VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - SGMC Health’s Pearlman Cancer Center now offers a new treatment for a rare cancer that could save lives and keep South Georgians close to home while managing their care.

The new chemotherapy option is called Jelmyto, approved by FDA to treat renal pelvis cancer.

Renal pelvis cancer is a rare type of kidney cancer.

Jelmyto treats adults with low-grade upper tract urothelial cancer. That cancer grows in the lining of the upper urinary tract, areas that include the renal pelvis where the kidney collects urine.

SGMC said what makes Jelmyto different is the ability of the chemotherapy to target the area where the cancer is growing, while allowing the kidney to functioning.

In some cases, doctors prescribe Jelmyto for patients who are not good candidates for surgery.

“This treatment allows us to care for patients who previously had very limited options,” said Nicole Centers, Administrative Director of the Pearlman Cancer Center. “Bringing Jelmyto to our community was a true team effort, and it allows our patients to receive specialized care locally while avoiding more invasive treatment whenever possible.”

You can learn more about the treatment click here.

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