Carolina BioOncology Institute

04/20/2026

Carolina BioOncology Institute was proud to attend the Sarcoma Stomp this past weekend in support of the Paula Takacs Foundation. 💛

Our team connected with the community and shared information about cancer research, clinical trials, and the importance of expanding treatment options for those facing sarcoma and other advanced cancers.

We’re grateful to everyone who stopped by and supported the mission to advance research and improve outcomes for patients.

04/07/2026

04/07/2026

Carolina BioOncology Institute is excited to restart our Patient Highlight stories! This month, we are proud to share Michelle Chromey’s cancer journey. 🌟

Michelle was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer in December 2021 at the age of 45. Over the past several years, she has undergone two major surgeries, including a “Whipple” and a liver resection, and has endured intensive chemotherapy regimens.

Despite these challenges, Michelle experienced moments of normalcy. After her liver resection, she enjoyed a brief period in summer 2023, feeling more energy than she had in years. But by October 2023, scans revealed multiple new growths throughout her peritoneum. Her cancer had returned aggressively, and she realized that she would need to remain on chemotherapy to keep it at bay.

Her oncologist, Dr. Martin Palmeri, had several treatment plans ready for her and has previously referred several patients to CBOI for many years, trusting Dr. Powderly and his team of specialists. Through his guidance, Michelle joined CBOI and describes her experience as “nothing short of exceptional.”

In February 2024, Michelle began a KRAS G12D inhibitor study, and her results have been extremely encouraging. She shares that being part of this top-notch research is both an honor and a privilege.

Michelle’s message to other patients is that self-referral is always an option, and patients can be their own best advocates. She reflects, “I am not only surviving but also thriving with stage IV pancreatic cancer. I am less fearful and believe that anything is possible. With love, prayer, medicine, care, and compassion, I am living proof that there is hope — and together we can co-create a better future.”

We want to personally thank Mrs. Chromey for sharing her story with everyone. 💙We feel so honored to be a part of her journey!

03/31/2026

March is a powerful month for cancer awareness. 💙 This month, we recognize colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, and multiple myeloma, as well as the importance of continued research, education, and early detection.

🔬 Did you know:
• Approximately 20–25% of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed at Stage IV, where treatment decisions often depend on molecular profiling and targeted approaches (i.e. KRAS) which are key targets in early-phase clinical trials
• Kidney cancer is frequently found incidentally during imaging and has become a key focus for immunotherapy combinations
• Multiple myeloma continues to drive early-phase innovation, including CAR-T and other cutting-edge cell therapies

At Carolina BioOncology Institute, we focus on advancing Phase I clinical trials for advanced cancers, helping bring new treatment possibilities to patients when they need them most. Awareness leads to action. Research leads to progress.

03/30/2026

💙 Today, we celebrate National Doctors Day and the physicians who make our mission possible.

At Carolina BioOncology Institute, we are proud to recognize John Powderly and Neel Gandhi for their dedication to advancing cancer care and research.

From pioneering immunotherapy research to leading Phase I clinical trials, their work brings hope, innovation, and compassionate care to every patient they serve.

Thank you for your commitment to improving lives and pushing oncology forward every day. 🌹

03/26/2026

If you know any undergraduates or high school students interested in the medical field, please share this with them. It is a free virtual call and everyone is welcome!

We are excited to announce that, in collaboration with empowerminds, the AWIS-NC Mentorship Program will be hosting a webinar as part of the empowerminds Spring Webinar Series. This event is specifically designed for our younger generation of future physicians. Please feel free to share this invitation with anyone who might be interested, including high school students and friends.

The webinar will be hosted by Dr. Christina Albert, Physician, Family Care and Obstetrics, adjunct faculty, Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Join Dr. Albert to learn more about the path to becoming a physician, from courses you can take in high school and pre-med requirements & research experience in college to entering medical school and the final path towards becoming a doctor.

EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Tuesday, March 31st
Time: 6:00-7:00 PM EST
Location: Online Zoom Webinar

For any questions, please contact empowermindsyouth@gmail.com
Register by scanning the QR code or at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3DQvJ82DZ8DkfVD4pAnG1_8BZUp3oSYbfKfQY-eLM5Ez4nw/viewform.

03/19/2026

Join us next week virtually or at the BioTech Center in RTP for an insightful session on advancing cell and gene therapy manufacturing. We’re excited to hear from Dr. John Powderly, our Founder and CEO, as he shares his vision for Carolina BioOncology Institute & Biocytics to bring individualized regenerative medicines to community-based clinical trial networks with point of care manufacturing at regional human application labs.

Together with industry leaders, we’ll explore how collaboration and ex*****on can accelerate life-changing treatments from discovery to patients.

💡 Free registration, secure your spot now: https://hopeisnotaworkflow.com/

03/18/2026

Happy St. Patrick’s! Luck is worth celebrating but in cancer care, innovation is what truly changes lives🍀

This St. Patrick’s Day, we recognize the power of science, from early detection tests to early-phase clinical trials.

Carolina BioOncology Institute advances immuno-oncology research through Phase I clinical trials, while Biocytics is committed to bring personalized cutting-edge cell therapies to market through development and collaboration.

Together, we’re working toward a future where better outcomes are built on precision, not just luck.

03/11/2026

🚀 Big news at BioCytics! We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Koray Atalag and Dr. Colby Ford to our Informatics Advisory Board.

Their expertise in digital health, genomics, and cloud AI will help drive innovation in autologous cell therapy and precision oncology.

Please join us in giving them a warm welcome! 💙

03/11/2026

💙 Investing in education means better care for our patients.

Our Nurse Practitioner, Caroline Mastrosante, and Physician Assistants, Carson Kirby and Sydney Noldin, recently attended the Advanced Practice Providers (APP) Oncology Summit, a national gathering of oncology providers focused on the latest evidence-based strategies and patient-centered care.

At Carolina BioOncology Institute, we bring these insights back to our patients every day, ensuring they have access to the newest advances and Phase I clinical trials.

We’re proud of our team for staying at the forefront of oncology care and research.

02/24/2026

This month we honor Gallbladder & Bile Duct cancer patients. 💚

Did you know:
• Gallbladder cancer is more common in women, partly due to higher rates of gallstones.
• Chronic inflammation increases risk.
• In parts of Southeast Asia, bile duct cancer rates are higher due to liver fluke infections.
• Chronic Salmonella infections can increase gallbladder cancer risk.

These cancers are rare and often diagnosed at advanced stages. Awareness matters, especially for rare cancers.

02/21/2026

Lately, we’ve shared many hopeful milestones at Carolina BioOncology Institute. But the reality of advanced cancer is that not every story ends the way we wish it would.

This month, we pause to acknowledge the patients who are still fighting, the families carrying the weight of uncertainty, and those we have lost.

Stage IV cancer is complex and deeply human. It demands resilience from patients, loved ones, and care teams alike. As a Phase I research site, our role is to provide access to innovative clinical trials, support difficult decisions, and continue advancing treatments so future outcomes can be different.

We honor every patient and every journey — not only the victories.