Virginia Cancer Specialists (VCA) has enrolled its first patient in its upcoming advanced lung cancer clinical trial, making it the first center in the world to do so.
The forthcoming trial may hold hope for patients suffering from ALK-positive locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (ALK+NSCLC). Brigatinib, an investigational anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), will be the focus of the Phase 3 trial.
“We are excited to be the very first cancer practice in the world to enroll a patient in this important Phase III trial that may eventually lead to improved outcomes for patients battling certain forms of non-small cell lung cancer," Dr. Alex Spira, medical oncologist and the VCS Research Institute director, said. "As the leader in clinical research in Northern Virginia, we are committed to advancing the fight against cancer by bringing cutting-edge clinical trials, like the brigatinib study, to our region, providing patients access to novel investigational therapies in a convenient community setting."
Being treated in a community setting has several advantages, Spira noted. "Rather than traveling elsewhere for these advanced investigational treatments, patients can receive care in a comfortable, familiar environment close to home where they have the ongoing support of family and friends, helping them achieve the best possible outcome," he said.
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