22/11/2024

Cancer care has come a long way in recent years, with significant advances in science transforming the way we treat and manage this complex disease. In this article, we will explore some of the advancements Pfizer is exploring to improve care and treatment for cancer patients.
 

In the UK, survival rates for all cancers combined have significantly improved.¹ The likelihood of surviving a decade or more after a cancer diagnosis is the highest it has ever been, rising from 24% in the early 1970s, to 49.8% in 2018.¹ Screening programmes and research have played a crucial role in saving over 5,000 lives annually and enhancing prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.¹ Cancer isn’t a single disease - there are more than 200 types and its biology is constantly changing, making it one of the most complex diseases to treat.¹

At Pfizer, we have a renewed focus to take on this disease. Thanks to a series of advances, including our recent acquisition of Seagen, a biotechnology company with enormous expertise in transformative cancer medicines, we are investigating several technologies for pioneering cancer care, and we’ve explored some of these below:
 

Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs)

ADCs are a type of therapy that targets and delivers cancer-killing medicines directly to tumours.² Unlike traditional chemotherapy, ADCs can deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to the inside of cancerous cells minimising damage to nearby healthy cells and reducing side effects.² By analysing the genetic mutations driving a patient's cancer, our scientists hope to develop therapies that specifically target these mutations, leading to more effective and personalised treatment options.
 

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is an innovative technology that uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer.³ Our researchers are at the forefront of developing immunotherapies that help the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells. Novel immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T-cell therapies, have shown success in treating different types of cancer.³
 

Combination Therapies

Cancer is a complex disease that often requires a multi-faceted approach to treatment. Combination therapies involve the simultaneous or sequential use of multiple medicines to target different aspects of cancer biology.⁴ By combining targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and other treatments, we can potentially improve the effectiveness of treatment, overcome resistance (where cancer cells survive against anti-cancer medicines), and improve patient outcomes.⁴
 

Liquid biopsies

Traditional biopsies involve invasive procedures to obtain tissue samples for cancer diagnosis and monitoring. We’re exploring the potential of liquid biopsies to offer a non-invasive approach to detect genetic changes, monitor a patient’s response to a treatment, identify potential resistance mechanisms, and screen for cancer in otherwise healthy individuals.⁵ This technology could enable more precise and timely decision-making in cancer management that is uniquely suited to individual patients.⁵
 

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI can analyse large amounts of data to identify patterns and make predictions, which can help in drug discovery and treatment optimisation. The integration of AI and big data analytics holds potential in cancer care and can be used to analyse vast amounts of anonymised patient data, including genomic information, treatment outcomes, and real-world evidence (health data that is collected in real world settings).⁶

By applying AI algorithms, researchers aim to identify patterns, predict treatment responses, and develop personalised treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes and optimising healthcare resources.⁶

Looking to the future

In the future, we hope to continue advancing these technologies and exploring new ones. The field of cancer care is rapidly evolving, and efforts to develop innovative treatments and improve patient outcomes will be crucial. Combinations of different therapies, earlier detection, and intervention are expected to play a significant role in the future of cancer treatment.⁴ Additionally, advancements in digital health technologies and data analytics are likely to contribute to more personalised and more effective cancer care.⁶

By embracing these innovations, there is the potential to deliver a new era in cancer care and treatment, where personalised and effective therapies are tailored to each patient's unique needs, leading to improved outcomes and a brighter future for cancer patients worldwide.