An FDA-approved CAR T cancer therapy is coming to a Westbrook clinic
New England Cancer Specialists expects its first CAR T infusion in November, so fewer Mainers have to travel to Boston. One Dresden patient treated in Boston says doctors cannot find detectable cancer cells. That is her case, not a guarantee.
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New England Cancer Specialists in Westbrook expects to give its first CAR T infusion in November, the Portland Press Herald reported. CAR T, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, is an FDA-approved type of treatment for certain blood cancers. Until now, most Maine patients had to go to Boston. Pharmacy vice president Yoni Resnick said only about one in five eligible Mainers could get it, because of the trip, the need for a caregiver, and the cost of staying away.
Deborah Cote, 69, of Dresden, received the treatment last year at Dana-Farber and stayed in Boston about three weeks. She said doctors cannot find a wisp of cancer cells, and that she feels better than she has in years. That is one patient's result after care in Boston. The Westbrook clinic has not treated anyone yet. The local program is about access. It is not a promise that every patient will have the same outcome.
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