3 minute read
Jan and Ed Brown
– NILANJAN GHOSH, MD, PHD
3D illustration of a CAR T-cell attacking a cancer cell
DONORS PAVE THE WAY FOR Novel Discoveries in Lymphoma
Inspired by an unwavering commitment to patients and bolstered by generous philanthropic gifts, physician leaders at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute are making life-changing discoveries in early detection and treatment of cancer. Notably, advances in CAR T-cell therapy give hope to patients diagnosed with cancer, particularly lymphoma.
“There is a shift from traditional chemotherapy to novel targeted agents and immunotherapy providing better outcomes,” says Nilanjan Ghosh, MD, PhD, and chief of LCI’s lymphoma division. “We are the first program in the area to offer immunotherapies such as Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR T-cell therapy) and bispecific antibodies for lymphoma.”
Levine Cancer Institute is home to the largest lymphoma division in the Southeast, featuring a team of five physicians dedicated exclusively to treating lymphoma and supported by an advanced care practitioner, pharmacist, nurse navigator, and numerous nurse practitioners and researchers.
Exhibiting the shift that has occurred in recent years, globally, from traditional chemotherapy to novel targeted agents and immunotherapy, LCI has developed the largest portfolio of clinical trials for lymphoma in the region. This allows patients to have access to novel therapies in lymphoma treatment previously unavailable in our community.
It is with philanthropic backing from generous individuals, foundations, and corporate donors, that these developments in cancer treatment are made possible. Most recently, a $1 million gift from benefactors Jan and Ed Brown III will help to transform the trajectory of cancer care at Levine Cancer Institute for years to come.
The Institute’s ability to participate on the national and international stage via successful Phase I, II and III clinical trials would not be possible without the financial investment of generous community donors. This includes clinical studies that have led to FDA approval of new agents in lymphoma treatment and a recent study demonstrating promising pathways to equitable health outcomes in white and minority patients diagnosed with Large B-cell lymphoma.
In addition to advancing novel discoveries in cancer care, a cornerstone of Atrium Health's mission is to advance health equity and expand access to care for minorities, a priority shared by benefactors Jan and Ed Brown. As the chair of the Atrium Health Enterprise board, Ed has long been a champion for healthcare for all.
"With this transformative support from Jan and Ed Brown, Levine Cancer Institute will remain on the cutting edge of lymphoma and hematologic cancer research, as well as achieve its commitment to equity in cancer care for all," shared Dr. Ghosh.
Benefactors, Ed & Jan Brown
CAR T-CELL THERAPY STUDY
Juno 017001 is a Phase I study testing the safety, pharmacokinetics and anti-tumor activity of JCAR017 in adults with relapsed and refractory B-cell nonHodgkin lymphoma. The study is open at Levine Cancer Institute and will continue to evaluate the patients’ long-term progression-free survival and overall survival after JCAR017 treatment. This novel form of immunotherapy has proven effective in patients who haven’t responded favorably to traditional chemotherapy. Levine Cancer Institute is one of few hospitals in the country participating in Juno 017001, bringing hope to patients in the Charlotte region. In addition to the Juno clinical trial, patients with certain types of relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma will soon have another option: Yescarta. Levine Cancer Institute is one of just two centers in the Carolinas to offer this FDAapproved treatment commercially.
