Providence Cancer Institute

Carlo Bifulco and Brian Piening spoke with The Catholic Health Association of the United States about how comprehensive genomic profiling can improve outcomes for patients with advanced cancer. The pair also shared the findings of an ongoing five-year study involving 3,216 Providence patients with several types of cancer at an advanced stage. "The study focused on the first two years of a five-year study involving 3,216 Providence patients with several types of cancer at an advanced stage. The researchers provided the results of comprehensive genomic profiling to patients' clinicians 12 days before the patients' initial oncology visit." "The ongoing study is finding that receiving such results influenced the early clinical decision-making process and led to over half of the patients receiving biomarker-driven targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Patients who got this precision therapy had a longer survival period than those who had chemotherapy alone." Read more: https://lnkd.in/ga8k8c5Q.

Our Genomics Program Director, Brian Piening, shared with KATU-TV how genomics is helping to create a personalized treatment approach for cancer patients. Dr. Piening is on the forefront of this cancer research and also leads a research lab at Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, which is part of Providence Cancer Institute. Watch now. ?? https://lnkd.in/gbjxzCzH. #genomics #FINISHCANCER #cancerresearch

Thank you to Pink Lemonade Project and everyone who joined us for a special screening of the documentary film, “Trans Dudes with Lady Cancer”. The film features two local transmasculine people, Yee Won Chong and Brooks Nelson, as they navigate breast and ovarian cancers within the U.S. medical system. The event included an engaging Q&A session facilitated by Yee Won and Brooks, Providence physician champions Drs. Alison Conlin and Neda Jooya, and members of our breast and gynecologic cancer teams. Learn more about the film and find upcoming screenings at https://lnkd.in/eqH64Ffc. #gynoncsm #breastcancer #ovariancancer

Kristen Ulmer was just 34 when she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of breast cancer. She enrolled in a clinical trial at Providence that involved a combination of the drug Keytruda and chemotherapy. And while the treatment was successful, Kristen endured significant side effects. “Chemotherapy was really hard,” she says. “I went into menopause at the age of 34.” A new clinical trial now available for patients with aggressive, early-stage breast cancer aims to eliminate the harsh side effects of chemotherapy by combining Keytruda with immunotherapy, which leverages a patient's immune system to combat cancer. Medical oncologist and researcher at Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, David Page, M.D., leads the study. Read more about the study: https://lnkd.in/evnNh2jp.

Did you know we offer a form of radiation therapy that allows doctors to precisely target a tumor in the abdomen, pelvis, spine or breast? The precision of MRI-guided radiation therapy also minimizes damage to healthy tissue. Providence Cancer Institute radiation oncologist Dr. Steven Seung spoke to KPTV Fox 12 Oregon about this remarkable type of therapy. “We are very proud to deliver the highest quality radiation therapy in the state and in the Northwest,” said Dr. Seung. Learn more about MRI-guided radiation therapy at https://lnkd.in/gm7gBxkc. #radonc #FINISHCANCER

2025 will mark a big change for Providence Cancer Institute and Earle A. Chiles Research Institute! Our leader of three decades, Walter Urba, M.D., Ph.D., will retire, passing the baton to R. Bryan Bell, M.D., D.D.S., FACS, FRCS(Ed). In December, Dr. Bell stopped by the KATU studios to chat about the transition to his new role. He also shared his vision for the future of cancer care. “We’ve made a profound improvement in survival in many of the diseases, but we have a long way to go,” said Dr. Bell. “We are committed to continuing our research and discovering the next generation of immunotherapies.” #FINISHCANCER #immunotherapy #cancerresearch

We held a free oral, head and neck screening and mammography event last month, in collaboration with Providence Newberg Medical Center and Community Health Division / Population Health - Promotores de Salud. The donor-supported event focused on the Latinx community of Yamhill County, screening 65 individuals for oral, head and neck cancer and 28 individuals for breast cancer. Thank you to everyone who made this important event possible, including the PCI Newberg and OHN teams!

Three years ago, Dean Lookingbill underwent CAR T-cell therapy at Providence Cancer Institute to treat lymphoma. This cutting-edge treatment reprograms a patient’s own T cells to target and destroy cancer cells. Today, Dean is cancer-free and cherishing time with his family. His story is a testament to the power of groundbreaking research and personalized care. At Providence Cancer Institute, we’re advancing cancer treatment through innovations like CAR T-cell therapy and the integration of immunotherapy with genomic medicine. These breakthroughs are offering hope and changing lives. Learn more about Dean’s journey and our work: https://lnkd.in/gUEJCSDY. #FINISHCANCER

Wishing you a holiday season of peace, love, and meaningful moments with family and friends. From all of us at Providence Cancer Institute and Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, happy holidays and best wishes for the new year.

As we prepare to start a new year, we reflect on our commitment to advancing cancer care and research for the benefit of our patients and communities. Some of the year’s highlights include expanding cancer care in Oregon with new surgical oncology clinics at Providence Portland and Providence St. Vincent, opening a new research lab at Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, and strengthening our community impact by collaborating with local partner organizations for cancer screenings, educational talks and awareness events. Looking back, there’s much to celebrate – and much more to look forward to in the new year. Read about our year: https://lnkd.in/gZUvZh3N. #FINISHCANCER