Millions of cancer patients worldwide may soon be able to receive more effective, personalized treatments for their disease thanks to developments in the understanding of cancer biology, experts will say at the Cancer Biology for Clinicians Symposium organized by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) in Nice, France on 26-27 November.
To make the most of this coming transformation, governments, pharmaceutical companies and doctors urgently need to adapt the way drugs are developed, the experts say.
"Cancer therapy is arguably at the most exciting time in its history," said José Baselga, from MGH Cancer Center in Boston, USA, co-chair of the symposium and ESMO Past-President. "It is at the confluence of two new movements, one toward personalized medicine and the other toward the use of new molecularly targeted cancer therapeutics that exploit the tumor's genetic and molecular signature. These movements provide many challenges, but also the opportunity for making paradigm shifts in the way we think of and treat cancer."
Personalized treatment has become increasingly available for cancers over the past decade. This has partly come about as scientists have found that common tumors such as breast cancer are in fact a mixture of several disease types with distinct molecular features. Meanwhile, molecular targeted drugs have also been developed that inhibit particular molecular targets involved in some cancers.
"As our understanding of cancer biology develops further, these kinds of personalized treatments are expected to become available for many more cancer types," said Fabrice André, from Institut Gustave Roussy, France, ESMO spokesperson co-chairing a session at the symposium. "If we want to facilitate the implementation of this kind of personalized medicine, then we urgently need to develop new strategies for cancer drug development."
In particular, it is time to rethink whether the standard model of testing drugs in large phase-III trials is an effective way to bring these targeted cancer drugs to patients, Dr André noted.
"Regulatory processes are becoming increasingly restrictive in providing patient access to potentially innovative new drugs, because even the largest cancer trials generally involve only a small portion of the cancer patient population, and because the drug development process is often more than a decade from the first preclinical study," he added.
This is related to the fact that drug approval usually needs large confirmatory trials that are being done in an unselected population. There is a need for smaller trials done with selected patients to be highly sensitive, a concept that requires the development of molecular selection and relative platforms for doing that.
"It’s clear that we urgently need a new paradigm for drug development, including targeted patient selection for clinical trials, shorter duration of clinical trials and improvement of the cost effectiveness of bringing a new drug to the market."
The ESMO Cancer Biology for Clinicians Symposium, a two-day meeting featuring some of the most eminent researchers in the field, is designed to inform oncologists about the ways cancer biology is changing clinical practice.
"What is most exciting today is the active dialogue between clinicians and laboratory scientists who share an interest in applying the new knowledge of cancer biology to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the disease," said meeting co-chair Mario Dicato, from Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg.
"In the near future, cancer treatment decisions will be based on biology," said the third meeting co-chair Jean-Charles Soria, ESMO spokesperson from Institut Gustave Roussy, France. "It is therefore vital that medical oncologists have the skills and the knowledge to bring these advances to their patients. The future of oncology will be personalized medicine, and the community needs to discuss how this will be implemented."
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) is the leading European professional organization committed to advancing the specialty of medical oncology and promoting a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment and care. The organization is a powerful alliance of more than 6,000 committed oncology professionals from over 100 countries.
For more information:
Cancer Biology for Clinicians Symposium Program Book
This article was first published online at Onco'Zine - The International Cancer Network
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Showing posts with label ESMO. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ESMO. Show all posts
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Original Research, Better Insight And Practice-changing Studies Attract Record Number Of Oncologists To Attend ESMO 2010
“The 35th ESMO Congress is milestone in our Society’s history. It has been, not only our biggest, but also our best congress ever,” declared ESMO President David J. Kerr at the event’s closing conference today. 16,000 delegates attended the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) congress in Milan this week, including over 13,000 medical oncologists, 380 members of the press and close to 400 patients who participated in a dedicated seminar.
“We believe this success is due to the excellent program that the ESMO Scientific Committee put together this year, including a large amount of original research,” said Prof Kerr.
Prof Fortunato Ciardiello highlighted as one of the most important clinical studies reported here the results of a large randomized Phase-III trial in prostate cancer patients who had previously failed hormone and chemotherapy. The study was presented by researcher Johann de Bono. “These findings will change daily practice in the treatment of prostate cancer, in particular because they offer a novel and well-tolerated hormone therapy to patients for which no other treatment options were available. They contribute to a new era in drugs for prostate cancer,” said Prof Ciardiello.
Other practice-changing trials presented at the 35th ESMO Congress include a Chinese study that brings new hope to lung cancer patients (OPTIMAL trial). Lung cancer is the most common and deadliest cancer, but advances presented by Prof Caicun Zhou tripled the time people lived without the disease getting worse. An encouraging trial for ovarian cancer patients (ICON 7) presented by DrTim Perren from the UK, also attracted a lot of attention. In the field of advanced breast cancer, an American study (TDM4450g) that presented a new type of medicine with much lower toxicity compared to the older 'standard' drew a lot of interest. Principal investigator, Dr Edith Perez said the compound had shown to be effective in patients whose metastatic breast cancer had not responded to other treatments.
Prof Kerr said that what has become clear “is that we need to get back to our laboratories to understand more about the disease. We need more biology and a better insight so that we can treat the right patient, at the right time, with the right drug at the right dose.
More Information:
Visit Onco'Zine The International Cancer Network for an overview of the daily news from ESMO 2010 conference.
“We believe this success is due to the excellent program that the ESMO Scientific Committee put together this year, including a large amount of original research,” said Prof Kerr.
Prof Fortunato Ciardiello highlighted as one of the most important clinical studies reported here the results of a large randomized Phase-III trial in prostate cancer patients who had previously failed hormone and chemotherapy. The study was presented by researcher Johann de Bono. “These findings will change daily practice in the treatment of prostate cancer, in particular because they offer a novel and well-tolerated hormone therapy to patients for which no other treatment options were available. They contribute to a new era in drugs for prostate cancer,” said Prof Ciardiello.
Other practice-changing trials presented at the 35th ESMO Congress include a Chinese study that brings new hope to lung cancer patients (OPTIMAL trial). Lung cancer is the most common and deadliest cancer, but advances presented by Prof Caicun Zhou tripled the time people lived without the disease getting worse. An encouraging trial for ovarian cancer patients (ICON 7) presented by DrTim Perren from the UK, also attracted a lot of attention. In the field of advanced breast cancer, an American study (TDM4450g) that presented a new type of medicine with much lower toxicity compared to the older 'standard' drew a lot of interest. Principal investigator, Dr Edith Perez said the compound had shown to be effective in patients whose metastatic breast cancer had not responded to other treatments.
Prof Kerr said that what has become clear “is that we need to get back to our laboratories to understand more about the disease. We need more biology and a better insight so that we can treat the right patient, at the right time, with the right drug at the right dose.
More Information:
Visit Onco'Zine The International Cancer Network for an overview of the daily news from ESMO 2010 conference.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Growing Attendance for International GI Cancer Congress Demonstrates Importance and Increased Impact.
The 11th World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer, organized by ESMO, the European Society for Medical Oncology, opens today in Barcelona, Spain, with a substantial increase in registered attendees over previous years.
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The conference is expected to provide important practice updates and promising new research into the numerous types of cancers that affect the gastrointestinal tract.
“Ongoing study and changing standards in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers have made it mandatory for clinicians to continually update their knowledge to keep up with advances in the field,” says Congress co-chair Dr. Eric Van Cutsem. “The World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer addresses the immediate practice implications of these changes.”
Researchers will present studies indicating prolonged progression-free survival and focusing on the importance of personalized cancer care.
Gastrointestinal cancers include anal cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, gallbladder cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer (hepatoma), pancreatic cancer, and small intestine cancers. The most prevalent of these is colorectal cancer in the Western world and gastric cancer in Eastern World.
Colorectal cancer is a major public health problem in Western countries, with the highest incidence rates in North America, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand. It is the third most common cancer in both men and women, and the third most common cause of cancer death in both sexes. About 630,000 deaths from colorectal cancer are expected this year worldwide, accounting for 8% of all cancer deaths. Gastric is the second most frequent cause of cancer related mortality, accounting for nearly 800,000 deaths each year worldwide.
Over 400 studies will be presented at the world’s largest GI cancer conference and published in the Annals of Oncology, the official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), outlining research taking place across the globe. Some of the most important work in the field outlines improved patient outcomes through novel drug therapies including combination therapies and new applications of existing therapies.
Six abstracts have been selected by the congress chairs as “top abstracts”. A common thread of these recognized papers is prolonged progression-free survival, enabling patients to live longer with the disease and with a better quality of life. Moreover, the experts will discuss the changing paradigm in gastrointestinal cancer toward a more personalized treatment approach for patients with gastrointestinal cancers.
Also being recognized at the congress are researchers from developing nations who received grants based on the scientific merit of their submitted work.
The ESMO Conference: 11th World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer, developed and managed by Imedex, will be held from 24-27 June at the CCIB convention center in Barcelona. The internationally recognized faculty will include 72 experts, chaired by Mario Dicato, MD of the Luxembourg Medical Center in Luxembourg and Eric Van Cutsem, MD, PhD of the University Hospital Gasthuisberg in Leuven, Belgium. 3,500 people from nearly 100 countries are expected to attend.
Designed to promote a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, the scientific agenda offers targeted sessions for oncology surgeons and nurses as well as a comprehensive range of topics for researchers, gastroenterologists, as well as medical and radiation oncologists.
The conference has received endorsements from leading professional societies and organizations, solidifying the reputation of the Congress as the premier platform for specialists in cancer research, leading oncologists and practicing clinicians to review the state-of-the-art advances in gastrointestinal cancer and share the latest information on its multidisciplinary management. Specialized sessions for nurses, surgeons and young medical oncologists provide enhanced educational opportunities.
The 11th World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer Congress is endorsed by:
The conference is expected to provide important practice updates and promising new research into the numerous types of cancers that affect the gastrointestinal tract.“Ongoing study and changing standards in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers have made it mandatory for clinicians to continually update their knowledge to keep up with advances in the field,” says Congress co-chair Dr. Eric Van Cutsem. “The World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer addresses the immediate practice implications of these changes.”
Researchers will present studies indicating prolonged progression-free survival and focusing on the importance of personalized cancer care.
Gastrointestinal cancers include anal cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, gallbladder cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer (hepatoma), pancreatic cancer, and small intestine cancers. The most prevalent of these is colorectal cancer in the Western world and gastric cancer in Eastern World.
Colorectal cancer is a major public health problem in Western countries, with the highest incidence rates in North America, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand. It is the third most common cancer in both men and women, and the third most common cause of cancer death in both sexes. About 630,000 deaths from colorectal cancer are expected this year worldwide, accounting for 8% of all cancer deaths. Gastric is the second most frequent cause of cancer related mortality, accounting for nearly 800,000 deaths each year worldwide.
Over 400 studies will be presented at the world’s largest GI cancer conference and published in the Annals of Oncology, the official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), outlining research taking place across the globe. Some of the most important work in the field outlines improved patient outcomes through novel drug therapies including combination therapies and new applications of existing therapies.
Six abstracts have been selected by the congress chairs as “top abstracts”. A common thread of these recognized papers is prolonged progression-free survival, enabling patients to live longer with the disease and with a better quality of life. Moreover, the experts will discuss the changing paradigm in gastrointestinal cancer toward a more personalized treatment approach for patients with gastrointestinal cancers.
Also being recognized at the congress are researchers from developing nations who received grants based on the scientific merit of their submitted work.
The ESMO Conference: 11th World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer, developed and managed by Imedex, will be held from 24-27 June at the CCIB convention center in Barcelona. The internationally recognized faculty will include 72 experts, chaired by Mario Dicato, MD of the Luxembourg Medical Center in Luxembourg and Eric Van Cutsem, MD, PhD of the University Hospital Gasthuisberg in Leuven, Belgium. 3,500 people from nearly 100 countries are expected to attend.
Designed to promote a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, the scientific agenda offers targeted sessions for oncology surgeons and nurses as well as a comprehensive range of topics for researchers, gastroenterologists, as well as medical and radiation oncologists.
The conference has received endorsements from leading professional societies and organizations, solidifying the reputation of the Congress as the premier platform for specialists in cancer research, leading oncologists and practicing clinicians to review the state-of-the-art advances in gastrointestinal cancer and share the latest information on its multidisciplinary management. Specialized sessions for nurses, surgeons and young medical oncologists provide enhanced educational opportunities.
The 11th World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer Congress is endorsed by:
- The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation
- ENETS (European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society)
- EONS (European Oncology Nursing Society)
- EORTC (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer) – GI Tumor Group
- ESO (European School of Oncology)
- ESSO (European Society of Surgical Oncology)
- Europacolon
For more information:
For more information, read these PubMed abstract:- ESMO Conference: 11th World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer, 24-27 June, 2009, Barcelona, Spain. Abstracts. Ann Oncol. 2009 Jun;20 Suppl 7:vii7-127 (Annals of Oncology Online)
- Abstracts of the ESMO International Symposium: 10th World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer. June 25-28, 2008. Barcelona, Spain. Ann Oncol. 2008 Jun;19 Suppl 6:vi9-105 (Annals of Oncology Online)
- Koh HC, Page B, Black C, Brown I, Ballantyne S, Galloway DJ. Ectopic pancreatic-type malignancy presenting in a Meckel's diverticulum: a case report and review of the literature. World J Surg Oncol. 2009 Jun 22;7(1):54. [Epub ahead of print]
- Beswick EJ, Reyes VE. CD74 in antigen presentation, inflammation, and cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. World J Gastroenterol. 2009 Jun 21;15(23):2855-61.
- Caracino V, Maggi G, Altobelli S, Lambiase C, Danza C, D'Amico G. Voluminous bleeding stomach GIST: reflections on aetiopathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy. Chir Ital. 2009 Mar-Apr;61(2):255-9.
- Schulze-Bergkamen H, Weinmann A, Moehler M, Siebler J, Galle PR. Novel ways to sensitise gastrointestinal cancer to apoptosis. Gut. 2009 Jul;58(7):1010-24.
Photos courtesy of the American Society of Clinical Oncology
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