New immunotherapies are explored to improve the treatment of solid tumours
From cell-based therapies to soluble T-cell engagers and T-cell co-stimulation, early findings show novel promising strategies, although more data are needed
Some practice-changing results in breast cancer are perceived differently in low-resourced countries
Cost, limited drug availability and lack of diagnostic testing facilities are hurdles to adopting practice-changing recommendations in some Asian countries
Healthcare budgets are still a main hurdle to global use of molecular testing for precision oncology
Inequities in access to targeted cancer treatments are due to the high costs of tests, limited number of approved medicines or clinical trials and poor communication with patients, as two new surveys report
Trials in precision oncology: current snapshot and future innovations
Increased use of molecular profiling is progressively improving decision-making processes in oncology compared with 20 years ago and helping to shape tomorrow’s clinical trials in targeted therapies
Cancer Research
Multidisciplinary Tumour Boards in harmony: mission possible?
As we all return back to practice after the busy and buzzing ESMO Congress 2021, myriad clinical questions have been addressed and debated, with many even solved. But, there is still much work to be done if we are to collectively deliver on the promise of precision medicine in oncology, and in so doing, continue to improve outcomes for our patients.
Liquid biopsy: novel approaches for early detection of cancer
Multi-omics approaches incorporating cell-free DNA and circulating tumour DNA show potential in early cancer detection and could help personalise treatment by tumour characteristics
Novel liquid biomarkers show promise in predicting clinical outcomes with immunotherapy
Although encouraging results are presented, standardisation of methodology and large-scale clinical trials are needed before potential candidates can be used in routine clinical practice
Precision oncology is the goal today, not a simple slogan
Prof. Lisa Licitra: “Truly pursuing precision medicine means pushing the boundaries of patient selection using molecular biology and artificial intelligence on all big data, not just molecular information”
The right to be forgotten reduces financial toxicity in cancer survivors
Reduced access to insurance, bank loans and mortgages makes financial constraints continue long after cancer has been treated
Cancer Research
Good night for good? Preventing sleeping cancer cells from awakening
Metastases are the main cause of cancer-related deaths. Preventing hibernating cancer cells from awakening therefore represents an urgent, unmet medical need.