In clinical trials, TIL therapy has been successful in treating patients who have exhausted the standard paths of care. This gives the team hope that this new therapy will provide long-lasting remissions.
“There was a time when melanoma patients had no good treatment options,” Dr. Kazemi says. “Immunotherapy has been a breakthrough. A lot of patients go into remission and are even cured. While these treatments don’t work for everyone, we’ve made progress.”
Jefferson Health first introduced TIL therapy in 2024. Drs. Nair, Kazemi and Blackham are pleased to make this groundbreaking treatment available in the Lehigh Valley.
“Being able to provide access to TIL therapy for advanced melanoma locally at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest through our Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program is very convenient for our patients and families, and it’s possibly lifesaving,” Dr. Nair says.