A look into the future of cancer therapies, and the hope they offer to people with cancer today

Braine-l’Alleud - During an informative session in La Hulpe organised by Bristol Myers Squibb, a leading biopharmaceutical company in immuno-oncology research, Prof. Dr. Bart Neyns, a leading expert in cancer research and treatment and Head of Medical Oncology at the UZ Brussel, spoke about the progress in the fight against cancer, the future of immunotherapy, and the effects on the quality of life and prognosis of patients. The most important aspects that were discussed are presented below.

10 years of progress for cancer patients

After 150 years without significant evolution in cancer treatment, we are now talking about a revolution with the introduction of immunotherapy. 10 years ago, cancer patients could only rely on surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and cytotoxic/targeted therapeutic treatments. Immunotherapy changed this treatment paradigm with the goal of achieving an immune response against the tumor, allowing eradication or long-term suppression of tumor growth, and the generation of immunological memory. It all started with the discoveries of Jim Allison (CTLA-4) and Tasuku Honjo (anti-PD-1), in 1992 and 1996 respectively, as the catalysts for this revolution in cancer treatment. 

In 2011, the EMA approved the first modern immuno-oncology (IO) cancer treatment for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma. This innovation marked the beginning of a new era of treatment. In 2012, the first IO therapy (CTLA-4 inhibitor) was reimbursed in Belgium. A few years later, in 2015, another IO therapy with a different mechanism of action (anti-PD-1) was launched, closely followed in 2017 by the first combination IO-IO therapy that reported positive results. 

In ten years, the quality of life and life expectancy of patients has changed significantly. Dr. Paul Lacante, Medical Director for BMS commented, "Immunotherapy and combination therapies in cancer treatment have redefined the overall survival curve for patients with melanoma, kidney cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, and have made long-term survival a reality in multiple advanced tumor types. The use of these therapies continues to be expanded in the early stages of cancer to prevent recurrence, reduce rates of metastatic disease and give patients hope for the future.” 

Close-up on melanoma

Today, patients are offered better prospects for hope. Prof. Dr. Bart Neyns, Head of the Department of Medical Oncology at UZ Brussel, testified to the effectiveness of these treatments and the benefits they have on patients. "Many patients come to me distraught, and immunotherapy is often their last resort. We are very pleased with the progress we have made. Thanks to immunotherapy treatments, the majority of patients experience fewer side effects than with chemotherapy. These advances give us confidence in the future of cancer treatment." 

A hopeful outlook

The evolution in immuno-oncology treatments has been a catalyst for cancer treatment with immunotherapy. It has brought great benefits to patients - hope for the future being a crucial element - and has led to significant changes in oncology healthcare: patient/tumor selection, patient logistics in the care pathway, survival rates and better quality of life. 

According to Dr. Paul Lacante, the importance of immunotherapy research is considerable: "Immunotherapy is a real revolution in the treatment of cancer. Patients with previously incurable tumors are now in remission and surviving in the long term. Unfortunately, not all patients are benefiting from immunotherapy. It is therefore very important to continue to look for advances based on scientific research." 

Today, Bristol Myers Squibb, as a pioneer in immuno-oncology treatments, continues to investigate a wide range of combinations and compounds.

Watch the patient testimonials here: https://www.bms.com/be/patients-and-caregivers/oncology.html

ONC-BE-2200081 - 03/22