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,” Guru Sonpavde, MD, 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.”
"This vaccine is precision medicine at its best."
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,” Dr. Sonpavde shared in a Becker’s Healthcare podcast. “This (drug) is extremely specific immunotherapy which looks highly promising.”
Dr. 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 ORL.GU.ClinicalTrials@AdventHealth.com.
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
5K brings community together in Manchester
Runners, walkers, families and community partners came together in Manchester for the annual FACELIFT 5K.
News
Mental health support that meets college students where they are
Starting college is an exciting milestone. But it can also bring academic pressure, new relationships, greater independence and unfamiliar challenges.
News
AdventHealth Littleton brings lifesaving training to Chatfield State Park
Free Stop the Bleed class helps Colorado Parks and Wildlife rangers prepare for emergencies in the field and beyond.
News
Finding confidence and community during cancer treatment
After months of emotional upheaval and unexpected change, Christina Lee welcomed a chance to step away from cancer treatment and focus on herself.
News
NASCAR driver brings book vending machine to St. Augustine elementary school
Students at John A. Crookshank Elementary School have a new way to celebrate good choices this school year: earning a book of their own.
Press Release
Mental health advocates recognized at AdventHealth Championship
The second annual award recognizes champions of mental health support and awareness.
News
Welcoming a new chapter of care for mothers and babies in Winter Garden
New labor and delivery services bring coordinated, whole-person maternity care to the west Orange County community.
News
When healing continues at home: AdventHealth partners with local organizations to support seniors
A program that began at AdventHealth East Orlando helps older adults navigate the everyday needs that can make recovery harder.
News
AdventHealth helps Central Florida students as they head back to school
More than 3,000 backpacks were donated through this year’s Backpack for Kids initiative, helping local students and families prepare for a new school year.
News
A heart transplant gave him a second chance at life, then he did something extraordinary
Most people begin the Appalachian Trail carrying a backpack. Terry Markham also carried something in his chest: The heart that gave him a second chance at life.
News
Free sports physicals, school partnerships help local students start the year ready
Before a student takes the field, walks into class or starts thinking about a future job, AdventHealth is already part of the picture. The health system works with local schools on sports physicals...
Press Release
AdventHealth Heart of Florida team members, community partners donate thousands of school supplies to support students
Team members and community partners are helping ensure local children have the supplies they need to start the new school year on the right foot.