Video Highlights New Approved Breast Cancer Drug Kadcyla

Feb. 26, 2013 - PRLog -- Oncology Associates, P.C. of Omaha, Nebraska just released a new video which highlights the recent FDA approved breast cancer drug Kadcyla, or T-DM1, which offers new hope for women with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

Kadcyla, formerly known as T-DM1 during its development by Roche, is designed to help women with stage 3 or stage 4 metastatic breast cancer that is HER2-positive and resistant to previous breast cancer treatment programs.  About one in five cases of breast cancer are HER2-positive, meaning that the tumors have high levels of a protein called HER2.  

“Many breast cancer patients that are HER2 positive and have metastatic disease are highly interested in this new drug, but don’t know much about it,” says Dr. Stephen Lemon, M.D.,  M.P.H, of Oncology Associates, which produced the video so patients could quickly access more information on the drug, which was just approved by the FDA on February 22nd.

As Kadcyla will be available to patients in the United States within two weeks, Dr. Lemon hopes the video will help patients learn more about the drug. “Patients whose clinical situation might make them a candidate for this drug need more information on it now and in a way that they can easily understand,” says Dr. Lemon.

Dr. Lemon hopes the video is especially helpful for those breast cancer patients who are good candidates for Kadcyla and need new options. The video may be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuBgPpCwqrw



Kadcyla (T-DM1) was chosen as a major advance in breast cancer treatment for 2012 by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The targeted therapy delivers medication to tumor cells directly, without affecting healthy cells, which often occurs from traditional chemotherapy treatment.

Oncology Associates provides informational videos on cancer related topics, including new cancer treatments, as well as stories from cancer patients and survivors.  “Cancer is often a difficult time for patients and their families, who may want more information and know all their treatment options,” says Dr. Lemon.  "We've found that our patients can better educate themselves through videos, at their own pace, at a place where they're more comfortable. And the educational videos also provide them with information that they can follow up with us, with more questions."

About Oncology Associates

Oncology Associates provides a full range of cancer care services, which include medical oncology, hematology, genetic risk evaluation, chemotherapy treatment and diagnostic services. In addition, the practice provides access to many types of clinical trials.

Oncology Associates serves the Omaha community, as well as provides cancer outreach centers throughout Nebraska, including Norfolk, Holdrege and Blair. For more information, please visit http://www.oacancer.com.