Groundbreaking treatment enhances the immune system鈥檚 ability to fight cancer
Holy Cross Health now offers bispecific therapy, an innovative class of antibody drugs providing new hope for patients with cancers that are often resistant to traditional treatments. These advanced therapies enhance the immune system鈥檚 ability to identify, target and eliminate cancer cells effectively.
Bispecific antibodies are engineered to simultaneously bind to cancer cells and T-cells鈥攌ey components of the immune system鈥攄irecting the body鈥檚 natural defenses to attack and destroy cancerous cells. This therapy is particularly effective in treating blood cancers such as multiple myeloma and lymphoma and solid tumors such as small cell lung cancer.
鈥淲e are excited to bring this cutting-edge therapy to our patients at Holy Cross Health. Our team has undergone extensive preparation to ensure we are fully equipped to deliver this treatment safely and effectively,鈥� said Simon Blanc, M.D., Hematologist/Oncologist at Holy Cross Health. 鈥淭his represents a major step forward in our ability to fight cancer and improve outcomes for our patients.鈥�
Bispecific Cancer Therapy at Holy Cross Health
Eligible patients are identified during their treatment at the Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center at Holy Cross Health. To minimize potential side effects, therapy begins with a step-up dosing schedule. Possible adverse effects include cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicities, which, while potentially serious, can be managed with close monitoring and a trained staff to prevent and recognize signs and symptoms early. That is why initial doses are administered in a hospital setting to ensure patient safety before transitioning to outpatient maintenance care.
Patients who have initiated bispecific therapy at another cancer center are welcome to transfer their care to the Holy Cross Health Bispecific Maintenance Therapy Program. The team of expert clinicians provides personalized treatment, continuous monitoring and comprehensive support鈥攁ll within the convenience of a local setting.
To schedule an appointment, call 954-542-7700 or聽聽to complete an online appointment request form. For more information, visit聽听补苍诲听聽of Dr. Blanc explaining how bispecific therapy works.
ABOUT HOLY CROSS HEALTH聽
A member of Trinity Health, Fort Lauderdale-based Holy Cross Hospital, dba Holy Cross Health, is a full-service, not-for-profit, Catholic, teaching hospital operating in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy. Holy Cross has been recognized for six Types of Care in U.S. News and World Report鈥檚 2024-25 Best Hospital rankings and was named among the 2024 America鈥檚 Best-In-State Hospitals by Newsweek. Holy Cross has been designated as a High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for LGBTQ+ healthcare access. Through strategic collaborations and a commitment to being a person-centered, transforming, healing presence, the 557-bed hospital offers progressive inpatient, outpatient and community outreach services and clinical research trials to serve as our community鈥檚 trusted health partner for life. Holy Cross Health also encompasses Holy Cross HealthPlex outpatient facility, an urgent care center and more than 40 Holy Cross Medical Group physician practices. To learn more about Holy Cross Health, visit聽聽Connect @holycrossfl.
