patients through every step.

Those interested in more information on clinical trials may visit www.mymichigan.org/clinicaltrials