Winship patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer can now be treated utilizing the innovative Trans-Arterial Micro-Perfusion (TAMP) therapy platform to deliver targeted therapeutic agents, like chemotherapy, directly near the tumor. (Image: RenovoRx)
Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and Emory University Hospital are using a new drug-delivery mechanism for treatment to care for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Patients can now be treated utilizing the innovative Trans-Arterial Micro-Perfusion (TAMP) therapy platform to deliver targeted therapeutic agents, like chemotherapy, directly near the tumor.
Through the use of RenovoRx’s RenovoCath® device, a novel, FDA-cleared catheter, clinicians use the TAMP platform for targeted therapeutic delivery near the tumor site, while potentially minimizing the amount of chemotherapy circulating through the body to protect healthy tissue. The new therapeutic delivery of treatment with TAMP is only being offered in approximately 20 cancer centers in the U.S., most with National Cancer Institute designations like that of Winship.
Joe K. Khoury, DO, MBA
“This targeted therapy platform offers the potential of increased safety and tolerance of patients with pancreatic cancer, as well as the possibility of improved effectiveness of the treatment,” says Joe K. Khoury, DO, MBA, an interventional radiologist at Winship and assistant professor in the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences at Emory University School of Medicine. “Implementation of the TAMP therapy platform offers an additional cancer care option in direct drug delivery.”
The TAMP procedure typically begins with standard access to the leg artery in the groin, where the FDA-cleared catheter is inserted through the blood vessels to target the tumor. Once the device is in place, chemotherapy is administered for delivery directly near the tumor site, bypassing nearly all systemic circulation. This approach is intended to localize treatment, while minimizing toxicity by limiting the drug’s impact on healthy tissues, potentially reducing side effects.
“This innovative approach to delivering cancer treatment not only has the potential to improve outcomes for our patients but also preserve their quality of life, which is our ultimate goal,” says Khoury.
At Winship, a multidisciplinary cancer care team, including physicians and staff in medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology and interventional radiology all work together to care for patients diagnosed with pancreatic and other types of cancer. Patients who come to Winship will be evaluated by this multidisciplinary oncology team to pool collective expertise to develop the most effective individualized treatment plans for patients.
Emory Healthcare remains committed to adopting innovative treatments like TAMP to enhance patient care and expand access to novel and high-quality therapies. The health system is proud to offer this additional care option as part of its comprehensive cancer care program. The treatment could expand to other Emory Healthcare sites in the near future.