What You Need To Know
Imagine a treatment that could offer hope where there was little before. That's exactly what Dr. Gregory Tiesi, medical director of Hepatobiliary Surgery at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, has brought to our patients battling advanced pancreatic cancer. He and his team are pioneering the use of Trans-Arterial Micro-Perfusion (TAMP), a groundbreaking therapy that delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor, minimizing debilitating side effects and allowing patients to maintain a higher quality of life.
This innovative approach was championed by Dr. Tiesi, who saw the potential of TAMP to transform cancer care at JSUMC. He spearheaded its implementation, collaborating closely with Surgical Oncologist Dr. Anthony Scholer and Interventional Radiologist Dr. Rajiv Biswal. "This truly was a team effort," says Dr. Tiesi. "By combining our expertise, we were able to create a streamlined, patient-focused process that benefits everyone involved." This collaboration has positioned JSUMC as the first in New Jersey to offer this advanced treatment option. This not only benefits our patients but also elevates JSUMC's reputation as a center for cutting-edge cancer care.
TAMP's targeted approach focuses on delivering chemotherapy directly to the tumor site, minimizing the harsh systemic side effects often associated with traditional intravenous chemotherapy. This means patients can continue their fight against cancer with a greater sense of normalcy and wellbeing. "Seeing the renewed sense of hope in patients who had exhausted all other options has been profoundly rewarding," reflects Dr. Tiesi. "It's what drives me to keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible."
Among the first to benefit from this innovative therapy at JSUMC is a 51-year-old New Jersey resident whose cancer journey took a turn for the better. After enduring multiple rounds of conventional chemotherapy and radiation, the patient received a grim prognosis. "My previous oncologist informed my family and me that my prospects for a successful surgical resection were not good," he said. "And if I didn’t want surgery, I didn’t have any further treatment options." Facing limited choices and high toxicity levels from prior treatments, he was relieved to learn about TAMP at JSUMC. "I’m thrilled I’m now able to receive this advanced therapy and continue my treatment with Dr. Tiesi at Jersey Shore, close to home.” The convenience of the same-day outpatient procedure allows him to receive treatment every two weeks while staying close to his support network.
Dr. Tiesi's vision extends beyond pancreatic cancer. He envisions JSUMC as a leading cancer center, exploring the potential of TAMP for other cancers affecting the liver and other solid organs. "We have made incredible strides, but cancer finds ways to resist. Every innovation that improves the quality of life, every new tool we can offer, is a victory,” he says.