A Round-Up of 2023 Advancements in Cancer Research

The year 2023 has been pivotal for cancer research, with groundbreaking advancements promising a new era of cancer care and treatment options for patients, including those suffering from one or more of the 70+ different 9/11 cancers. From the approval of innovative therapies by the Food and Drug Administration to significant strides in clinical trials, these developments are changing the landscape of oncology. Here's a look at some of the year's most promising advancements.

CAR-T Cell Therapy

Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T cell therapy (CAR-T) remains one of the most innovative advancements in cancer treatment. First authorized in 2017 for specific lymphomas, leukemias, and multiple myeloma, the essence of CAR-T therapy lies in harnessing and enhancing the body's own immune system to combat cancer. This approach is achieved by altering immune cells to recognize and aggressively target cancer cells. The latest advancements have shown increased efficacy in treating not just small-cell lung cancer but a broader range of hematological malignancies, improving overall cancer survival rates with reduced side effects. 

Remarkably, CAR-T cell therapy has led to remission in about 70% to 80% of lymphoma patients, substantially reducing or even eliminating cancer symptoms. Ongoing research continues to expand the scope of CAR-T cell therapy. 

Integrating AI Technology into Oncology

Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms can now analyze complex medical data faster than ever before, improving diagnostic accuracy, predicting patient outcomes, and personalizing treatment plans. AI is being used in radiology to detect cancers earlier and in pathology to provide more accurate diagnoses.

At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), researchers have developed an AI deep learning model named 'Sybil,’ which is capable of predicting the risk of lung cancer up to six years in advance with just a single low-dose CT scan. Sybil simplifies lung cancer prediction by using just a chest scan, demonstrating remarkable accuracy in forecasting both short-term and long-term risks. This advancement represents a significant leap forward in early lung cancer detection, potentially saving countless lives.

In India, the partnership between the World Economic Forum and The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution India is harnessing AI and machine learning to make advances in cancer care. AI technology is being used to screen for common cancers, enabling early diagnosis. Furthermore, AI's role in analyzing X-rays and other medical imaging is particularly impactful in regions with limited access to imaging experts. 

Genomic Medicine

Genomic medicine, which focuses on studying and analyzing patients' DNA, is crucial in unraveling the genetic underpinnings of cancer. Researchers can now identify specific mutations within cancer cells, which has led to the development of targeted therapies designed to attack those mutations. This precision medicine approach ensures that patients receive treatments tailored to the genetic profile of their cancer, minimizing unnecessary exposure to harsher treatments that may not be effective.

Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC)

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) represent a groundbreaking class of drugs that are redefining the approach to cancer treatment. They are crafted to specifically target and destroy cancer cells by linking monoclonal antibodies with highly potent chemotherapy or radiation particles. This fusion ensures that the potent chemotherapy or radiation payload is released directly onto cancer cells. A key advantage of this targeted approach is the ability to use significantly smaller doses of the chemotherapy or radiation payload, thereby minimizing the side effects typically associated with cancer treatments. This emerging class of drugs is not only expanding the therapeutic options for cancer patients but also paving the way for more precise and less invasive treatment modalities.

Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy

Neoadjuvant immunotherapy marks a significant advancement in cancer treatment. This therapy involves administering immunotherapy before surgery, aiming to reduce tumor size or halt cancer spread, ultimately leading to less invasive and more effective surgical interventions.

The impact of this approach is especially evident in the treatment of melanoma and lung cancer. Early studies have shown promising results; for instance, melanoma patients receiving neoadjuvant immunotherapy exhibited a substantially lower risk of cancer recurrence compared to those who received the treatment post-surgery. Additionally, a study on patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) revealed that combining neoadjuvant immunotherapy with chemotherapy significantly extended event-free survival compared to chemotherapy alone.

Personalized Cancer Vaccines

Unlike traditional vaccines, personalized cancer vaccines are designed to train the immune system to target specific cancer cells in an individual patient. These vaccines are made by identifying unique markers on a patient's cancer cells and creating a customized vaccine that triggers the body to attack only those cells. 

Two pharmaceutical companies, Moderna and Merck, recently collaborated to develop personalized messenger RNA (mRNA) cancer vaccines. Data from a mid-stage study testing their personalized mRNA-based skin cancer vaccine in combination with the immunotherapy Keytruda has yielded positive results in the treatment of melanoma: the combination resulted in a 44% reduction in the risk of recurrence or death compared to the use of immunotherapy alone. This significant decrease highlights the potential of this combined treatment approach as a new and effective option for patients with high-risk melanoma.

Get Support from a 9/11 Cancer Attorney

While the advancements in cancer research are a beacon of hope, navigating cancer care and the associated financial implications can be overwhelming, especially for 9/11 cancer patients. If you or a loved one are facing the challenge of cancer after living, working or going to school in lower Manhattan on or after the attacks, a 9/11 cancer attorney at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP can provide essential support. We understand the intricacies of cancer-related Victim Compensation Fund claims and can help ensure that you have access to the latest cancer treatments and therapies covered under the World Trade Center Health Program. Reach out to one of the dedicated 9/11 attorneys at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP today and get the support you need.