Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center provides immuno-therapy clinical trial for lung cancer

Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center provides immuno-therapy clinical trial for lung cancer -

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the second most common cancer men and women and the leading cause of death in the United States. In 2014, an estimated 224.210 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer. Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center has been chosen as the only institution of cancer in New Jersey to offer a clinical study of a new drug against experimental lung cancer called nivolumab, developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb.

"This clinical study using immune therapy as a new approach for the treatment of lung cancer. This therapy uses the patient's immune system to attack cancer cells," said Myron Bednar, MD, medical oncologist , Hunterdon Regional cancer Center. "nivolumab works by blocking a protein called PD-1. PD-1 antibody stop the lung cancer cells to block the natural body's immune response to cancer. A drug that can inhibit PD-1 may be able to treat a variety of cancers, which is very exciting. "

patients who may be eligible for the study were diagnosed with lung cancer at an advanced stage and have experienced at least one treatment prior to entering the trial." The advantage of standard therapy is limited for this patient population. Our hope is that this drug will keep the cancer to grow and have the patient's immune system does work to kill cancer cells, compared to drugs that can have many side effects, "said Kenneth Blankstein, medical oncologist at Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center. "We are pleased to be able to provide this trial in our community. We are not only the only cancer facility in New Jersey to test this drug in a clinical trial, but the only one in the tri-state area. The next closest facility is in Tennessee. "

Daria Shepherd Kingwood Township was diagnosed with lung cancer at an advanced stage in December. Mrs. Shepherd went to his family doctor because of pain she was on his side. an ultrasound showed that pain was the result of a cyst on her ovary, but the test also found a spot on his lung. a chest scan and biopsy determined that it was cancer. "I started chemotherapy, but it was not effective for my type of cancer, so Dr. Bednar thought I would be an ideal candidate for the clinical trial nivolumab "Ms. Shepherd said." This is my second week receive the drug and I feel good. He did not have side effects that interfere with my life. "In fact, Ms. Shepherd headed for Spruce Run to fish with his family after his treatment.

The partnership Regional Centre cancer Hunterdon with Fox Chase cancer Center in Philadelphia, doctors have access to numerous clinical research trials, which are administered by specially trained staff. ongoing trials offered at the Center Regional Hunterdon cancer include new cancer treatment protocols within the lung and gastrointestinal cancers and lymphoma and melanoma. for more information on clinical trials in Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center, call Kathy Robbins, RN, MSN, OCN, clinical nurse researcher at Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center at (08) 237-2330 ext. 2 or visit www.hunterdonhealthcare.org/clinicalresearch.