Tom Dunbar, the donor, lost his 6-year-old son to cancer in 2001.
Through the new program, clinicians and researchers at the hospital’s James Graham Brown Cancer Center will develop the T-cell therapies, which use patients’ own genetically engineered immune cells to fight cancer. The cells will then be sent to children and adults across the country.
“A huge percentage of those patients can have long-term durable responses remissions,” Kelly McMasters, MD, department of surgery chair at University of Louisville Hospital, told WAVE 3 News. “We hesitate to use the word cure, but that’s what it is, for things that were incurable.”
Dr. McMasters added that the program will improve access to cancer treatment, so patients no longer have to travel to other major cities for care.
More articles on clinical leadership and infection control:
Unattended ER patient dies at Pennsylvania hospital
1,100+ healthcare organizations recognized for blood pressure control
Breast cancer vaccine effective in Mayo Clinic patient
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.