Oncology Articles from Ochsner Health Experts

Ochsner Health Hematology/Oncology: Innovative & Collaborative

Ochsner Health is home to one of Louisiana’s few hematology/oncology groups where each specialist has disease-specific training. For Clark Alsfeld, MD, director of infusion and bone marrow harvest at Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center at The Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center, his primary area of focus is leukemias, a field in which advances in cellular therapy and stem cell transplants are transforming patient outcomes. 

Equipped with leading-edge therapies, Dr. Alsfeld and colleagues partner with specialists across the health system and beyond to deliver multidisciplinary, holistic care that reflects a rapidly advancing field. 

Major Steps Forward 

Dr. Alsfeld points to several recent innovations that have enhanced hematologic cancer care. For example, for decades, cytarabine and daunorubicin were the two main treatments for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Since 2017, however, the Food and Drug Administration has approved 12 new medications for this disease. 

“I expect that list to grow almost exponentially over the next few decades,” Dr. Alsfeld said. “With these new medications, we now have targeted therapies for AML that are more effective and less toxic, and so we expect outcomes to improve.” 

In 2023, Ochsner MD Anderson became the first in Louisiana to offer CAR T-cell therapy for adults with hematologic cancers, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, multiple myeloma and lymphomas. 

“A perfect example of CAR T-cell therapy’s promise is patients with early relapsed lymphomas, who, historically, had a prognosis of about six months,” Dr. Alsfeld said. “Now, 80% of those who receive CAR T-cell therapy achieve remission, and approximately 40% of those patients are cured. That’s an incredible advancement.” 

Addressing Systemic Challenges in Cancer Care 

For patients, accessing the latest cellular therapies and transplant options poses a challenge, especially for patients in rural areas. Dr. Alsfeld has published research on the topic and works on solutions as a member of the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy’s Government Relations Committee. 

“One of the great things about the interconnectedness of the Ochsner system is that I can be in my office in New Orleans and work with a local oncologist to provide the same high level of treatment patients would receive in the city,” he said. “I have access to patients’ records, labs, biopsies and vital signs, allowing me to provide real-time input to help address the access-to-care challenge.” 

Another persistent challenge for some patients: finding a donor match when they need a stem cell transplant. Dr. Alsfeld worked with elected officials to pass a law improving education about and access to the NMDP (formerly Be the Match and National Marrow Donor Program) registry in Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles locations. 

Working together to Deliver Holistic Care 

A holistic approach helps define oncologic care at Ochsner. Multidisciplinary collaboration makes that approach possible. For example, more than 40 clinicians and ancillary providers gather every Wednesday for a stem cell transplant committee meeting. The group identifies how to solve pre- and post-transplant challenges and how to use resources, such as nutrition support and acupuncture, to improve quality of life. 

The committee meetings include transplant infectious disease physicians, a unique layer of expertise. 

“When treating immunocompromised patients who are going through transplants, we’re fortunate to have access to infectious disease physicians with additional training in transplant,” Dr. Alsfeld said. “They provide a deeper understanding of our patients’ needs.” 

As advanced treatment options increase survival for many patients with hematologic cancers, particularly those with leukemia, addressing mental health concerns takes on even more importance. Ochsner MD Anderson is well-equipped to do just that. 

“We’re one of the few centers with oncology-specific psychologists available,” Dr. Alsfeld said. “They see all of our stem cell transplant patients and are involved in caring for patients who don’t go to transplant as part of providing holistic care. We depend on these specially trained psychologists to help patients in the survivorship phase of their journey.”

Shaping the Future of Treatment 

Patients with hematologic cancer can access numerous clinical trials through Ochsner MD Anderson. One example Dr. Alsfeld is especially pleased to offer is an industry-based, Phase 2 trial of a menin inhibitor for leukemia. 

“The early-phase clinical trial data were promising, and the second I saw the door was open for the Phase 2 trial, we reached out to the company and brought the trial to Ochsner MD Anderson,” Dr. Alsfeld said. “We’ve enrolled seven patients so far, giving them access to a great treatment option sooner. Two more patients have applied for compassionate use.” 

Partnering with MD Anderson Cancer Center gives Dr. Alsfeld and his colleagues access to a deep well of expertise and insight into leading-edge research. 

“We have a weekly meeting with MD Anderson’s leukemia group and a monthly hematology working group meeting with both MD Anderson and their other partner sites,” Dr. Alsfeld said. “These monthly meetings include roundtable discussions about ongoing research and opportunities to work collaboratively on new ideas to keep moving the needle in cancer care.” 

Relishing Partnerships 

As treatments for hematologic cancers continue advancing, Dr. Alsfeld envisions an expanded role for cellular therapy. CAR T-cell therapy, for example, may one day be an option for non-hematologic cancers and non-malignant diseases. Ochsner MD Anderson will play a key role in bringing the future of cancer care to Louisiana and Mississippi. 

In the meantime, Dr. Alsfeld, a Louisiana native like many of his colleagues, looks forward to developing robust partnerships with community oncologists. 

“I want to use the resources we have to help all patients across the state,” he said. “When I joined Ochsner MD Anderson, one thing that stuck out to me was everyone’s commitment to the same mission: working with our community partners to elevate cancer care in Louisiana, especially as newer treatment options become available.”

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