John Theurer Cancer Center first in New Jersey to offer complete capabilities of Provenge

The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical is the only cancer center in New Jersey where advanced prostate cancer patients can receive a cell collection process and infusion of Provenge® (Sipuleucel-T). Now, patients can find the complete capabilities of this breakthrough immunotherapy in one center led by one physician.

"We are now able to provide patients with care that is not only innovative for improved outcomes, but convenient and more personal," said Robert Alter, M.D., Co-Chief, Urologic Oncology at the John Theurer Cancer Center. "Throughout the Provenge® delivery process, patients are treated by a single team of our expert staff, allowing for a more intimate, comforting course of treatment."

Provenge is the first autologous cellular immunotherapy available for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, meaning it is designed to use cells from a patient's own immune system to identify and target prostate cancer. The John Theurer Cancer Center participated in the Provenge clinical trials, and began prescribing and infusing patients when the treatment was approved in June 2010. This February, the John Theurer Cancer Center received approval by Provenge manufacturer, Dendreon, to conduct leukapheresis, a cell collection process vital for the development of the immunotherapy.

"Provenge is another example of the cutting-edge treatments we provide our patients at the John Theurer Cancer Center," said Andrew L. Pecora, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.P.E., Chief Innovations Officer and Professor and Vice President of Cancer Services at the John Theurer Cancer Center. "We strive to deliver patients with the latest treatment options and state-of-the-art technology in order to deliver exceptional care."

Provenge treatment at the John Theurer Cancer Center begins with leukapheresis, a cell collection process administered by a clinical assistant. The patient's cells are sent to a Provenge® manufacturing facility, where they are combined with a protein that is found in most prostate cancers linked to an immune stimulating agent. The dose of Provenge is then sent back to the cancer center for infusion. This whole process is performed three times over approximately six weeks for complete treatment.

Provided by John Theurer Cancer Center