NYOH News

NYOH Offering New Immunotherapy Clinical Trial for Lung Cancer

Jan 08, 2016

NYOH Among First in the World Offering New Immunotherapy Clinical Trial for Lung Cancer

Enrollment in the CheckMate 370 study of Nivolumab is now open for eligible patients

New York Oncology Hematology, the region’s largest provider of treatment for cancer and blood disorders, has been selected as one of the first practices in the world to offer a new immunotherapy clinical trial, CheckMate 370.

Through its affiliation with The US Oncology Network, NYOH is able to offer eligible patients access to CheckMate 370, which is investigating the use of Nivolumab, an immunotherapy drug that boosts the immune system.

In past trials of Nivolumab patients were only eligible if they already completed first line chemotherapy treatment. What makes this trial different is that it is open to eligible patients as a first-line therapy as well as those in a disease maintenance setting. You do not need to be an NYOH patient to enroll in the study.

“NYOH is the only practice in the region offering this cutting edge immunotherapy trial and we want to make certain that every eligible lung cancer patient in our area enrolls,” said Lawrence Garbo, MD, Chair of NYOH’s Clinical Research Program. “Through our affiliation with US Oncology, we’re pleased to be able to continue our 20 year tradition of offering promising clinical research trials in the Capital Region.”

NYOH is one of just 26 sites that is currently offering this trial. Over the past 20 years, NYOH has played a key role in FDA approval of more than 35 cancer treatments.

The CheckMate 370 trial will be offered at three of NYOH’s locations: Albany/Patroon Creek; Albany Medical Center and Clifton Park. To learn more, contact Amy Zuchelkowski, Clinical Research Manager, at: 518-489-3612 x1045.

FAQ

What is CheckMate 370: Investigating Immunotherapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer?

Treatments which boost the immune system, known as checkpoint inhibitors, are actively being studied to treat a number of cancers including non-small cell lung cancer. Check point inhibitors, including Nivolumab, are currently approved for use following progression on standard first-line chemotherapy.

This trial offers treatment with Nivolumab in the first-line and maintenance settings. The trial is only being offered in select sites across the country and therefore allows local access to cutting edge treatments and research here in the Capital District.

Who is eligible to participate?

Eligible patients include those with recurrent, locally advanced or metastatic, non-small cell lung cancer (squamous and adenocarcinoma). Patients must be in first-line or maintenance settings.

Patients with autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, lupus, etc) are not eligible for this study.

To learn more, contact Amy Zuchelkowski, Clinical Research Manager, at: 518-489-3612 x1045.

Do I need to be an NYOH patient to enroll?

No, you do not need to be an NYOH patient to enroll in the study. To find out if you are eligible, contact Amy Zuchelkowski, NYOH Clinical Research Manager, at: 518-489-3612 x1045.

Where is it being offered?

NYOH is offering the CheckMate 370 trial at three of its locations:

  • NYOH/Patroon Creek: 400 Patroon Creek Blvd. Suite 1, Albany, NY 12206
  • NYOH/Albany Medical Center: 43 New Scotland Avenue,  Albany, NY 12208
  • NYOH/Clifton Park: 3 Crossing Blvd., Clifton Park, NY 12065

What is an immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a focus in cancer research today.  Nivolumab is an immunotherapy drug that boosts one’s immune system to help fight the cancer. 

Why is this trial only available at NYOH?

NYOH is a private, physician-owned practice. Through our affiliation with The US Oncology Network, one of the largest research networks in the country, NYOH has access to clinical research trials for developing new cancer therapies. In this case, NYOH was selected as one of the first practices to offer this trial to the public. 

How can I learn more or enroll?

Contact Amy Zuchelkowski, Clinical Research Manager, at: 518-489-3612 x1045.