11-02-2025
John B. Amos among first to give new cancer treatment in Georgia
Columbus, Ga (WRBL) – Columbus' John B Amos Cancer Center is now leading the way to administer a new cancer treatment in the Peach treatment is commonly known as 'BiTE' and it stands for 'Bi-Specific T-Cell Engager Therapies'.
It's showing very promising results treating small-cell lung cancer, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. This treatment helps the body's immune system recognize cancer cells and then destroy them.
Phenix City native, Susan Williams, the first patient to receive this treatment at the cancer was so thankful that the treatment is working well, and she can get this treatment so close to home instead of traveling hours away.
'I could not have done it. I have a daughter that takes care of me but she's also got health issues. It's just the two of us. I have to be here in town to be able to come to a local place. This is the best place that I can think of to go to,' said Williams.
Susan was diagnosed with small cell carcinoma in October 2023. She learned of this diagnosis when she was on a regular checkup during an annual exam. Oncologists also believe 'BiTE' therapy can become a way more effective way of treating cancer patients.
'I and others believe this form of therapies can be an extraordinary effective. Not just for the rare illnesses but will probably come into play across a broad scope of cancers. And it will be moved up in the cancer treatment scheme,' said Dr. Andy Pippas, Chief of Medical Oncology for Piedmont Healthcare.
There are currently nine BiTE therapies approved for oncology by the US Food and Drug Administration, and the John B. Amos Cancer Center will have seven of those medications available in 2025.
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