TOPEKA, Kan. (Feb. 3, 2026) — The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus announces a major advancement in cancer care, successfully establishing full clinical capability to delivery bispecific antibody therapies (“BiTE” therapies) for eligible patients in Topeka and the surrounding region.
Known as bispecific T-cell engager, or “BiTE,” therapies, these advanced immunotherapies help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Until recently, such treatments were available primarily at large academic medical centers. The health system’s St. Francis Campus is now able to safely administer these highly specialized therapies locally, giving patients access to cutting-edge cancer care close to home.
Bispecific antibody therapies represent one of the most significant innovations in modern oncology, offering new options for patients with complex, hard-to-treat, or relapsed cancers. Providing this level of care in Topeka reduces the need for long-distance travel while allowing patients to remain within the health system they know and trust. The program also meets the rigorous safety, monitoring and coordination standards required to deliver these therapies.
“Bringing bispecific antibody therapies to St. Francis Campus is a meaningful step forward for our patients and for cancer care in this region,” said Manidhar Lekkala, MD, hematologist/oncologist and clinical lead for the program. “These treatments require careful coordination, specialized monitoring and a highly trained team. Our patients deserve access to the same advanced options available at major academic centers, and now they have them right here in Topeka.”
Over the past 15 months St. Francis has administered four different BiTE specifics for a total of 70 treatments. This milestone reflects both the growing need for advanced immunotherapy options and the strength of the multidisciplinary infrastructure built to support them—from clinical protocols and inpatient monitoring pathways to pharmacy expertise and specialized nursing care.
This achievement is the result of exceptional teamwork and clinical leadership. We recognize Dr. Lekkala for spearheading the program’s development, along with the vital contributions of our oncology team, including Dr. Osama Diab and Dr. Adrian Cariaconi. Our cancer center nursing staff and pharmacy colleagues have been instrumental in ensuring these complex therapies are delivered safely, effectively, and with the highest level of patient‑centered care.
The expansion of bispecific antibody therapy at St. Francis Campus underscores our commitment to bringing leading‑edge cancer treatment to the communities we serve—and to ensuring that patients in Topeka have access to the same advanced options available in major metropolitan centers.
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About The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus
The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus in Topeka is proud to be a part of a long legacy of high-quality, compassionate care. St. Francis Hospital began serving its community in 1909 as the mission of a group of Catholic nuns who rose to meet a need. Today, St. Francis Campus is jointly owned by The University of Kansas Health System and Ardent Health. It has 378 licensed inpatient beds, 21 primary and specialty care clinic locations—including a cancer center location in partnership with The University of Kansas Cancer Center, and a history of technological advancements and dedicated staff. To learn more about The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus, visit KUTopeka.com.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Terri Benson – Marketing Strategist/Media Relations
The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus
785-491-8363 | Terri.Benson@KUTopeka.com