The future of oncology holds immense promise, thanks to the tireless efforts of medical researchers. From innovative oncology drugs like antibody-drug conjugates to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) for diagnostics, cancer care has never been more effective or more accessible. Today, the possibilities for the field are virtually endless. So, what does the future of oncology look like?
Mapping Out Oncology’s Exciting Future
To show just how promising the future of oncology might be, researchers cite one intervention in particular: immunotherapy, which involves the use of genetically modified cells to stimulate the immune system, thereby destroying cancer cells. Oncology is currently experiencing what some refer to as the “golden age of immunotherapy,” the result of decades of careful study into the human immune system. In looking to the future of immunotherapy, oncologists might cite interventions like the following:
- Patient-Derived Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) Drugs: CAR-T immunotherapy involves genetically modifying a patient’s own T-cells, a type of white blood cell, to better recognize and attack cancer cells. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved CAR-T cell therapies, including Kymriah, Yescarta, Tecartus, and Carvykti.
- CAR-Natural Killer (NK) Therapies: CAR-NK therapies are still undergoing clinical research, but they seem to provide excellent immunotherapeutic responses without some of the side effects linked to CAR-T.
- Antibody–Drug Conjugates (ADCs): ADCs combine the specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the cytotoxic properties of chemotherapy drugs. They are designed to deliver chemotherapy directly to cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Pharma giants are investing heavily in ADCs, which speaks to the sector’s promise.
Additional Progress in Gene Therapy
Immune therapy is generally cited under gene therapy, an umbrella term for treatments devised from genetically modified bioagents. Additional innovations in gene therapy for oncology include the following:
- Oncolytic virotherapy: This unique form of gene therapy involves viral particles that replicate within an individual cancer cell, causing cell death. Initial Phase I trials for several oncolytic virotherapy interventions have shown substantial promise, especially in treating metastatic cancers.
- Gene transfer: Gene transfer involves introducing new genes into a cancerous cell to either cause cell death or slow the cancer’s growth. Like oncolytic virotherapy, this treatment is still in clinical trials, but the number of successful outcomes thus far is extremely exciting.
Exciting Possibilities in Precision Medicine
Like immunotherapy, precision medicine is a rapidly expanding field within oncology. Precision medicine allows doctors to consider multiple factors — a patient’s genes, environment, and lifestyle, just to name a few — before selecting therapies that are best suited to each individual. Per industry research firm Markets and Markets, as of 2023, the global market for precision medicine surpassed $29 billion and is projected to exceed $50 billion within the next four years.
Are Cancer Vaccines the Future of Oncology?
Effectively preventing and treating cancer with a vaccine is a life-changing possibility, particularly for individuals with family histories of aggressive cancer types like breast cancer. Today’s oncologists are setting their sights on personalized vaccines, which could treat certain types of cancer as well as reduce the risk of cancer for individuals with a variety of risk factors. One exciting example of this new option is the investigational vaccine mRNA-4157/V940 was awarded breakthrough designation last year, allowing researchers to expedite the research and development period. The vaccine uses a synthetic mRNA that codes for up to 34 neoantigens, generating specific T-cell responses based on a patient’s unique tumor characteristics.
Advances in Oncology Diagnostics
The future of oncology goes well beyond cancer treatment. Today’s researchers are also focused on advances in detection, which could accelerate cancer detection, thereby enabling earlier treatment and potentially improving patient prognosis. One of the newest approaches uses AI technology to perform virtual biopsies, which are based on AI-read scans and eliminate the need for invasive, painful traditional biopsies.
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As researchers continue their tireless work to improve the lives of those affected by cancer, developments in oncology continue to evolve in new and exciting ways. From immunology to gene therapies, precision medicine, vaccines, and diagnostic advancements, the future of oncology looks bright indeed.
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.
