Whenever a new advance in cancer treatment occurs, it’s a momentous occasion. Cancer care is a constant concern, as is keeping patients comfortable. Cancer patients and their families spend a lot of time, money, and energy talking to doctors, getting second opinions, and trying new drugs. Each step is essential for a healthy diagnosis, but it’s a taxing process for the patient and so often fruitless. A new report suggests the answer to these constant worries lies in biotechnology. This report promises that the next five to ten years will be groundbreaking for fighting cancer, most notably with immunotherapies — the most common of which are CAR-T, T-Cell, and innate immunity therapies. With advances in biotechnology, the patient outcomes in each of these treatments are expected to be significantly better. The report authors say that the chief basis for biotech advancements is the number of investors dedicated to finding the cure. There are more than 250 types of cancer, and each causes damage to cells in a different way. We would not be anywhere nearer to finding the best treatments if we didn’t have hundreds of big-name organizations involved in researching, developing, and testing various cancer treatments at a rapid pace.
Who’s in the Game?
The advances are largely due to more than 130 biotechs working day and night to develop cancer therapies that are more effective than anything thus far. There are also 20 major pharmaceutical companies involved, and together, these backers are making rapid strides in the field. “The current investor frenzy is comparable to that of the genomics industry at the turn of the century,” said Hui Cai, VP of corporate alliances and head of communications at WuXi AppTec. “The experts we speak with argue that a more complete understanding of the genome and promise of clinical data of these transformative modalities will create a golden age for cancer therapy over the next few years.” These breakthroughs would never have been so close without some of the largest players in biotech cancer research. They provide the resources and develop the best possible teams to study, develop, and test treatments and cures for multiple cancer types. The biggest contributors on the list include: Bristol Myers Squibb, which began its research and development in the 1970s when President Richard Nixon started the national “war on cancer.” The company is working on tumor growth suppressors, immunological therapies, and conventional chemotherapeutic drugs. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. wants patients to have greater access to cancer treatments. The firm has partnered with the National Cancer Coalition to develop drugs that treat Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Teva’s most notable achievements include novel compounds, research, and drugs to fight malignant cells. Gilead Sciences has invested more than $12 billion in cell therapy. It’s also acquired Kite Pharma with the hopes of promoting its biotechnical sector. The recent acquisition is designed to further research and development efforts as well as develop more affordable treatments. Roche Holding AG focuses on drugs that can suppress cancer growth and more accurately detect cancer early on. Roche uses biopharmaceuticals to fight tumor cells and identify cancerous cells during traditional screenings. GlaxoSmithKline Plc has devoted much of its research to developing pharmaceuticals like immunomodulators, targeted antibodies, and kinase inhibitors so they’ll b more affordable for the typical patient.
Hope for the Future
Involving big-name players in biotechnology in the search for cures is one of the most effective moves in cancer research. Biotech holds major promises for cancer research success, and has brought some light even though no cure has yet surfaced. The success of this biotechnology lies largely in your hands as healthcare providers and administrators. It’s vital to know the options for care so you can use them in treatments and show your support of these research and development teams. It’s too early to say whether we’ll find the cure for cancer, but we can extend lives and improve the experiences of those who undergo treatment. As we implement immunotherapies and put pressure on researchers to develop substantially better outcomes for patients, we’ll be moving to a better tomorrow in cancer treatment.