FORT MYERS, Fla., April 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC (FCS) medical oncologist and hematologist Ernesto Bustinza-Linares, MD is co-author of a recent abstract published in the American Society of Clinical Oncology Journal, JCO Precision Oncology, that uncovers a new testing method to determine personalized care options for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

"We cannot stress enough the importance of research in the oncology field," says FCS President & Managing Physician Lucio N. Gordan, MD. "Furthermore, our own physicians are making remarkable strides in advancing oncology care for patients. By incorporating precision oncology tactics, we are uncovering new applications of existing therapies to drive the best results, as was done in this study."

The abstract's authors address the limitations of existing guidelines that recommend checkpoint immunotherapy, sometimes in combination with chemotherapy, for treating NSCLC, which often discounts patient variability and immune factors. Using a new machine-learning test for pretreated plasma proteomic profiles, PROphet, the authors were able to identify levels of protein inhibitors for each patient to determine the best line of treatment.

The findings from the study show that by incorporating additional plasma proteome-based testing, combined with the standard protein inhibitor testing, clear differences in patient outcomes were observed after applying targeted treatments based on the testing results.

"We can no longer apply a blanketed approach to oncology care," says Dr. Bustinza. "This study is pivotal in developing a precise approach to treating cancer based on the unique cellular properties of the patient, not the cancer type. With this knowledge, we can then apply the best possible approach, in this instance, choosing a monotherapy or combination therapy, to drive optimal results."

To read the full abstract, visit: https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/PO.23.00555.

About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC: (FLCancer.com)

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) offers patients access to more clinical trials than any private oncology practice in Florida. The majority of new cancer drugs recently approved for use in the U.S. were studied in clinical trials with FCS participation.* Recognized for our research, FCS is a recipient of the national Clinical Trials Participation Award presented by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). FCS physicians, trained in prestigious medical schools and research institutes, are consistently ranked nationally as Top Doctors by U.S. News & World Report.

Celebrating its 40^th year in 2024, FCS has built a national reputation for excellence that is reflected in exceptional and compassionate patient care, driven by innovative clinical research, cutting-edge technologies and advanced treatments, including targeted therapies genomic-based treatment and immunotherapy. Our highest values are embodied by our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians, clinicians and staff.

*Prior to approval

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SOURCE Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute