Advancements in lung cancer treatment over the past 10 years

Transforming Lung Cancer Treatment: The Era of Precision Medicine

Over the past decade, lung cancer treatment has witnessed a significant transformation, moving into the era of precision medicine with targeted therapy. This shift has been propelled by the development and FDA approval of a range of therapies designed to inhibit the proteins driving tumor growth.

One of the leading figures in this revolution is Dr Mark Awad, MD, PhD, Chief of Thoracic Oncology Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr Awad specializes in diagnosing and treating lung cancer, with a focus on immunotherapy and cellular therapy. He brings nearly two decades of clinical and research experience to the field.

The UAE, like many countries, faces a growing burden of lung cancer, with it being among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, particularly among men. In response, advances in genetics-based therapies and immunotherapies are crucial in addressing this issue.

In the UAE and the Gulf region, global collaboration is essential to ensure patients have access to world-class, personalized care. The Thoracic Oncology Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has collaborated with pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and AstraZeneca, as well as research institutes including the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Broad Institute, to advance targeted therapies and immunotherapies for lung cancer.

Targeted therapy allows doctors to tailor treatment based on the genetic makeup of each patient's tumor. Immunotherapy has revolutionized lung cancer care, enabling the body's own immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells. Key mutations in genes such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, BRAF, KRAS, MET, HER2, and NTRK are now routinely tested.

In early-stage disease, innovations such as minimally invasive surgery and advanced "liquid biopsy" blood tests are reducing complications and detecting recurrences at the earliest, most treatable stage. Immunotherapy is increasingly used earlier in treatment, even before and after surgery, to reduce recurrence rates and improve the chance of a cure.

New types of immunotherapies, including TIL therapy and bispecific antibodies, are offering hope to patients with aggressive cancers, including small cell lung cancer. Personalized mRNA vaccines are under investigation and may train the body to target each patient's unique cancer markers.

The aim of these advancements is not only to extend life but also to preserve its quality. The author emphasizes the importance of this balance, as the goal is not just to prolong life but to ensure that life is lived as healthily and as fully as possible.

Lung cancer remains one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide, including in the Middle East. However, with the rapid pace of research and development in the field, there is reason for hope. The future of lung cancer treatment lies in the continued collaboration of medical professionals, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies, working together to bring the most effective and personalized care to patients.