MM Dr.s in Oregon?

We are on the Oregon coast and have been to the Providence Portland melanoma clinic.   Our local doctor consulted with with Dr. Curti while my husband was stage IIIc and now that he’s stage IV we’re seeing if he can get on the BRAF trial (Roche trial).  Other than that I can’t give you a stronger opinion on the place and/ or treatments offered.  My husband just moved to stage IV in early July and we’ve been wating this long for processing of the tissues/ paperwork for genetic testing (feeling very frustrated and impatient).  If he is not eligible for the BRAF here, they suggested IL2 or the Ippi trial. Dr. Walter Urba is the cancer center’s director and they do a lot of work in immunotherapy. Another cancer center here is OHSU.  If my husband were willing to travel a bit, I’d take him to Seattle Cancer Care – another excellent center 6 hours north and I’ve heard a lot of great things about (also known as fred hutchenson).  They have BRAF there and Ippi and are doing work on adotive T cell therapy.

How is the BRAF working for your husband?

Hope all is well, JenC

I will second the other post regarding Portland Providence and OHSU. I was initially diagnosed stage III in 2004, progressed to stage IV in 2006, and had various surgeries at OHSU with J. Vetto. LOVE him! I was initially under the oncology care of J. Smith at Portland Providence for all other treatments, but switched over to B. Curdi about 3 years ago. Smith was fine, but we had a difference of opinion in treatment at one point, so I looked at other options and ended up with Curdi. Also LOVE him! I have been NED for over 2.5 years, and believe it was his willingness to listen to my opinion that has kept me cancer free. I have gone through various treatments at Portland Providence including, Interferon, radiation, and IL-2. I have been impressed with the facilities, staff, and level of information on current treatments and research. I have also been to Fred Hutchinson for a consult and second opinion. I didn't feel they could offer much more than my Portland facilities, unless there was a specific trial that was being conducted up there, that was not available down in Portland. FYI, it can be frustrating to get appts. with Curdi. He does tend to book a few months out, but does try to fit people in when it is urgent (this may include new patients, I am not sure). Vetto can also be the same way (notorious for running VERY late for clinic appts., but that is usually because he gets caught in surgery, or is squeezing someone else in for an urgent issue). While scheduling can be challenging, I look at it as they must be good if they are always booked! Best of luck with wherever you decide to move, and best of luck to your husband.

I would also recommend Providence in Portland.  Dr. John Smith has treated me for the past 5 1/2 years.  A friend of mine who live in my home city of Salem, OR was also referred to Providence for specialized treatment.  He had IL2 treatments under supervision of Dr. Curti.  He is currently in a trial with the new "ipi" treatment.

Seattle and San Francisco also have treatment centers, but they require more travel time for treatments.