Pioneering chemotherapy-free treatment for follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Grampians Health Medical Oncologist Dr Geoffrey Chong
Medical Oncologist Dr Geoffrey Chong is the local site principal investigator for a chemotherapy-free trial for follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) at Grampians Health.
Dr Chong has been in the medical field for over 30 years and specialises in gastrointestinal cancer and lymphoma. He established the cancer trials clinical program at Ballarat in 2006.
Follicular NHL is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is responsible for fighting infections in the body.
"This trial is studying a novel combination of immunotherapy drugs as initial therapy for follicular lymphoma patients," said Dr Chong.
Follicular NHL is a slow-growing cancer that develops in the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes filter lymph fluid and trap bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances.
"The aim of this study is to determine whether this combination is effective and safe. We have promising data from previous trials that immunotherapy can work in this disease," Dr Chong said.
Passionate about helping his patients, Dr Chong is hoping to find an easier treatment for patients.
"If successful, hopefully we can develop effective chemotherapy-free treatments for this disease," Dr Chong said.
