Cancer treatments, a Tour d’Horizon 2023 ...and the increasing role of AI

Cancer prevalence, costs

The lifetime risk of developing cancer is approximately 40% and the risk of dying from cancer is around 20% (based on the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database in the US). Financially, cancer care poses a significant burden, e.g. in the US alone the estimated national cost was exceeding USD 210 billion in 2020, or about USD 630’000 per capita. This encompasses medical services and drugs related to cancer care. The trend is increasing with the aging and the growth of the population. These costs, however, are not uniform. They vary by cancer type, treatment patterns, and phases of care, with the highest expenditures typically seen in the last year of life and the initial phase after diagnosis.

…and the investments

On a global scale, the pharmaceutical industry's investment in cancer research is around USD 200 billion per year, showcasing the dedication to conquering one of the leading causes of death worldwide. This commitment is mirrored in the progress marked by significant drug approvals. In 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval to 40 oncology drugs, including 12 novel, first-in-human molecules. A highlight of the year was a groundbreaking immunotherapy clinical trial for locally advanced rectal cancer, which resulted in a complete clinical response in patients with a specific DNA repair defect, eliminating the need for conventional chemoradiotherapy or surgery.

Which highlights are we witnessing

Recent research highlights in cancer include novel discoveries and methodologies, for example:

• Studies have shown that synaptic activity can promote melanoma formation, and epigenetic lesions have been identified as drivers of gliomagenesis
• Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of METTL3 inhibition in enhancing anti-tumor immunity and the potential role of AT1 cells in lung adenocarcinoma. These findings are crucial in understanding cancer's mechanisms and developing targeted treatments
• The AACR Cancer Progress Report 2023 emphasizes the significant strides made in cancer care, particularly in immunotherapy, including gene therapy-based immunotherapeutics for bladder cancer and antibody drug conjugates for ovarian cancer
• Advances in prevention, early detection, and treatment have contributed to a 33% reduction in the overall cancer death rate in the U.S. between 1991 and 2020

?…and the role of AI

Looking forward, the outlook for cancer research in the next few years is optimistic. The ongoing advancements in AI and machine learning are expected to play a significant role by offering advanced tools for diagnosis, treatment planning, drug discovery, and personalized medicine. A brief summary:

• Early Detection and Diagnosis: AI algorithms, particularly deep learning, are used to analyze medical images like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to detect cancer at early stages. These algorithms can identify subtle patterns and anomalies that may be missed by human eyes, improving accuracy and early diagnosis rates
• Treatment Personalization: AI helps in tailoring cancer treatments to individual patients. By analyzing large datasets including genetic information, clinical history, and treatment responses, AI can predict how different patients will respond to various treatments, enabling more personalized and effective care plans
• Drug Discovery and Development: AI accelerates the process of drug discovery by predicting how different molecules will behave and how likely they are to make an effective treatment. Machine learning models can analyze vast chemical libraries to identify potential drug candidates, reducing the time and cost of drug development
• Predictive Analytics: AI systems are used to predict cancer progression and outcomes. By analyzing patient data and previous cases, AI can help clinicians anticipate disease progression, informing more proactive and targeted treatment strategies.
• Genomic Analysis: AI aids in understanding the genetic factors of cancer. It can rapidly analyze genomic sequences to identify mutations and genetic markers associated with different types of cancer, offering insights into more targeted therapies.

Overall, AI enhances the efficiency, accuracy, and personalization of cancer research and treatment, promising improved outcomes and a paradigm shift in oncology care.

Moreover, the increasing focus on precision medicine and personalized treatments is likely to yield more effective and less invasive cancer therapies. The integration of new technologies and approaches, coupled with a deeper understanding of cancer biology, holds great promise for further reducing cancer mortality and improving patient outcomes.

We...

at Advanced Clinical are honored and proud to contribute with our whole organization to this stream of scientific innovation and development, on the mission to moving us closer to a future where cancer may no longer be a dominant health concern.