Conventional cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy remain the standard of treatment for many cancers. However, new technologies and advancements in hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy are transforming the treatment landscape and improving patient outcomes. Here are some of the important oncology developments and new FDA-approved cancer drugs during 2023.
Latest global cancer statistics from 2020 show that one in every six deaths was caused by cancer, making it the second leading cause of death globally and accounting for nearly 10 million deaths.* Out of the 18 million new cancer cases in 2020, breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and gastrointestinal cancers were the most common cancers worldwide, contributing to almost 50% of the total number of new cases diagnosed that year. *
The increasing global cancer burden is imposing significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges on individuals, families, communities, and healthcare systems worldwide. It is projected that global cancer incident rates will increase 55% by 2040. *
Between 30% and 50% of cancer deaths could be prevented by modifying or avoiding key risk factors and implementing existing evidence-based prevention strategies.* However, many health systems in low- and middle-income countries are not prepared to manage this burden, and large numbers of cancer patients globally do not have access to timely, quality diagnosis and treatment.
In countries where health systems are more developed, cancer survival rates of many types of cancers are improving thanks to early detection, access to treatment, and rehabilitation care. The risk of dying from cancer in the United States has decreased over the three decades, with the cancer death rate falling by 32% from its peak in 1991 to 2019.* This decline was attributed to factors such as fewer people smoking, leading to a decrease in lung and other smoking-related cancers, improved treatments, and early detection through screening for several types of cancer.
Oncology research and advancements in cancer treatment are playing a pivotal role in saving lives and aiding physicians worldwide in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of this complex disease.
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New FDA Approvals for Oncology/ Haematologic Therapies in 2023
In 2023, the FDA approved a total of 45 oncology drugs, including 17 that were new to the market. * With the FDA’s approval of these new anticancer therapeutics, an increase in available treatment options has emerged, consequently enhancing the potential for improved patient outcomes.
Majority of the new cancer therapies focused on different types of blood cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and colorectal cancer. Here are some important FDA approvals and new licences categorised by cancer type:
Haematologic Malignancies
The development of molecularly targeted therapies has significantly improved the treatment of B-cell malignancies, a type of blood cancer affecting B cells in the immune system. Key advancements include Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, which target the BTK enzyme crucial for the survival of malignant B cells. The first of these inhibitors was approved in 2013. As of January 2023, newer generations of BTK inhibitors have been approved, including a next-generation BTK inhibitor and a reversible BTK inhibitor, expanding treatment options for patients.*
Breast Cancer
In November 2023, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK licensed a medication for the prevention of breast cancer in high-risk postmenopausal women. This medication, initially approved by the FDA in 1995 for treating hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, has seen expanded use over time. It is now a standard treatment for early-stage estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer and is commonly used as adjuvant therapy to prevent recurrence. Clinical trials have demonstrated that it can reduce the incidence of breast cancer in at-risk postmenopausal women by almost 50%. The new license is expected to help prevent around 2000 cases of breast cancer in England. *
Prostate Cancer
For metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), typical treatments like androgen-blocking therapy or chemotherapy often result in a survival of less than three years. Patients with mCRPC progressing on androgen-blocking therapy may receive PARP inhibitors, which affect androgen receptor activity and DNA repair. In 2023, the FDA approved combining PARP inhibition with androgen-blocking therapy, introducing PARP inhibitors earlier in the treatment process for these patients which could potentially slow disease progression and improve survival rates.*
Lung Cancer
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer, have become a standard part of treatment for various cancers. Initially approved in 2015 for advanced NSCLC post-chemotherapy, their use has since expanded to earlier treatment stages and as a first-line option. In 2023, the FDA approved a specific ICI for adjuvant NSCLC treatment following surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy. This marks the second ICI approval for this indication, expanding the options for postoperative lung cancer therapy.*
Gastrointestinal cancers
In January 2023, the FDA granted accelerated approval to a new combination regimen involving a small molecule inhibitor of the HER2 receptor, for patients with unresectable or metastatic colorectal cancer that has progressed following chemotherapy. This receptor’s overexpression is linked to tumour growth and spread. Originally approved for treating HER2-positive breast cancer, this drug’s latest FDA approval extends to colorectal cancer patients with HER2 overexpression, which occurs in about 3 to 5% of metastatic cases.*
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5 Important Cancer Treatment Advancements in 2023
In recent years, advancements in immunotherapy, targeted therapy, precision medicine, and other types of cancer treatments have gained significant momentum in terms of new research findings and drug development. Here are 5 oncology developments that made important cancer treatment advancements in 2023:
- Bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs): There have been significant strides in cancer immunotherapy with the development and accelerated FDA approval of BiTEs for certain B-cell lymphomas. BiTEs, targeting CD20 on cancer cells and CD3 on T cells, bolster the immune system’s cancer-fighting capabilities. This offers new therapeutic avenues for patients with specific relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphomas who haven’t responded to other treatments, marking substantial progress in cancer care.*
- Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC): A drug class that targets cancer cells with monoclonal antibodies linked to chemotherapy or radiation. This selective targeting minimises side effects and enhances treatment effectiveness, especially in difficult-to-treat cancers. Some advancements made during 2023 are improvements in ADC design and their increased efficacy and safety profiles.*
- Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy: Recent findings indicate neoadjuvant immunotherapy shows promise in enhancing and modifying tumour-specific T cell clones, boosting anti-tumour immunity both in tumours and systemically. This approach also provides a vital opportunity to explore immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) response mechanisms, identify new biomarkers, and develop more effective ICB therapies, improving long-term clinical outcomes.*
- Cancer Vaccines: Advancements in cancer vaccines, particularly mRNA-based ones, have shown significant potential in individualised cancer treatment. These vaccines are designed to train the immune system to specifically target cancer cells. Key developments in 2023 include enhanced precision in targeting specific types of cancer, like lung cancer and melanoma. The promising outcomes of mRNA vaccines in clinical trials are largely due to technological advancements, improved understanding of tumour microenvironments, and the identification of specific tumour antigens.*
- Proton Therapy: Advanced radiation therapy using protons targets tumours precisely while reducing damage to healthy tissue, decreasing secondary cancer risks and side effects. Advancements focus on new collaborations, technological innovations, and system enhancements. These developments are geared towards increasing the accessibility of proton therapy and improving patient outcomes.*
What other cancer treatment advancements do you know of as an oncologist or haematologist? Please share your insights in the comment section below.
New Cancer Treatments and Technologies on the Horizon for 2024
For 2024, new cancer treatments and technologies on the horizon include advanced CRISPR gene editing techniques and AI-driven diagnostic tools.
CRISPR technology in cancer treatment is advancing beyond its original gene-editing capabilities. The development allows for more precise genetic modifications without DNA cutting and is emerging with the ability to replace or insert DNA segments. These advancements have potential applications in managing complex cancers like glioblastoma and are also being explored for other conditions, with human trials for some applications expected to seek FDA approval in 2024. Despite challenges in delivery, the precision targeting offered by CRISPR holds promise for future cancer therapies.*
In 2023, researchers at King’s College London developed an AI model to predict the likelihood of secondary breast cancer in patients. By analysing lymph nodes in women with triple-negative breast cancer, the AI could assess the risk of the disease spreading. Tested on over 5000 lymph nodes from 345 patients, this model shows potential in guiding treatment plans and offering reassurance about the spread of breast cancer.*
Heading into 2024, the field of cancer treatment and diagnostics is likely to see notable changes with the introduction of new technologies and therapies. Developments in CRISPR gene editing may lead to more refined approaches in tackling complex cancers. Similarly, advancements in AI for diagnostics could improve aspects of treatment planning and patient management. These trends suggest a shift towards more individualised and precise cancer therapies in the near future.
As an oncologist or haematologist, you play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cancer treatment. With 17 new FDA-approved oncology treatments introduced in 2023 and more on the horizon for 2024, your expertise is valuable. The insights you can provide through oncology market research with M3 Global Research are crucial for pharmaceutical companies to refine and enhance their products and services.
Become an M3 member by registering here to our global oncology panel and get access to paid market research for oncologists. If you know a colleague who may be interested, please share this with them via social media.
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