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The UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center treats 65% of New Mexico's cancer patients and recently launched a CAR-T therapy program.

"I specialize in hematology, hematological cancers, and as well as stem cell and CAR-T therapy," said Dr. Shashank Cingam of the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr. Cingam and his team treated their first patient in the center's CAR-T program this year.

In this treatment, white blood cells are taken from cancer patients, re-engineered, and injected back into the same patient.

"What these CAR-T cells now do is go and recognize these cancer cells based on the receptor they now have and then start killing these cancer cells," said Dr. Cingam.

Patients are monitored for at least a month after treatment.

Previously, New Mexicans had to travel long distances for such treatments.

"Patients had to travel out of state with a caregiver, sometimes for months, to stay in a different state to receive those treatments," said Maria Limanovich of the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Limanovich helps lead the Nurse Navigator program.

"Nurse Navigator helps them to navigate through this lengthy, very scary time from the referral until discharge," said Limanovich.

Having CAR-T therapy as an option at the cancer center now gives patients the resources they deserve in New Mexico.

However, Dr. Cingam and the cancer center's staff want more for their patients.

"A lot of patients don't have family members that can take care of them," said Dr. Cingam.

"Our BMT cell therapy team works with a social worker. Works with a cancer psychologist. We work with a whole team to kind of try to get patients as much support as they need," he added.

The Lobo Cancer Challenge raises money for patient care and more cutting-edge treatments.

Participants can register at lobocancerchallenge.org to run, walk, bike ride, or stair climb. There is even a fun run for kids.

KOAT is once again a proud sponsor.