Ann Culkin, an RN on Thoracic Oncology Service, discussed how personalized medicine can combat the worries and fears that patients experience when they turn to the Internet and “Dr Google” to answer their questions. Personalized medicine can give patients insight into their individual diagnosis, including symptoms and side effects of treatment.
Karen Koehler was diagnosed with leukemia, and after failed chemotherapy and three years of progressive disease, in 2014 she signed up for an experimental clinical trial under Dr. Jae Park. This trial was one of the first investigating the then new innovation of using CAR T cell immunotherapy, taking the patients own immune system to fight the cancer. Much to the surprise of Dr. Park, after an intense response to the infusion, the bone marrow biopsy found no more cancer cells. While Karen’s response to the CAR T cells was beyond the norm, she is one of 28 patients whose data is leading to new treatments and potential cures for certain types of leukemia.
A new promising treatment option for patients with IDH2-mutated myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) was presented by Dr. Eytan Stein this month at the 2016 ASH Annual Meeting. The study found that treatment with enasidenib led to better response rates for patients with IDH2 mutations, including those with prior HMA treatment failure. 9% of patients were found to have complete remission and another 9% had partial remission. The drug company Agios is planning to submit approval for a phase I/II trial using enasidenib in relapsed/refractory AML.
MSK Monmouth had its ribbon cutting ceremony at its brand new Middletown, NJ location on November 28. MSK President, Dr. Craig Thompson, spoke about how many of our patients travel distances to get their care, but now they will have treatment options near home. Dr. Elizabeth Jewell, the Director of Surgical Services at MSK Monmouth explains that approximately 30% of MSK’s patients come from Monmouth and Ocean counties and their surrounding areas.
MSK also made NJSpotlight’s The List for where to find world class cancer care in New Jersey, thanks to it’s Basking Ridge and now Monmouth outpatient centers. The Monmouth location will be the first NJ location to feature surgical treatments.