BEND, Ore. — Bend Memorial Clinic recently enrolled the first patient on an international lung cancer study and the first patient on an international multiple myeloma (plasma cell cancer) study, becoming the first patients worldwide to be enrolled in their respective studies under the supervision of BMC oncologist and local lead investigator, Dr. Brian Erickson.
Despite living in a relatively small community located more than 150 miles from a major metropolitan city, these studies are a testament to the fact that Central Oregonians living with cancer have access to medicine’s most current and cutting-edge cancer treatments and clinical trials right here at home.
“These clinical trials not only offer cancer patients hope for living longer, they are critical to furthering our medical research and knowledge and moving us closer to our ultimate goal of finding a cure for cancer,” said Erickson. “Having the opportunity for patients here in Bend to not only participate in these trials, but to be the very first in the world to do so, shows our commitment to bringing new, cutting edge therapies to our community.”
Bend Memorial Clinic was selected to participate in the two studies because of both its outreach efforts with medical scientists around the globe and because of its reputation in previous oncology trials.
The lung cancer study utilizes immunotherapy drugs to activate a patient’s own immune system, which then enables the body to recognize and kill tumor cells. Ultimately, this study looks to enroll 1,200 late-stage patients worldwide. The multiple myeloma study uses an engineered antibody to target the immune system to attack cancer cells. The trial is for newly diagnosed patients, or patients who have not been previously treated for multiple myeloma, with a trial-stage drug that is administered in addition to their regular standard of care and treatment.
“We are fortunate to have the ability to select trials from academic institutions and bring them to our community,” said Christine Reed, BMC’s Certified Clinical Research Coordinator and Research Lead. “Our patients are able to benefit from access to global cutting-edge treatments while remaining here at home.”
About Bend Memorial Clinic
Bend Memorial Clinic includes more than 120 providers representing 30 specialties including Urgent Care, Primary Care, Specialty Care, Imaging and Clinical Services. With nine locations BMC is the largest multi-specialty group in Central Oregon and provides quality, convenient healthcare known as TotalCare™. The Clinic has provided primary and specialty care since 1946. For more information, please visit www.bendmemorialclinic.com.
