Alexander Chi, MD Involved in Groundbreaking Lung Cancer Treatment Studies

CHARLESTON, W.Va., March 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- West Virginia University thoracic radiation oncologist Alexander Chi, MD is currently the principal investigator on a potentially groundbreaking research study; a phase II clinical trial that is looking at the role of stereo-tactic ablative radiotherapy, or SABR, in the treatment of bulkier non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As a professional with special expertise in stereo-tactic ablative radiotherapy, what is more commonly known as stereo-tactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for the treatment of thoracic malignancies, Dr. Chi is excited about the potential outcome of the study, which, he believes, could one day lead to an all new way of providing definitive treatment to NSCLC patients in the near future.

Alexander Chi, MD, known as a very academically minded physician and translational researcher, is the principal investigator on two current research trials. The first is a phase II clinical trial involving the study of SABR's role in the treatment of large, early stage non-small cell lung cancer, involving, according to Chi, the delivery of a higher than conventionally accepted Biologically Effective Dose, or BED. The second is a phase I clinical trial that is investigating the potential role of a stereo-tactic boost, delivered before or after concurrent chemo-radiation, in the treatment of locally advanced NSCLC.

Both trials, according to Alexander Chi, MD, are very important in the attempt to validate the use of advanced technology: intensity modulated, image-guided photon therapy for dose escalation as part of the treatment of local-regionally confined NSCLC. In addition to this, he says, predictive biomarkers in human tumor tissue and peripheral blood are sought to identify individuals who may truly benefit from dose escalation, as well as individuals who may be in need of further systemic therapy to individualize complex treatment strategies based on each individual's unique genetic profile.

Both clinical trials are currently underway, and, according to Alexander Chi, MD, could have potentially groundbreaking consequences in the near future. Dr. Chi is optimistic that these studies will provide a new and effective way to treat patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

About Alexander Chi, MD

Alexander Chi, MD is enthusiastically pursuing more effective treatments for patients suffering with NSCLC.

SOURCE Alexander Chi, MD