Columbus, Ga. (February 5, 2025) – Providers with the John B. Amos Cancer Center at Piedmont Columbus Regional are the first community oncologists in Georgia to administer a new cancer treatment known as BiTE therapies.
Bispecific T-Cell Engager (BiTE) therapies show promising results in the treatment of patients with certain types of cancer to include small-cell lung cancer, Multiple Myeloma and Lymphoma. This treatment is a type of monoclonal antibody that helps the immune system recognize cancer cells and destroy them.
Susan Williams from Phenix City, Alabama, is the first patient to receive this treatment at the cancer center. During an annual exam, her primary care provider noticed a bump in her chest that showed up on an x-ray that looked concerning. Susan was diagnosed with small-cell carcinoma in October 2023. After trying different chemotherapies without success, her oncologist started her on BiTE therapy.
“I was happy to be the first patient at Piedmont Columbus to receive the BiTE therapy,” Williams says. “I am several cycles in and a recent PET scan shows it’s working. I’m very grateful to the oncology staff at Piedmont for their care and compassion.”
There are currently nine BiTE therapies approved for oncology by the US Food and Drug Administration, and the John B. Amos Cancer Center will have seven of these medications available in 2025.
“The John B. Amos Cancer Center is very proud to provide this new innovative treatment and recognizes its importance in the future of oncology treatment,” said Chief of Medical Oncology Andrew Pippas, M.D. "Piedmont is a destination for clinical excellence and will lead the way by being a key referral center for these therapies— providing innovative treatment options to patients."
“The first few step up doses are administered inpatient in a dedicated treatment room at Piedmont Columbus Midtown, with maintenance therapy continuing outpatient at the John B. Amos Cancer Center,” said Executive Director of Oncology Services Sheree Tolbert, PharmD. “Piedmont Columbus Midtown is just the fourth hospital in Georgia to administer these therapies.”
The John B. Amos Cancer Center is a comprehensive Piedmont Oncology center providing numerous clinical services and a variety of complementary cancer wellness and supportive services programs for patients.