In recent years, the advancements in therapies and diagnostic testing for multiple myeloma and lymphoma have been some of the most transformative in the field of Oncology. To find out more, we talked to Mary Bird Perkins’ Dr. Andy Dalovisio, the director of the Cancer Center’s Myeloma, Lymphoma, and Cellular Therapy Program.
Why is this a watershed moment for patients with Multiple Myeloma and Lymphomas?
BiTEs are an “off the shelf” treatment, meaning they can be kept in an oncology pharmacy for timely administration, which can be particularly important for patients who need treatment quickly. These injectable/infusional drugs work by attaching to specific receptors on cancer cells and then recruiting the immune system to kill these cancer cells.
With CART therapy we are able to extract T-lymphocytes from patients through a safe, minimally-invasive procedure called apheresis. These T-lymphocytes are then sent to a lab and, through state-of-the-art technology, are modified and grown to identify and kill specific types of cancer cells, almost like a boot camp for our immune system. They are then sent back and infused into the patient where they spread throughout the body and hunt down myeloma or lymphoma cells. This process can take weeks to months, so it can sometimes be challenging to control a person’s cancer while awaiting the CART cell production. While these treatments have some unique and potentially serious side effects, we have gotten much better at managing them.
How have cellular therapy treatments changed the outcomes for these cancers?
We’ve seen incredibly high response rates in patients with previously difficult to treat lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Whereas our goals were previously palliative, we now know many of these patients are even cured. Mary Bird Perkins is offering BiTE therapy now, and we are planning on offering CART therapy in the near future.
How have these new advancements improved patients’ quality of life?
One of benefits of CART therapy is what we refer to as a “one and done” treatment, meaning no more therapy to treat the cancer is planned after the infusion. This means patients get a lot their time back from not having to come to the infusion room multiple times a month. One of the unique aspects of our cellular therapy program is our plan to safely offer these therapies primarily in the outpatient setting, meaning patients don’t have to be hospitalized and can sleep in the comfort of their own beds surrounded by their families and social support.
What are some of the advancements we’ve seen in monitoring patients’ disease?
After treatment has been initiated, patients often require frequent testing to make sure their cancer isn’t returning. Thanks to recent advancements, we can now carry out blood and bone marrow tests, called minimal residual disease (MRD) testing, that can detect previously undetectable cancer cells which potentially act as source of relapse. We can use this information to tailor treatment to a patient. This can include reassuring a patient they have a high chance of a cure, or using the results to give patients the chance to potentially stop unneeded treatment.
To make an appointment with Dr. Dalovisio, please call (225) 215-1393.
At Mary Bird Perkins, we’re delivering leading-edge treatments like cellular therapy close to home, made possible by generous donors and partners. Philanthropy fuels both these innovations and the vital support services that surround each patient. Together, we’re making a lasting impact.
To help advance our mission, make a gift here or call Mellie Bailey at (225) 215-1158.