ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ-made clinical trial leaves patient cancer-free

Kerry McAthey - 4 February 2022

The  marked World Cancer Day 2022 in part with the recognition of a life-saving, made-in-ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ clinical trial.

Donato Bernardo was diagnosed with leukemia at age 27. He would eventually undergo chemotherapy, radiation, and a stem cell transplant over five years before doctors informed him he was out of treatment options in 2020.

Shortly after, Bernardo would become the second person in ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ to participate in a clinical trial at the Cross Cancer Institute – and the first to go into remission following the treatment.

A LOCAL OPTION

CAR T-Cell therapy involves removing a patient's T-Cells, genetically altering them, and replacing them.

“Essentially, we’re harnessing the patient’s own immune system to be able to fight against their cancer again,” oncologist Dr. Michael Chu said.