Dr. Alexander Chi, a thoracic radiation oncologist from West Virginia University, is leading a groundbreaking research project on lung cancer. Dr. Chi is the principal investigator of a phase 2 clinical trial assessing the role of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SBRT) to address and improve treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The researcher is an expert in SBRT for the treatment of thoracic malignancies and is enthusiastic about its potential to change treatment outcomes for NSCLC patients in the very near future.
Dr. Chi‘s phase 2 clinical trial assessing the role of SBRT in the treatment of large and early stage non-small cell lung cancer will specifically evaluate the delivery of a larger than conventionally accepted Biologically Effective Dose, or BED. In addition to this study, Chi is also leading a phase 1 clinical trial evaluating the potential role of a stereotactic boost, addressed before or after concurrent chemo-radiation, in the treatment of locally advanced NSCLC.
Dr. Chi stressed that both trials are inter-related and extremely important in validating the use of state-of-the-art technology. SBRT, an intensity modulated, image-guided photon therapy for dose escalation as part of the treatment of local-regionally confined NSCLC, is believed to offer promising, next-generation therapeutic solutions for diseases such as lung cancer. Further, Chi believes that peripheral blood and predictive bio-markers existent in human tumor tissue are useful to help identify patients that might gain advantages from dose escalation and those that may need additional systemic therapy to design individualized treatment strategies according to each individual’s genetic profile.
Both trials are underway and may provide groundbreaking outcomes and more effective ways to treat individuals suffering with non-small cell lung cancer.
