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Providence Immunotherapy Program

As the body’s natural defense system, the immune system hunts down and destroys harmful invaders, such as bacteria, viruses and even cancer cells. But cancers can be masters of disguise, evading detection and outsmarting the immune system. Since 1993, scientists and doctors at Providence have worked tirelessly to develop treatments that boost the immune system against cancer. This is called immunotherapy.

The research team at the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute at Providence Cancer Institute is exploring new ways to activate that natural defense system, helping it better recognize cancer cells and revving up its power to attack more effectively.

2319.9 miles away
503-215-6014
Mon - Fri: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Providence Immunotherapy Program

As the body’s natural defense system, the immune system hunts down and destroys harmful invaders, such as bacteria, viruses and even cancer cells. But cancers can be masters of disguise, evading detection and outsmarting the immune system. Since 1993, scientists and doctors at Providence have worked tirelessly to develop treatments that boost the immune system against cancer. This is called immunotherapy.

The research team at the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute at Providence Cancer Institute is exploring new ways to activate that natural defense system, helping it better recognize cancer cells and revving up its power to attack more effectively.

2319.9 miles away
Mon - Fri: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Types of Treatment

Immunotherapy comes in many forms. For more than 25 years, Providence has been involved with developing new treatments in several key areas including:

  • High-dose interleukin 2 (IL-2): Providence is one of the top five programs in the country offering this FDA-approved immunotherapy for people with metastatic melanoma and metastatic kidney cancer.
  • Anti-OX40: Developed by Providence researchers, this investigational therapy revs up the immune system, like flooring the gas pedal, to attack cancer.
  • Adoptive T-cell therapy: In this emerging therapy, T-cells are removed from your body, multiplied in a lab and returned to you to boost the immune system’s cancer-fighting power.
  • DRibbles vaccine: Providence scientists are leading the development of this immunotherapy vaccine, which may offer a new way to focus the attention of the immune system on cancer.
  • Combination therapies: Research and clinical trials at Providence suggest that combining immunotherapy with traditional radiation or chemotherapy could maximize the effectiveness.
  • Genomics - targeted immunotherapy: Targeted immunotherapy is at the forefront of immunotherapy research. This field combines genomics with immunology to train the immune system to recognize mutations specific to your tumor.

Harnessing the Immune System

Why Choose Us for Your Cancer Care?

We know that every patient is unique. No two patients – or their treatment plans – are alike. This is why we take a highly personalized approach to cancer care, and we always put our patients first. Our cancer specialists are at the forefront of innovative, state-of-the-art technologies and treatment options.  We partner with you to develop specialized treatment plans that fit your needs and provide the best outcomes. At Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon, some of our advanced treatments include:

  • Complete genomic sequencing to determine the unique genetic composition of your cancer and the most effective treatments 
  • World-class immunotherapy capabilities, including adoptive cell therapy, CAR T-cell therapy, TIL therapy and high-dose IL-2 
  • Targeted therapies, including oral and infusion chemotherapy
  • State-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical options, including robotic- assisted surgery and advanced surgical oncology research through biomedical engineering technology
  • A comprehensive Radiation Oncology Program, with state-of-the-art external beam and internal radiation therapy treatments, including the only MRI linear accelerator in the Pacific Northwest, Gamma Knife Perfexion, HDR Brachytherapy and more
  • A robust clinical trials portfolio of early phase studies developed by our world-renowned researchers and cooperative group studies sponsored by the National Cancer Institute
  • Genetic counseling and testing for cancer risk assessment, prevention, early detection and treatment planning
  • An award-winning Cardio-Oncology Program to minimize the cardiovascular side effects of cancer treatments
  • Evidence-based complementary medicine such as naturopathy, massage therapy and acupuncture through our Integrative Medicine Program

You will have access to unsurpassed support at every stage of your treatment, adding an extra dimension of care to help fight cancer. Our oncology nurse navigators, social workers, dietitians and spiritual care providers help guide you through treatment and promote health on every level — body, mind and spirit. As an added layer of support, our Oncology Resource Specialists provide free, personalized assistance to patients, families and care partners. These caregivers will help you navigate and use the many resources available throughout the community and through Providence.

Learn more about our cancer support services.

Cancer doesn’t discriminate, but access to great cancer care hasn’t always been the same for everyone. At Providence, we are deeply committed to making sure every patient we treat has access to the best cancer care. We value, respect and support the racial, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual and spiritual identities of each member of our diverse community, and we never turn a patient away. Instead, we work to make sure every patient is treated equally and with dignity – whoever you are, and wherever you are in your journey.

When you become a patient at Providence, you become part of a collaborative cancer-care network. Our care often exceeds national measures for patient outcomes. We have award-winning doctors, scientists, researchers and caregivers across 51 hospitals in seven states. The skills of your local team and the power of this network add up to the best, most compassionate care. And if you need to meet with a specialist outside your area, we have telehealth technology to help. Our network and superior care are among the reasons 6,000 newly diagnosed cancer patients choose Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon each year.

Through our pioneering research, we have helped make cancer immunotherapy a new standard of care. Our globally renowned team of physician researchers and scientists at Earle A. Chiles Research Institute offers hope to patients and families.

THE POWER OF OUR NETWORK

Part of Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon

Providence Cancer Institute is a leading provider of cancer care in Oregon, and part of the largest community-based cancer-care network in the United States. Regardless of where you go for care, you have an entire team of cancer experts working together to provide a personalized, whole-person approach to your care. At Providence we see more than a cancer diagnosis, we see the life in you and are committed to helping you live well again.

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