Innovative TIL Therapy Expands Treatment Options for Advanced Skin Cancer Patients in the Lehigh Valley

Personalized immunotherapy has become a promising avenue for cancer treatment and a focus of research and development at Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute, part of Jefferson Health. 

CAR-T therapy for blood cancers was introduced to the Lehigh Valley region in 2025. Also, under the Stem Cell Therapy and Cellular Therapy Program − made possible by the generosity of Tom and Karin Hall and Joe and Maureen Topper − another treatment called tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy is now being offered for patients with advanced melanoma.

The new therapy features lymphocytes, or white blood cells. These are the warriors of the immune system that fight off infections and eliminate diseased cells in the body. Made up of T cells and B cells, lymphocytes are always on patrol, identifying cells − like cancer − that shouldn’t be there. When the cells recognize something abnormal, they penetrate it. They then become tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, or TILs. 

Once in the tumor, the TILs begin killing the cancer. However, they sometimes run into roadblocks and need help to strengthen their immune response. 

“We use the TILs themselves, with some improvements, as a form of cell therapy,” says hematologist oncologist Suresh Nair, MD, Physician in Chief with the Cancer Institute, who spearheaded the TIL initiative. “The cells have already recognized something isn’t right and have infiltrated the tumor. But it’s not enough. The whole idea is to give these cells a boost.” 

Unlike CAR-T therapy, where clinicians harvest T cells from the body, TIL therapy begins with surgically removing a piece of the patient’s cancerous tumor. TIL therapy has exciting potential and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for advanced melanoma.

“Almost any metastatic tumor in the body can be selected for TIL harvesting, but preference is given to tumors that have spread to the lymph nodes or the skin,” says surgical oncologist Aaron Blackham, MD, with the Cancer Institute. “Most of the time these tumors can be removed in outpatient surgery with low risk for negative health effects, and they tend to provide the highest yield of TILs.”

Clinicians send the tumor tissue to a lab where technicians multiply the cancer-fighting cells. In the interim, the cancer team gives the patient chemotherapy to prepare their body for the cells’ return. When the TIL cells are ready, they are infused back to the patient.

“The cells are returned in a much higher number, and we give the patient a growth factor as well,” says hematologist oncologist Mohammad Kazemi, MD, with the Cancer Institute. “This way, the TILs can do a better job of fighting the cancer.” 

In clinical trials, TIL therapy has been successful in treating patients who have exhausted the standard paths of care. This gives the team hope that this new therapy will provide long-lasting remissions.

“There was a time when melanoma patients had no good treatment options,” Dr. Kazemi says. “Immunotherapy has been a breakthrough. A lot of patients go into remission and are even cured. While these treatments don’t work for everyone, we’ve made progress.” 

Jefferson Health first introduced TIL therapy in 2024. Drs. Nair, Kazemi and Blackham are pleased to make this groundbreaking treatment available in the Lehigh Valley. 

“Being able to provide access to TIL therapy for advanced melanoma locally at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest through our Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program is very convenient for our patients and families, and it’s possibly lifesaving,” Dr. Nair says.