Experts predict several advancements in the field of cancer immunotherapy in 2023. Researchers are optimistic about the advancements in cancer research and treatment in 2023, including the use of combination therapies, engineered cell therapies, cancer vaccines, precision medicine approaches, and improvements in cancer prevention and early detection efforts.
Philip D. Greenberg, President of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), anticipates an expansion in the use of combination therapies that target different cellular pathways and work synergistically. He also foresees progress in the field of engineered cell therapies, which involves modifying cells to improve their function and survival after infusion into patients, as well as their ability to target cancer. Greenberg believes that adoptive cell therapies, which engineer potent immune responses outside the body and infuse them into patients, will continue to be effective even in patients whose immune systems are not responding to target antigens. Furthermore, researchers are working on reinvigorating and expanding immune responses through strategies such as using cytokines and blocking inhibitory pathways. Cancer vaccines are also expected to see advancements, as researchers learn from the success of COVID-19 vaccines and develop strategies to overcome the hurdles that have limited the effectiveness of cancer vaccines in the past.
In the field of precision medicine, Lillian Siu, founding editor-in-chief of the AACR journal Cancer Research Communications, highlights dynamic monitoring of the cancer journey using technologies like circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and other circulating biomarkers. This allows for the detection and measurement of microscopic residual disease, leading to interception strategies to eradicate cancer in high-risk patients. Precision immuno-oncology, which seeks to understand the immune system and the tumor microenvironment, is another area of rapid growth. Siu emphasizes the development of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), which combine targeted therapy with cancer-killing activity, as well as mutant-specific molecules that selectively inhibit specific mutations in oncogenes. Additionally, advancements in clinical trial design, neoadjuvant therapy, and patient engagement are expected.
Regarding cancer prevention and early detection, Timothy Rebbeck, member of the AACR Cancer Prevention Working Group Steering Committee, highlights the strong foundation in basic biology and understanding of cancer progression. He believes that advances in technologies such as genomics, proteomics, and imaging will continue to contribute to cancer prevention and early detection efforts. Rebbeck emphasizes the importance of global collaboration to address cancer disparities and the inclusion of underserved and underrepresented populations in clinical trials. The integration of patient-reported outcomes and patient engagement in trial design is also crucial for assessing treatment tolerance and improving outcomes.
