We are in a new era of medicine, powered in part by the advancements and innovations being made in the field of immuno-oncology or immunotherapy. Rather than killing cancer cells directly with traditional tools like radiation or chemotherapy, immunotherapy seeks to harness the immune system’s power to eliminate the cancer or slow its growth and ability to spread. Research shows immunotherapy is improving outcomes and survival rates for some patients, including kidney, lung cancer and advanced melanoma patients thanks to these new treatment options.
It’s estimated that there will be more than 1.6 million new cancer diagnoses this year, and approximately 600,000 U.S. cancer deaths in 2017. Those statistics make the immuno-oncology pipeline even more important – this work represents a time of remarkable change and advancements in cancer care.
While the science in harnessing that patient’s own immune system is incredibly complex, the promise in biopharmaceutical research has never been more promising. Right now, there are more than 240 immuno-oncology medicines and vaccines in development, which all hold immense promise for cancer patients around the world.
While all of these treatments in development are currently in clinical trials or awaiting U.S. Food and Drug Administration review, they’re part of a growing arsenal of tools in the toolbox to target and fight cancer.
There are more than 240 immuno-oncology medicines and vaccines in development, which all hold immense promise for cancer patients around the world.
For additional information about the revolutionary work being done in the field of immuno-oncology, please visit our recent Medicines in Development: Immuno-oncology Report.
