#United States #San Diego #Cancer Treatment #Immunotherapy #Williams Cancer Institute

Williams Cancer Institute Unveils Groundbreaking Cancer Treatment Data at SITC 2025

Introduction

On November 10, 2025, the Williams Cancer Institute (WCI), a pioneering force in late-stage cancer treatment, presented significant findings at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Annual Meeting in San Diego. The research focused on a novel combination of pulsed electrical field ablation and intratumoral immunotherapy for patients suffering from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Study Overview

Dr. Jason Williams, the founder and director of Interventional Oncology and Immunotherapy at WCI, led the study that demonstrated the efficacy of this combination approach. The findings highlight the capability of local ablation methods to complement immunotherapy, thus stimulating a more robust immune response against cancer. This innovative strategy offers new hope for individuals facing difficult-to-treat tumors, particularly those ineligible for traditional therapeutic options such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.

The study specifically centered on a patient diagnosed with advanced HNSCC, an aggressive cancer closely associated with certain lifestyle factors and viruses like tobacco and HPV. Such tumors often present late-stage challenges and are notoriously complex to manage due to their anatomical positioning.

Treatment Protocol

The treatment regimen underwent several careful procedures that included:

• - Four cycles of pulsed electrical field ablation: This minimally invasive technique employs electrical pulses to disrupt and damage tumor cells effectively.
• - Intratumoral immunotherapy injections: These were delivered directly into the tumor, combining an immunotherapy mixture with imaging-enhancing iodinated contrast and gelfoam slurry to ensure local retention.
• - Follow-up injections: Additional doses were administered at weeks three and four, with a final series eight months post-treatment.

Results and Implications

The initial results were exceptional. The patient experienced significant tumor regression, with documented improvement in imaging studies over a 14-month period, showcasing both radiologic and immunologic tumor reduction. Remarkably, by the 22-month mark, the patient’s previously disfiguring tumor mass had completely resolved, illustrating the therapy's potential for delivering durable outcomes without any treatment-related toxicities or complications.

Dr. Williams expressed optimism regarding the future of cancer treatments, stating, “Our goal is to advance safer, less invasive, and more effective therapeutic options, whether as an alternative to standard care or a complementary approach for patients seeking innovative solutions.”

Conclusion

The data presented by Williams Cancer Institute at SITC 2025 not only underscore the institute's commitment to pushing the boundaries of cancer treatment but also highlight an essential shift toward utilizing a combination of therapies for enhanced patient outcomes. As research continues, WCI aims to further refine and implement these innovative techniques, bringing optimism to patients diagnosed with challenging cancers worldwide.

For further details on this pioneering research, visit the Williams Cancer Institute's official site to access the full study poster.

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About Williams Cancer Institute
Williams Cancer Institute is at the forefront of advancing intratumoral immunotherapy, committed to improving treatment safety and efficacy for patients with late-stage cancers. The institute, under the guidance of Dr. Jason R. Williams, prioritizes both in-patient and out-patient care for a diverse, international patient base.