Low Country Cancer Care physician presented findings on desmoplastic melanoma.

SAVANNAH, Ga., June 19, 2023 – Local medical oncologist of Low Country Cancer Care (LCCC), a partner practice of American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), Dr. George Negrea co-authored a research paper that was selected and presented at the 2023 American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, which was held on April 14 through the 19.

The paper titled “High Response Rate with Single Agent Anti-PD-1 in Patients with Metastatic Desmoplastic Melanoma” was a collaboration between 25 physicians. The research explored the response rate of patients with desmoplastic melanoma who were being treated with the drug pembrolizumab, an immune inhibitor designed to keep cancer cells from suppressing the immune system. The findings reported that patients respond well to the single-agent PD-1 blockade with this specific drug.

To view the research and findings, visit abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/10828/presentation/10250.

“With an overall incidence rate of two cases per one million individuals, desmoplastic melanoma accounts for less than 4% of all primary cutaneous melanomas,” said Negrea. “Its clinical behavior differs from other subtypes of melanoma in that it is frequently amelanotic and usually found in highly sun exposed areas. Pathologic characteristics include high tumor burden and absence of BRAF and NRAS hotspot mutations. The SWOG S 1512, which I co-authored, demonstrated that patients with metastatic desmoplastic melanomas are exceptional responders to single agent anti-PD–1 therapy. The study showed an 89% partial and complete response to single agent immune checkpoint inhibitor. Based on this data, the pathologic subtype of desmoplastic melanoma can be used as a predictive biomarker for response to single agent pembrolizumab.”

“Participating in research studies is crucial in advancing cancer care and providing excellent patient care that every individual deserve,” said Katie Goodman, AON’s vice president of clinical research. “I encourage AON’s physicians to take part in the investigation of cancer treatments, thereby making AON a top institution and contributor in cancer research.”

LCCC is a partner practice of AON, one of the fastest-growing networks of community oncology practices that work to deliver local access to quality and affordable cancer care. The practice joined the network in late 2020. As a partner, LCCC has access to multiple resources, support and services, such as an in-house specialty pharmacy and financial aid assistance for patients, so that physicians can focus on patient care.

For more information about AON, visit aoncology.com/. For more information about LLC, visit lcccsav.com/.

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About American Oncology Network, LLC
The American Oncology Network, LLC (AON), an Inc. 5000-recognized company, is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly expanding AON network represents 106 physicians and 86 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 18 states . The executive management team of AON encompasses more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most — providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician-led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences are at the very pinnacle of cancer care today. Learn more at aoncology.com.

About Low Country Cancer Care
The physicians of Low Country Cancer Care are specialists in the treatment and prevention of cancer and blood disorders. Low Country Cancer Care is devoted to the care of our patients as well as the prevention and eradication of these types of diseases. Low Country Cancer Care is constantly striving to provide advanced treatment and world-class medicine in a warm, compassionate, and personalized environment. The experienced and highly trained team is dedicated to providing the highest-quality diagnosis, treatment, care and trust for their patients. Their goal is to provide unsurpassed care with a human touch. Learn more at lcccsav.com/.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt, Vice President of  Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com