AdventHealth is the first in the U.S. and the only health system in Florida to offer this new ‘precision medicine’ treatment.
A new way of treating bladder cancer is now available to patients in Central Florida via a Phase II randomized trial at the AdventHealth Cancer Institute. This is the only site in Florida, and the first in the U.S., to open this groundbreaking treatment, known as the INTerpath-005 V940 mRNA vaccine Phase II trial.
“This vaccine is precision medicine at its best,” Dr. Guru Sonpavde, a medical oncologist at the AdventHealth Cancer Institute, as well as a member of the trial’s global steering committee, recently told Central Florida Health News. “Unlike most trials where all patients receive one specific drug, some of the patients in this trial will receive a new drug customized to target the specific mutated proteins only found in the cancer cells of that patient.”
Participants will receive pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA) combined with the new customized immunotherapy injection. KEYTRUDA alone has previously improved outcomes following surgical removal of aggressive muscle-invasive urothelial cancer.
“This V940 drug is exciting in that it codes for 34 neoantigens (which are new mutated proteins) found only in cancer cells and this is injected into the patient intramuscularly every three weeks for up to nine times,” Sonpavde discussed with Becker’s on their Healthcare podcast. “This (drug) is extremely specific immunotherapy which looks highly promising.”
Sonpavde believes this trial offers a tailored treatment against bladder cancer.
”I’m optimistic the combination drug treatment, the V940 vaccine plus KEYTRUDA, in this trial will be safe and successful and will lead to a Phase III trial,” he recently told the American Hospital Association.
He envisions this custom treatment to become more widely available worldwide soon. Bladder cancer patients don’t have to wait years for access, the trial is now open. Patients need a referral and should ask their doctor if they’re interested.
For more information, contact the AdventHealth Clinical Research GU Coordinator at [email protected].
12 items. To interact with these items, press Control-Option-Shift-Right Arrow. These items are in a slider. To advance slider forward, press Shift-Command-Right Arrow. To advance slider backward, press Shift-Command-Left Arrow.
News
Orlando deputies rappel from AdventHealth for Children roof in 8th annual 'Elf Rappel'
Deputies from local fire and police departments dressed as elves as part of an eight-year long tradition bringing festive cheer to kids and families staying at the hospital this holiday season.
Video
Orlando deputies rappel from AdventHealth for Children roof in 8th annual 'Elf Rappel'
Deputies from local fire and police departments dressed as elves and dropped in to visit patients as part of an eight-year long tradition bringing festive cheer to kids and families staying at the...
News
Illuminating cancer: AdventHealth uses new tools during lung cancer surgery to save time, lives
AdventHealth is now using a fluorescent dye that lights up cancer cells during surgery, which is providing faster, more accurate treatment for patients.
News
From 30 seizures a day to seizure-free: How AdventHealth for Children treated a little girl’s rare syndrome
The Ahn family’s life was turned upside down when their 5-year-old daughter suddenly started having 30 seizures a day. She had FIRES Syndrome, a one-in-a-million and potentially fatal diagnosis.
News
AdventHealth invests $9M in community projects for housing, homelessness and special needs job training
Investments will fund affordable housing in Bithlo and Seminole County, as well as job training programs at Special Hearts Farm and projects with The Salvation Army of Orlando and Cristo Rey Orlando...
News
An incredible journey through two open heart surgeries at AdventHealth
On the newest Inspiring Wholeness podcast, Obie Diaz, local morning radio show host, shares how a routine physical eventually led to two open heart surgeries.
News
Fourth Trimester Program provides enhanced postpartum support for Black mothers
Inspired to change statistics around Black maternal deaths, AdventHealth for Women's Fourth Trimester Program offers enhanced postpartum care for Black mothers with high blood pressure.
Video
Jobs Partnership Graduate Marie Melendez
AdventHealth University and Jobs Partnership Build Health Care Workforce Pipeline from Underserved Communities.
News
AdventHealth University and Jobs Partnership build health care workforce pipeline from underserved communities
New LifeWorks Program provides health care workforce training to under-skilled job seekers throughout Central Florida.
News
Florida Coalition to End Homelessness Honors AdventHealth University and Ability Housing
Award celebrates the organizations’ partnership on behalf of residents of the Wayne Densch Apartments.
News
Seminole County Public Schools unveils redesigned Mechanics Physics Bus to inspire future STEM leaders
AdventHealth expands its partnership with the school district and foundation to strengthen the workforce of tomorrow.
Video
Seminole County Public Schools unveils redesigned Mechanics Physics Bus to inspire future STEM leaders
Seminole County Public Schools and the Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools in partnership with AdventHealth unveiled the newly redesigned Mechanics Physics Bus, marking another milestone in...