The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced approval for atezolizumab (Tecentriq), a new drug to treat bladder cancer. At New York Oncology Hematology, several of our patients have been participating in clinical research trials for the drug over the past two years, helping lead to the therapy’s approval.
Over the past 20 years, New York Oncology Hematology patients have participated in clinical drug trials leading to FDA approval of more than 40 new cancer therapies. With the largest, most comprehensive clinical research operation in the region, NYOH is currently offering eligible patients dozens of opportunities to join new trials.
“This is what all of us involved in cancer research want to see – that our clinical trials lead to a new breakthrough in treatment,” said Lawrence Garbo, MD, Chair of NYOH’s Clinical Research Program. “This is an exciting time in cancer research and NYOH is pleased to offer eligible patients access to some of the most promising drug trials in the world. Approval of Atezo is one of the many examples of how our patients are benefiting from the latest advancements today, while playing an important role in cancer treatment for years to come. Through our affiliation with The US Oncology Network, we are able to offer trials that patients might otherwise have to travel hours to access.”
Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) is a PD-L1 inhibitor, approved by the FDA for patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC), a form of bladder cancer, whose disease has progressed during or after platinum-based chemotherapy, or within 12 months of receiving platinum-containing chemotherapy, either before or after surgery. In the next few months, NYOH will begin participation in a new study involving Atezolizumab, which will be combined with a new therapy, being researched in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.