This September we highlight some of the scientific advances that have lead to new treatments for many of the cancers listed below:
- Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
- Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
- Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month
- National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
- National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
- Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
Breakthroughs in Childhood Cancer
New technology in immunotherapy has led to a novel approach to the treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Chimeric-antigen-receptor T-cell therapy or CAR-T therapy has proven very promising and researchers are encouraged, as plans develop to investigate this new technology in solid tumors.
Learn more about CAR-T therapy
Advances in Leukemia & Lymphoma
Researchers have identified specific genes or proteins associated with cancer cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia, mantle cell lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma and waldenström’s macroglobulinemia that have led to targeted therapies such as BTK and BCL-2 inhibitors. These targeted therapies have resulted in promising advances in certain leukemias and lymphomas.
Learn more about BTK inhibitors
New alternatives for Ovarian Cancer
Targeted therapy in ovarian cancer is rapidly expanding and currently, there are 3 FDA approved PARP inhibitors.
Immunotherapy Trial for Prostate Cancer
Based on scientific findings in prostate cancer a new approach to treatment has been developed and will be studied in a clinical trial combining two immunotherapy drugs that target separate brakes on the immune system. The clinical trial for stage IV prostate cancer will enroll 90 patients at 9 centers nationally.
Learn more about clinical trial
So this September we are encouraged by the scientific advances that have led to a variety of new treatment options and are hopeful that in the year ahead many more milestones will be met as the dedicated men and women in the field of cancer research and development strive for cures. This September we recognize their efforts.
If you or someone you know is facing a difficult diagnosis and would like some help making sense of all the information you are receiving so that you are able to make confident decisions please contact me dana@cancer-champions.com or call 703-403-7600. I’m here to help.