During 2023, two TILs clinical trials were offered at the medical center, one for metastatic melanoma and one for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. In 2023, the TCT team performed 3 TILs therapies and was the first site in the state of Tennessee to deliver this type of treatment. TILs therapy for unresectable or metastatic melanoma was approved by FDA for commercial use in February 2024. UT Medical Center is an authorized center for this TILs therapy and is currently the only center in the state of Tennessee. Dr. McCaul, Medical Director of the TCT program, states, “At present, we can provide autologous transplantation, and the entire array of allogeneic transplants, including unrelated donor, and haplo-identical transplants. In addition, numerous cell therapy products have been onboarded, including the ability to treat a variety of Non-Hodgkins lymphoma subtypes, acute lymphoblastic leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We are near to also being able to deliver CAR-T molecules for multiple myeloma patients. Recent approval of a Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) product has occurred, and we are also now able to treat patients with refractory malignant melanoma. Patients with non-small cell lung cancer are also able to receive a TIL’s product under the purview of a clinical trial.”
The program continues to rapidly expand its product line and will soon offer other gene-engineered therapies for non-malignant diseases, like sickle cell disease or thalassemia. After many years of planning, the vision to offer transplant and cellular therapies in East Tennessee has become a reality. For patients and families in the region, the program offers treatments that were not an option due to expense or the travel involved to receive treatment. Now, the Transplant and Cellular Therapy program delivers these services close to home, alleviating the burden of travel cost, and keeping patients close to friends and family. Additionally, the program is offering the latest in transplant and cellular therapies providing hope and healing for patients and their families.
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