Bispecific T-Cell Engager (BiTE) Therapy
Find a medical oncologist and make and appointmentIf blood cancers like leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma return after initial treatments fail, there’s still hope. Nuvance Health® is among the first programs in the region offering bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) therapy.
This treatment activates your immune system to recognize and attack blood cancer cells, while leaving other cells unharmed. Patients experience fewer side effects than other non-targeted therapies, such as chemotherapy, that can also damage healthy tissues.
This treatment activates your immune system to recognize and attack blood cancer cells, while leaving other cells unharmed. Patients experience fewer side effects than other non-targeted therapies, such as chemotherapy, that can also damage healthy tissues.
Bispecific T-Cell Engager Therapy: Why choose us?
BiTE therapy is one of many sophisticated treatments Nuvance Health offers. We continually strive to provide access to more of the services you need close to home, without traveling to a distant academic medical center. Our compassionate team cares about you as an individual when providing BiTE therapy and other treatments. Highlights of our program include:Experience
The doctors guiding your care routinely treat complex and advanced blood cancers. They have helped many patients achieve excellent results through BiTE therapy. Oncologists thoughtfully consider whether it’s right for you and explain what to expect.
effective treatment
BiTE therapy is a potential option for older adults who might not be eligible for other advanced treatments such as high dose chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation. Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks all fast-growing cells (even healthy ones), bispecific T-cell engagers only target leukemia, lymphoma or other blood cancer cells. This approach results in fewer side effects. Many people experience symptoms similar to a cold or the flu. More severe side effects are possible, but uncommon.
Responsive care
You start BiTE therapy with an inpatient stay, during which we closely monitor your treatment response. Although rare, if severe side effects occur, we are available around the clock to address them. You may receive services from oncologists, neurologists, cardiologists, critical care doctors and other specialists.
Support
We understand how worrisome recurring cancer can be, which is why we focus on your total well-being. We are with you through each phase of treatment and monitor you frequently. If you have questions between appointments, oncology-certified nurses are available by phone. You can also send us a message through our patient portals.
BiTE Therapy: What to expect
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Inpatient stayTreatment often starts by injecting bispecific T-cell engagers into your abdomen or thigh. Sometimes, we use intravenous (IV) methods to deliver the therapy through a vein over a longer period.
Nurses and specialists periodically monitor you for side effects, which are typically mild and may include fatigue, fever or loss of taste. We prescribe medications that may lower this risk. You can expect to stay in the hospital for a few days or up to 10 days, during which visitors are welcome. -
Outpatient careAfter discharge, you’ll receive additional BiTE therapy doses in our clinic. The risk of side effects is lower after the initial dose, but you may occasionally feel unwell. If there are any concerning symptoms, like confusion or dizziness, we’ll see you right away.
Is Bispecific T-Cell Engager Therapy right for me?
You may be eligible for BiTE therapy if you:- Have a type of blood cancer for which bispecific T-cell engager therapy is approved
- Have a cancer that has returned after first-line (initial) therapy, such as chemotherapy
- Are healthy enough to tolerate treatment and do not have other major health issues, like heart failure or neurological disorders
- Are able to care for yourself after discharge or with assistance from a loved one
- Can easily get to and from our clinic for follow-up appointments