Early cancer detection and diagnosis can not only aid with earlier treatment interventions but it also shows potential in minimising cancer risks in the first place.

It is beyond doubt that cancer detected at an early stage saves lives. If diagnosed at the earliest stage, almost all women with breast cancer and more than 9 in 10 people with bowel cancer survive their disease for five years or more. This falls to around 3 in 10 women when breast cancer is diagnosed at the most advanced stage and drops to just 1 in 10 people for those with bowel cancer.

Targets for early cancer diagnosis

Ambitious targets, such as NHS England’s commitment to detecting 75% of cancers at stage I and II by 2028, have improved public awareness. Additionally, more streamlined diagnostic pathways all contribute to shifting our ability to accurately detect and diagnose cancer at an early stage. Yet, the true potential of early detection and diagnosis remains largely unexploited.

AI tools enable the incorporation and computational analysis of disparate, complex data streams to inform predictive treatment models.

Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests have the potential to find more than one type of cancer from a single blood sample and revolutionise cancer screening. Investment in and research into the effectiveness of MCEDs continues apace.

How AI can aid diagnosis and treatment

As the amount of data generated from an individual’s healthcare journey increases, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) is expanding to determine new approaches for cancer detection, screening and diagnosis. AI tools enable the incorporation and computational analysis of disparate, complex data streams to inform predictive treatment models, rendering possible precision oncology and personalised medicine.

Genome sequencing to minimise risk

At a molecular level, advances in genome sequencing provide evidence of genetic mutations which might predispose a patient to cancer. A route to risk-based detection and prevention is starting to emerge to support a life course approach to minimising risk factors and enhancing protective factors through evidence-based interventions at important life stages.

Accelerating early detection and diagnosis

Beyond the clear potential for health benefits, a shift to early diagnosis can alleviate the need for costly, long-term treatments, thus aiding the clinical workforce and easing pressures on the healthcare system itself. The UK can be a world leader in developing a thriving early detection and diagnosis industry, capitalising on its excellent science base, the unmatched diversity of health data and infrastructure and a history of collaborative efforts across an interlinked network of expertise.

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Harold Cottin

Manager, Engagement and Partnership, City Cancer Challenge Foundation

There is a huge gap in cancer mortality rates between high and lower-resource settings, with 70% of global cancer deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).

The gap in cancer mortality rates is due to non-existent or partial cancer screening strategies, late diagnoses, lack of trained health workers and infrastructures and insufficient inclusion of cancer in universal health coverage schemes. In oncology — breast cancer specifically — early diagnosis, timely treatment and full patient completion of treatment regimens are associated with better health outcomes for patients.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is partnering with the City Cancer Challenge Foundation (C/Can) to implement the framework of the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI), which aims to avoid 2.5 million breast cancer deaths globally by 2040.

Partnering to reduce breast cancer mortality

The WHO GBCI Framework was published in early 2023 and provides a comprehensive approach for countries to address their breast cancer burden. C/Can is a nonprofit foundation that works with cities in LMICs to improve access to cancer care. It will support the WHO with its multisectoral city network to translate GBCI recommendations and national dialogues into actionable work plans.

Health system improvements will not only benefit people living with breast cancer but can also be applied to other cancers and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

This innovative collaboration will combine the convening power and global reach of WHO with the ‘on-the-ground’ implementation experience of C/Can — now operating in 13 cities around the world. It also seeks to leverage the resources and expertise of the private sector, which is actively supporting cancer access programmes. Amgen, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb and MSD announced their commitment to the initiative with in-kind and financial contributions.

A domino effect for health systems

The capacity-building efforts laid out in the GBCI framework should create the right expertise, infrastructure and policies at city, regional and country levels. Health system improvements will not only benefit people living with breast cancer but can also be applied to other cancers and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

By effectively combining the expertise and resources from both private and public sectors, this collaboration strives toward a vital common goal: improving the lives of people living with cancer in LMICs and underserved communities in well-resourced countries. 

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Emma Foreman

Vice Chair, BOPA

Jessica Pealing

Secretary, BOPA

Traditionally, the role of cancer pharmacists focused on prescription verification (the process of checking a prescription for appropriateness and accuracy) and the compounding of cancer medicines. Over the years, the role has become more clinical.

Cancer pharmacists now play an integral role in the multidisciplinary team, advising on all aspects of medicines use in cancer care. Since 2003, pharmacists have been able to train as non-medical prescribers, and the number of pharmacists prescribing within the speciality has grown — providing pharmacist-led and multi-professional clinics to review and optimise individual patients’ treatment. 

Pharmacists expand to patient care and clinical leadership

Pharmacy professionals are at the forefront of service improvement, technological innovation and research. Some pharmacists and pharmacy technicians improve patient care by facilitating ‘closer to home’ treatment services such as homecare and self-administration schemes.

Others have developed expertise in genomics or advanced technology medicinal products such as CAR-T cells and gene therapy. In 2005, consultant pharmacist roles were introduced, designed to deliver clinical leadership, promote research and collaborate at a national level to improve practice. There are 161 consultant pharmacists in the UK; only 12 specialise in oncology, but the number is increasing each year.

Pharmacy professionals are at the forefront of service improvement, technological innovation and research.

Pharmacists engage in genomic testing for cancer

One of the biggest developments in recent years has been the incorporation of genomic testing into routine cancer care. In England, the NHS genomic medicine service has employed pharmacists to act as regional leads to advise on the use of genomic testing to improve the safety and efficacy of cancer treatments. 

Several genetic tests are now routinely used to identify which patients are likely to benefit from specific treatments and to identify those at greater risk of side effects. Cancer pharmacists can advise on the choice of treatment and any necessary dose modifications required based on the results of these tests.

Pharmacy technicians in medicine management

The pharmacy technician role is also evolving. Traditionally a supporting role, they now take the lead in medicines preparation, medicines management and patient counselling, with some developing extended roles such as prescription verification and medicines administration. 

Backed up by a team of pharmacy assistants and other support staff, they ensure a safe supply of medicines to patients in all areas of the hospital. The increasing clinical roles of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians could contribute to improved patient care across the UK.

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A fresh approach to cancer drug development can help minimise the time it takes to advance therapies through clinical trials and get them to patients.

To beat cancer, drug developers need to “think like cancer.” That is the view of Dr Rajan Jethwa, chief executive and founder of Ellipses Pharma, who adds: “We need to constantly evolve, continually multiply and rapidly accelerate.” This, he believes, is the quickest way to get safe and effective drugs to patients when and where they need them.

Central to that is the blinded review process it has introduced with its Scientific Affairs Group — one of the largest and most diverse assembled in the oncology sector. This global network of more than 200 renowned cancer experts covers a range of cancer specialities and members are focused on identifying the science with the clearest path toward translation into clinical applications. Between 50 – 70 experts can be involved in real time on a bespoke digital platform assessing the options for a particular potential treatment, thereby enhancing the prospect of picking a treatment with the best chance of successfully navigating the scientific and clinical path to patients.

Accelerating process to clinical trials

For a drug development company, that means a focus on accelerating the development of cancer medicines and treatments through innovative models. Pivotal to that is a combination of unbiased vetting to de-risk initial asset or drug candidate selection, with an uninterrupted funding flow to minimise the time it takes to advance products through clinical trials and reach patients.

Expanding on this approach adopted by the UK-based drug firm, its chairman and founder, Professor, Sir Chris Evans, says: “We are committed to maximising the breakthrough potential of the nascent treatments we take on, streamline their path through the clinic and shorten the time for them to have an impact on patients. Better, faster trials will mean more drugs for patients and more lives saved.”

Unique drug development proposition

With an expanding pipeline of potential new medicines, the company is rapidly advancing its disruptive drug development proposition.

Once Ellipses adopts a potential medicine, the clinical and business development programmes are jointly built around clinical trials focused on patient needs and the commercial requirements for taking the drug forward.

We seek out scientific discoveries with the best chances of success, regardless of tumour type, development stage, molecular target or therapeutic modality.

Uninterrupted clinical trials

An uninterrupted funding model allows the company to allocate capital to each new potential drug as soon as it is needed.

Coupled with agile patient recruitment strategies, they can design novel and effective clinical trials. Dr Jethwa adds: “We have built a streamlined drug development engine that scales with asset acquisitions, ensuring we are always ready to run high-quality trials at the right time.

“By decoupling our fundraising from the asset development cycle, we can provide uninterrupted financial support for each development programme as required by individual programme needs and timelines.”

Developing medicines for any cancer type

Their drug development model centres on having a robust and diverse pipeline — from late preclinical to clinical stage and from solid tumours to blood cancers. It addresses more than a dozen different types of cancers, including acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), breast cancer, lung cancer, thyroid cancer and others.

Medicines in development stages range from preclinical/pre-investigational new drug (IND) to phase 2 clinical studies and encompass several therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, receptor modulators, fusion proteins and even nanoparticle drug conjugates. The pipeline also contains additional exploratory programmes in several bispecific, bifunctional and monoclonal antibodies to treat a range of tumours.

Wider accessibility to cancer therapies

Professor Evans adds: “Our mission is to make the very best drugs and therapies available — at unprecedented speed, to patients worldwide. To achieve this goal, we seek out scientific discoveries with the best chances of success, regardless of tumour type, development stage, molecular target or therapeutic modality.”

“Traditional drug development models have failed to keep pace with the speed and scale of cancer, so we decided to adopt a bold and ambitious approach that limits operational risk and maximises outcomes for patients,” says Dr Jethwa.

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With one in six deaths still caused by cancer, experts are searching for new digital health innovations that could one day turn the tide in the fight against it.

Many notable innovations have recently emerged in oncology, including CAR-T cell therapy, liquid biopsies and CRISPR-based treatment — most stemming from biological science fields such as genomics, pathology and immunology. 

However, the rapid rise of digital and data-driven technology in healthcare — such as artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT) and robotics — could offer unprecedented potential in the fight against cancer.  

Digital health computing cancer cures  

The rise of computational tools has unlocked new approaches to treatments. In particular, AI and machine learning hold the potential to revolutionise how drugs are matched to patients, taking personalised cancer care to the next level. Such technologies could also drastically transform the timeline for the development of new drugs, making it a matter of months rather than years. 

Other frontier tech applications are in the works too; for instance, quantum computing could have the potential to rapidly advance drug discovery and clinical trials. New multi-sectoral partnerships are being formed around quantum computing in medicine, with oncology as a key focus area. 

Going beyond the pill: prevention and diagnosis 

Beyond developing and integrating new treatments, AI shows incredible promise to vastly improve early detection and prevention rates. Missed or incorrect medical diagnoses are a serious concern in healthcare, and oncology is one of the highest-risk specialities.     

Leading research and medical institutions are applying the latest AI advancements to diagnose common cancers, including lung cancer via CT scans and colon cancer via endoscopy, where algorithms can spot difficult-to-detect cancers more effectively than humans. This technology is still maturing but could soon produce a step change in the percentage of cancers caught early. 

However, authorities must ensure the responsible use of these new technologies by putting in place appropriate regulatory mechanisms and ethical guidelines, given potential safety concerns with automation and security and privacy concerns with patients’ health data. 

New digital technologies may not only
transform health outcomes but also
support a better patient experience.

Digitising the patient journey  

New digital technologies may not only transform health outcomes but also support a better patient experience. A wide variety of established digital tools, often including mobile applications and telehealth, have been employed to help patients and families manage some aspects of cancer care from the relative comfort of their homes.  

Emerging evidence even suggests that virtual reality could become a potential tool for cancer care across a variety of use cases, including patient education and anxiety management. Some virtual solutions for pain management have already received FDA approval, and similar technologies could one day be translated into oncology. 

Expanding global access to care for all 

With as many as 70% of cancer deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), it is crucial that these new technologies reach the most vulnerable — especially as they already have shown great promise in low-resource settings such as rural India.   

However, some LMICs face various roadblocks to digital health uptake, such as limited financial resources, inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals. International funding and support will be key to bridging the technology and health gaps. In total, the World Health Organization has called for at least 140 billion dollars to be invested by 2030 to ensure 90% coverage of cancer services globally.  

As digital innovations in the fight against cancer continue to advance, global leaders must take steps to ensure that successful innovations reach those who need them most and that the digital health revolution helps produce a more equitable and sustainable global health system.   

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As an already pressured NHS deals with a growing cancer patient backlog, clinicians face the challenge of delivering patient-centric care within a resource-constrained healthcare system.

Digital solutions can help resolve challenges by streamlining interactions between patients and healthcare providers. Vinehealth achieves this for clinicians, industry and academic researchers and patients alike. The Vinehealth ecosystem comprises an NHS England-endorsed smartphone app designed around the needs of people living with cancer and VinehealthPRO, a connected dashboard for clinicians.

Supported self-management to improve patient wellbeing

This ecosystem was launched in 2018 by former NHS doctor Dr Rayna Patel and Georgina Kirby, a data scientist. They recognised the potential for digital technology to combat the lack of day-to-day support experienced by many people living with cancer.

[The app] grants clinicians unparalleled insights into patient wellbeing at home, enabling them to identify and address deteriorations more rapidly.

Patients can use the app to access supportive content from the UK’s leading charities, manage their medications, receive appointment reminders and track their mood, physical activity and symptoms.

In addition to reducing information overload and the pressure to recall detailed information during brief appointments, supported self-management helps patients to feel in control of their treatment. Studies with patients from hospitals, such as The Royal Marsden and Cromwell Hospital, reported significant improvements in feelings of wellbeing.

Unparalleled patient insights for clinicians

People living with cancer can download and use the app without an invitation from their healthcare provider. But they may be invited onto the app by their clinician, who can then view the patient’s data in real time using the clinician dashboard.

This grants clinicians unparalleled insights into patient wellbeing at home, enabling them to identify and address deteriorations more rapidly. Clinicians using the dashboard report an improved understanding of how their patients are feeling between appointments, as well as opportunities to personalise care or prevent emergency admissions.

Pharmaceutical companies can also use this technology to support clinical trials, real-world evidence studies and patient support programmes. This patient-reported data enables researchers to develop a deeper understanding of how cancer therapies are affecting patients. This data is vital in reimagining the cancer pathway to improve the patient experience and overall outcomes for people living with cancer. 

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As many as 40% of cancer patients continue to experience nausea or vomiting following chemotherapy despite advances in the range of effective treatments.¹ Clinicians and patients should be educated on how to minimise these side effects.

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the most feared side effects experienced by patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy treatment.² Uncontrolled and/or prolonged chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting can also lead to dehydration and malnutrition.³ Moreover, it can negatively impact a patient’s quality of life⁴ and lead patients to consider discontinuing anti-cancer therapy.⁵

Patients endure CINV side effects 

Folake Ajose-Adeogun, Oncology Medical Manager at Chugai Pharma UK, provides support materials to patients going through chemotherapy treatment. “The chemotherapy agents are very effective at killing the cancer cells but, as a side effect, they cause nausea and vomiting.”

She adds: “Advances in treatment mean CINV has been reduced in the short-term. However, effects are seen in the delayed phase (day one to five post-treatment); when patients are trying to recover, perhaps going back to their normal daily activities, some experience nausea and vomiting.” 

Reporting is a key factor in making
sure patients are supported.

Patients are reluctant to report symptoms 

According to patient healthcare market research conducted by Chugai Pharma UK, more than half (52%) of patients who had nausea and vomiting with IV chemotherapy (n=81) did not always report their symptoms to their doctor, nurse or healthcare team.⁶ “There are big misconceptions about what these symptoms mean,” explains Ajose-Adeogun.

“Patients expect that nausea and/or vomiting will be part of their chemotherapy journey. Some also feel that if they report the symptoms, the treatment might be stopped. They also don’t want to bother healthcare professionals, so they think they have to put up with it and nothing can be done when, actually, it can be avoided,” she adds.

Symptoms can last up to five days every three weeks, depending on the type of chemotherapy treatment and frequency of each cycle. Their nutrition is affected, and they feel fatigued. It can also influence mental health and attitude towards treatment. 

“Reporting is a key factor in making sure patients are supported. It’s vital that they feel able to raise their issues, then they can receive appropriate support from clinicians,” she insists.

Support and education for CINV management 

It is essential to get the nausea and vomiting managed as early as possible. If CINV is not managed properly in the first cycle, it becomes a significant predictor for CINV in the following cycle, increasing the risk by 6.5 times in cycle 2 and 14 times by cycle 3.⁷ It can also lead to Anticipatory CINV, where a patient starts to feel nauseous or vomit before they even begin their chemotherapy. This becomes even more difficult to treat.⁷ 

“We must increase our efforts in enlightening patients about the significance of communicating their symptoms. Equally important is strengthening the knowledge base of clinicians regarding optimal CINV prevention according to different types of chemotherapy, aligned with established best practices. With this dual-focus approach, we can create a healthier dialogue around CINV, better addressing the needs of patients,” she concludes. 

C-GB-00000866
June 2023

[1] Aapro M. CINV: Support Care Cancer. 2018;26(Suppl 1):5-9;
[2] Aapro M. CINV: Support Care Cancer. 2018;26(Suppl 1):5-9;
[3] Curran MP and Robinson DM. Drugs 2009;69(13):1853-1878.
[4] Aapro M, et al. Ann Oncol. 2012;23:1986-1992. 
[5] Janelsins MC, et al. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2013;14(6):757-66.
[6] Data on file – CINV Patent Research Outcomes Report. September 2022.*
*Data is from results obtained from responses to a self-reporting survey and is based on a sample of N=100 cancer patients who have had or expect to receive IV chemotherapy. Self-selecting sample was obtained from invitation sent by Panelbase to their members. In total, there were 12,166 click-throughs to the survey between 30^th June and 2^nd September 2022 and fieldwork stopped once 100 complete responses were received. Survey excludes patients below 18 years of age, therefore does not reflect the paediatric population. Survey was funded by Chugai Pharma UK.
[7] Molassiotis A, et al. J Pain Symptom Manage 2016;51(6): 987-9

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Dr Markus Kosch

Head of Oncology, Daiichi Sankyo

Dr David Harland

Oncology Medical Affairs Lead, AstraZeneca

Biomarkers have provided a breakthrough in cancer care because they identify the make-up of individual tumours — and the targeted intervention that could stop them in their tracks.

On average, someone is diagnosed with cancer every 90 seconds in the UK, notes Dr Markus Kosch, Head of Oncology at healthcare company, Daiichi Sankyo. 

“Which means that every 90 seconds, a husband, wife, father, mother, sister or brother has their life turned upside down,” he says. “There are now 3 million people living with cancer in the UK, and this figure is expected to rise to 5.3 million by 2040. So, it’s something that affects us all — directly or indirectly.”

Biomarker testing to assess disease and determine treatment 

Because cancer is so biologically diverse with a myriad of subtypes, it can be a challenge for clinicians to identify the best treatment options for their patients. However, thanks to advances in the understanding of tumour biology, an innovation called ‘biomarker testing’ is now accelerating the fight against cancer.

Biomarkers can detect whether a disease or condition is present, how aggressive it is, what is helping it thrive — and, crucially, what specific treatment would potentially stop it. They are collected via routine tests such as biopsies or blood tests. The information they produce has the power to revolutionise how we think about and treat disease.

For example, biomarkers identify a cancer’s ‘kryptonite’ — its weakness — so that specific tumour subtypes can be attacked in a more targeted way, making treatment more efficacious and, sometimes, side effects more tolerable.

Biomarkers can change both the narrative of cancer care and the trajectory of the disease.

Dr Markus Kosch

Understanding biomarkers and how they advance precision medicine 

Dr David Harland, Oncology Medical Affairs Lead at pharmaceutical and biotechnology company AstraZeneca, sees this as an exciting milestone in the field of oncology. “Biomarker testing is the emerging foundation of precision medicine,” he says. “You can’t deliver precision oncology treatment without an understanding and a breadth of biomarker testing.” 

By studying different biomarkers — such as risk biomarkers, monitoring biomarkers, predictive biomarkers and prognostic biomarkers — clinicians can make better, more informed decisions for patients.

You can’t deliver precision oncology treatment without an understanding and a breadth of biomarker testing.

Dr David Harland

For example, predictive biomarkers will tell them if a patient’s cancer can be treated by a specific type of agent, while prognostic biomarkers will indicate what an individual’s response to it will be. This can help avoid ‘overtreatment’— unnecessary and inappropriate medical care — in the interest of the patient, the physician and the healthcare system. 

“At present, chemotherapy is the ultimate hammer to crack a nut,” says Dr Harland. “It wipes out everything in the hope that it also kills the cancer. However, precision medicine gives targeted treatment to the tumour — and only to patients who are likely to respond to it. Ethically, and from a health economic perspective, it’s the right thing to do.” 

Looking at the role of patient groups and future of cancer care

As biomarker science advances, patients must understand its impact. “This is why the role of patient groups is so important,” stresses Dr Kosch. “For instance, we proactively work alongside organisations on initiatives that aim to improve patient outcomes through education and increased awareness.”

Dr Kosch believes that biomarkers can change both the narrative of cancer care and the trajectory of the disease. “Our vision is that, in the long-term, cancer will become a chronic disease, rather than a life sentence,” he says. “By enabling precision medicine, biomarkers are an important step towards transforming cancer from a life sentence to a chronic disease.” 

Dr Harland agrees. “Our mission is to eliminate cancer as a cause of death,” he says. “We’ll only be able to do this with precision medicine. We’re now moving away from thinking of cancer as ‘location-based’ and more towards the biomarkers we want to target. There’s still a huge amount of work to be done, especially in developing biomarkers and precision medicine.

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