Southwest Virginia Becomes Cancer Treatment Destination

Patients with brain and prostate cancer in Southwest Virginia no longer have to travel hundreds of miles for cutting-edge treatment.

Carilion Clinic and Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute are expanding access to theranostics, a form of precision medicine that uses radioactive isotopes to both detect and destroy cancer cells. The approach has proven so effective that it's become one of the fastest-growing fields in modern cancer care.

For Dr. Bill Kiser, who has worked in molecular imaging for 27 years, the transformation has been stunning. His department went from performing three scans daily to nearly 30, requiring a second scanner and additional staff shifts.

The numbers tell the story of genuine progress. Carilion now runs approximately 150 clinical trials across more than 20 specialties, with new studies launching soon for glioblastoma, kidney cancer, and cancer-related pain.

These aren't experimental longshots. Earlier trials at Carilion led directly to FDA approval of two therapies now used nationwide: Pluvicto for prostate cancer and Lutathera for certain tumor types. Patients from across the country have traveled to Roanoke to participate.

Dr. Cheng-Chia Wu, an assistant professor involved in the research, emphasizes what this means for rural communities. "This type of research and these types of opportunities are really not available for everyone," he said. "For patients who have devastating cancers where radiation medicines can help, it creates new hope and new possibilities."

The expansion isn't happening in isolation. Researchers from around the world recently gathered in Roanoke for the Appalachian Radiotheranostics Coalition workshop to share findings on astatine, a promising isotope for treating brain and prostate cancers.

The Ripple Effect

The impact extends beyond individual patients. James Crowley, Carilion's imaging services manager, received a $100,000 grant specifically to expand theranostics beyond major academic centers into rural areas. That mission is already succeeding.

David Buck, president of Blue Ridge Cancer Care, notes the partnership has positioned the region ahead of larger cities. "We're excited to continue to offer these novel, cutting-edge therapies to patients here in their communities," he said.

The health system is preparing for continued growth. When the Carilion Taubman Cancer Center opens in 2028, it will include a third scanner to meet rising demand. A regional biotech incubator is already contributing to continued industry growth across Southwest Virginia.

For a rural region historically limited in healthcare access, becoming a destination for breakthrough cancer treatment represents a remarkable shift in what's possible.