Death rates for cancer are lower than ever, having declined as much as 33 percent since 1991. This is largely thanks to innovations in oncology drug development, which has seen unprecedented progress in recent years. From advancements in chemotherapy to the development of highly targeted drugs involving monoclonal antibodies, the current state of affairs in the oncology drug development space is promising — for doctors, patients, and caregivers alike.
Current Innovations in Oncology Drug Development
Biomarker testing is the first step for many individuals diagnosed with cancer. After a diagnosis, many oncologists will examine biological factors including a patient’s genes and proteins — otherwise known as biomarkers — to gather insights into the patient’s unique type of cancer. After identifying the individual’s unique cancer biomarkers, doctors can more confidently gauge the effectiveness of particular cancer therapies. For example, oncologists might use biomarkers to determine whether a patient is a candidate for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or both. Ultimately, biomarker testing is a crucial first step to help doctors pinpoint appropriate oncology drugs for each individual.
Chemotherapy
When considering oncology drug development, chemotherapy is often the first treatment that comes to mind. This cancer treatment method involves drugs specifically designed to eliminate cancer cells across various cancer types. For some individuals, chemotherapy may be the sole treatment needed; for others, chemotherapy is used in tandem with other cancer therapies. As mentioned above, biomarker testing is one way to gauge whether a patient is a candidate for certain types of specialized oncology interventions. Chemotherapy administration methods vary and may include intravenous infusion or oral ingestion via pills or capsules.
Hormone Therapy in Oncology
Hormone therapy involves the use of drugs that impede the growth of hormone-dependent cancers — for example, certain types of hormone-responsive prostate and breast cancers. Hormone therapy encompasses two main categories: agents that inhibit the body’s hormone production and those that disrupt hormone function in the body. Like chemotherapy, hormone therapy is frequently combined with other cancer treatments. To determine a patient’s ideal treatment modalities, oncologists will generally evaluate the extent of tumor spread, the cancer’s unique hormone dependency, and any concurrent health conditions that may be impacted by hormonal disruption.
Immunotherapy Drug Development
The immune system plays a critical role in identifying and eliminating abnormal cells in the body. As the name suggests, immunotherapy enhances the immune system’s capacity to combat cancer effectively using the natural immune response. To identify candidates for oncology immunotherapy, doctors generally look for biomarkers called tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Patients with TILs in their tumors typically exhibit more favorable outcomes compared to those without.
Drugs for Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapies are drugs that feature proteins designed to attach to specific targets found on cancer cells. Most targeted therapies involve either small-molecule drugs or monoclonal antibodies. Small-molecule drugs are small enough to enter cells easily, so they are used for targets that are inside cells; however, monoclonal antibodies serve a different purpose, either marking cancer cells so that they will be better seen and destroyed by the immune system or causing cancer cells to self-destruct. Some monoclonal antibodies are also designed to carry toxins to cancer cells.
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Ultimately, the state of oncology drug development is incredibly exciting — and the examples listed above are just the tip of the iceberg. Of course, despite these advancements, challenges remain, including drug resistance, treatment-related toxicities, and access to innovative therapies for all patients. However, ongoing research efforts within the scientific and medical communities offer hope for continued progress in oncology drug development.
QPS is a GLP/GCP-compliant CRO delivering the highest grade of discovery, preclinical, and clinical drug development services. Since 1995, it has rapidly expanded from a bioanalysis shop to a full-service CRO with 1,100+ employees in the US, Europe, India, and Asia. Today, QPS offers expanded pharmaceutical contract R&D services with special expertise in neuropharmacology, DMPK, toxicology, bioanalysis, translational medicine, and all phases of clinical development. QPS has CLIA-certified and GLP-compliant laboratories ready to fast-track gene therapy, RT-qPCR/QPCR, serological assays, and vaccine development programs. An award-winning leader focused on bioanalysis and clinical trials, QPS is known for proven quality standards, technical expertise, a flexible approach to research, client satisfaction, and turnkey laboratories and facilities. For more information, visit www.qps.com or email info@qps.com.
