Targeted therapy stops a rare, joint-destroying tumor

OHSU cancer researcher helped lead study finding first effective drug therapy for tenosynovial giant cell tumor, or TGCT

By Joe Rojas-Burke August 20, 2019 Portland, Oregon

Downloads

Christopher Ryan, M.D.

Christopher Ryan, M.D., July 31, 2019. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Christopher Ryan, M.D.

Christopher Ryan, M.D., July 31, 2019. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Brian Matekovich

Brian Matekovich had lived for years with intense pain and inflammation from TGCT, a rare type of tumor in his knee, but found rapid relief when he took his first dose of a drug called pexidartinib. Matekovich, an avid motorcycle rider, hadn't been able to ride due to the pain and swelling in his knee, but with the help of the medication, he was once again able to ride. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Brian Matekovich

Brian Matekovich had lived for years with intense pain and inflammation from TGCT, a rare type of tumor in his knee, but found rapid relief when he took his first dose of a drug called pexidartinib. The drug is the first shown to reduce tumor size and improve symptoms for those with TGCT and has been approved by the FDA. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)