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Vision and Voice

Medical Center Milestone | Innovation & Discovery in Cancer Care

Collage of UVA Health team members involved in BiTe therapy innovation
UVA Health team members involved in BiTE therapy innovation, Row 1: Alison Poeppel; Alana M. Ferrari, PharmD, BCOP; Lia Lynch, PharmD, BCOP; Richard Hall, MD; Row 2: Olivia White, PharmD, BCOP; Ryan Gentzler, MD, MS; Jessica R Kassay-McAllister, DNP, RN, AGACNP-BC; Katie Lassiter BSN, RN, OCN; Row 3: Amy Jones PharmD, BCSCP; Caroline Jones, PharmD; Firas El Chaer, MD, MSHCM; and Catherine Terrell, MSN, RN, OCN

I am excited to share a significant milestone in the fight against cancer!

UVA Health became the first healthcare provider in Virginia to offer tarlatamab, a newly approved immunotherapy, to treat small cell lung cancer. Tarlatamab is a bispecific t-cell engager (BiTE) therapy that enhances the body’s immune system to target disease. It’s a groundbreaking step forward in cancer care, and I want to shine a light on the amazing team that made it happen!

On May 16, the FDA approved tarlatamab for patients who have run out of other treatment options. This approval is significant, as early studies show the treatment can extend the lives of patients in the late stages of their disease. Without delay, our dedicated team— including pharmacists, providers, nurses, information technology team members, and social workers—began working on how we could safely and efficiently offer this life-saving treatment. In just 26 days after FDA approval, they successfully administered tarlatamab for the first time in Virginia and right here at UVA Health. Following that success, the team administered the first fully outpatient dose in September, making us a practice leader across the nation!

I want to give special recognition to two groups in particular, our pharmacists and the Nurse Navigator Program. Our pharmacists’ work, which is often behind the scenes, was vital to this success. They ensured the treatment process was seamless, safe, and tailored to the patient’s needs.

This milestone also highlights our innovative Nurse Navigator Program at UVA Cancer Center. Nurse navigators make the patient’s journey smoother by coordinating appointments, managing referrals, and handling logistics for those receiving tarlatamab — making it easier for patients to focus on their treatment and care.

The entire interdisciplinary team’s collaborative thinking and brilliant efforts mark yet another milestone in our initiative to strengthen our foundation by providing superior quality, patient safety, and outcomes.

As we look to the future, let’s continue to think creatively about how we can improve patient care and our work here at UVA Health. Share your ideas with me through the Be Heard Suggestion Box.

Take care and be well,

Wendy