The Positive Pill | Advances in Cancer Research

We’re excited to bring you a new edition of The Positive Pill. Last month, we focused on Mental Health initiatives in the workplace. If you missed that edition, you can read it here. 

We decided that it was time to highlight all of the incredible things that are happening in Life Sciences, especially in a world that is notoriously dominated by sensationalised news. Whether it’s breakthrough drugs or what Life Science’s organisations are doing within the four walls of their business, The Positive Pill aims to act as your monthly dose of Life Sciences goodness, with some market insight thrown in for good measure!

Oncology is one of the biggest therapeutic areas within the world of Life Sciences. Unfortunately, cancers in all shapes and sizes are continuously developing, therefore research undoubtedly has to be more frequent and thorough. Cancer research has seen incredible advancements, even offering hope to patients with some of the rarest and most aggressive cancers in the world. This September, we’re going to highlight some of the most significant breakthroughs in Cancer Research, from innovative treatments to early detection methodologies and devices.

Immunotherapy Innovations

Immunotherapy continues to be a promising field in cancer treatment. Recent developments in CAR-T cell therapy and checkpoint inhibitors have shown significant success in treating various cancers, including lymphoma and melanoma. These therapies harness the power of the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells, offering patients new avenues for recovery.

“Immunotherapy, however, is expensive. So, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are still the primary cancer treatments for most patients. But these conventional methods can damage healthy tissues as well as abnormal cells. They also tend to have debilitating side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, tiredness and hair loss.

Immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to combat diseases with precision and minimal harm by blocking molecules – called checkpoint inhibitors – like PD-L1 or CTLA-4 that cancer cells use to turn off the immune systems.” – The Conversation

Targeted Therapy Advances

Targeted therapies that focus on specific genetic mutations within cancer cells are becoming more precise. Drugs like PARP inhibitors for ovarian cancer and EGFR inhibitors for lung cancer are leading the way in personalised cancer treatment. By targeting the unique genetic makeup of each cancer, these therapies offer more effective and tailored treatment options.

Liquid Biopsies

Liquid biopsies are non-invasive tests that detect cancer-related genetic material in the blood. First conceptualised in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the idea was initially driven by the potential to detect cancer-related genetic alterations in bodily fluids like blood, rather than through traditional tissue biopsies. 

These tests are revolutionising early cancer detection and monitoring, allowing for quicker and less invasive diagnosis. Liquid biopsies provide critical insights into the genetic profile of a patient’s cancer, enabling more accurate and timely treatment decisions.

AI in Cancer Research

Artificial Intelligence is playing a crucial role in cancer research, from predicting cancer progression to identifying new drug candidates. AI algorithms can analyse vast amounts of data, uncovering patterns and insights that accelerate research and development. This technology is helping researchers to identify potential treatments faster and with greater precision, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

In the news

AI fights cancer

“In India, World Economic Forum partners are using emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to transform cancer care. For example, AI-based risk profiling can help screen for common cancers like breast cancer, leading to early diagnosis. AI technology can also be used to analyze X-rays to identify cancers in places where imaging experts might not be available. These are two of 18 cancer interventions that The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution India, a collaboration with the Forum, hopes to accelerate.”

Vaccine Development

Cancer vaccines, designed to prevent cancer or treat existing cancer, are making significant strides. Vaccines for HPV-related cancers have been particularly successful, reducing the incidence of cervical and other cancers. 

Ongoing research is exploring new vaccine candidates that could protect against a broader range of cancers, bringing us closer to a future where cancer prevention is a reality. Currently, there are two key types of vaccines available: Preventative (such as the aforementioned HPV) and Therapeutic, which are commonly seen in treating advanced cases of melanoma and prostate cancer.

Personalised cancer vaccines

Thousands of NHS cancer patients in England could soon access trials of a new vaccine treatment. It’s designed to prime the immune system to target cancer cells and reduce recurrence risk. These vaccines are also hoped to produce fewer side effects than conventional chemotherapy. Thirty hospitals have joined the Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad, which matches patients with upcoming trials using the same mRNA technology found in current COVID-19 jabs. Over 200 patients from the UK, Germany, Belgium, Spain and Sweden will receive up to 15 doses of the personalized vaccine, with the study expected to complete by 2027.

Conclusion

Advances in cancer research are bringing us closer to a future where cancer is more manageable and treatable. These breakthroughs offer new hope and possibilities for patients, healthcare providers, and researchers worldwide. As we continue to push the boundaries of science, the fight against cancer becomes increasingly hopeful and promising.