Amalya Sargsyan: Proud to see IMMONC spotlighted in ASCO’s latest policy statement on global equity in clinical trials

Amalya Sargsyan, Medical Oncologist at Yeolyan Hematology and Oncology Center, posted on LinkedIn:

“Extremely proud to see our Immune Oncology Research Institute (IMMONC) spotlighted in American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)’s latest policy statement on global equity in clinical trials.

IMMONC’s path to lead clinical cancer research in the region, from building research infrastructure to initiating clinical trials with novel agents, has been both challenging and rewarding.

Facing the unknown in a field where Armenia had no oncology trials or prior experience, we had a mix of fear, excitement, and motivation.

Dr Gevorg Tamamyan leader and CEO of IMMONC, was the one to believe that we could not only undertake this challenge but excel in what we do. ‘Who if not us, will take these first steps?’

There were 0 trials in Oncology in Armenia, 0 experience of Phase II trial in the country, and 0 possibilities for patients to be enrolled and get novel drugs.

1.5 years in, and here’s our progress:
Launched a trial on an investigational immunotherapy drug for relapsed/refractory lymphomas, approved in rapid just 36 days, and with very promising results for the patients who had no other chance of cure, but now getting a response.

Secured approval for another trial with investigational immunotherapy combination drugs for NSCLC, set to begin recruitment soon, and another is nearly approved, pending some logistical setup.

Completed successful recruitment of 50% of its target in the supportive care trial.
Created 2 leading expert registries on rare diseases with more than 20 international collaborations, becoming the leading platforms in the field worldwide.

BPDCN International Registry
Rare Embryonal Tumors of the CNS International Registry established 4 multidisciplinary working groups with international experts in the lung, breast, gastrointestinal (GI), and leukaemia fields. Several Successfully Organized Global Conferences. Publications, presentations, training and more are yet to come.

With team efforts, enthusiasm and commitment, we hope to see Armenia on the global map of cancer research.
Super excited to be part of these changing times and for this incredible team. Shaping our future together.”

Source: Amalya Sargsyan/LinkedIn