What’s new in cancer care across Europe in early 2024 (1 Jan – 5 Mar 2024): Advancements, Innovations, Research, Awareness

(IN BRIEF) In early 2024, Europe’s medical and research communities announced major breakthroughs in cancer care, highlighting new treatments like AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo’s datopotamab deruxtecan for lung and breast cancer, and AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso for EGFR-mutated lung cancer. Diagnostic advancements and genetic research promise more personalized and effective screening, particularly in breast and colorectal cancers. Efforts to raise awareness about cancer prevention and strategic initiatives to address cancer incidence were also emphasized. These developments mark significant progress in the fight against cancer, showcasing Europe’s leading role in oncology innovation.

(PRESS RELEASE) CAMBRIDGE, HELSINKI, BERLIN, ZURICH, 5-Mar-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — In the opening months of 2024 (1 Jan – 5 Mar 2024), European companies and institutions have made significant strides in the fight against cancer, unveiling a series of innovations and research findings that promise to transform the landscape of cancer care. This period witnessed a suite of innovations spanning novel therapeutic candidates, cutting-edge diagnostic tools, and insightful genetic studies, setting the stage for transformative shifts in cancer care dynamics and paving the way for more effective, personalized, and accessible cancer solutions.

The announcements made during the first two months of the year (2024) reveal significant advancements in cancer treatment, diagnostics, and research, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to combat this disease across various fronts:

Treatment, Diagnostic, Research, Awareness, etc.

1. Treatment Advancements:
   • AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo’s datopotamab deruxtecan for lung and breast cancer.
   • AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso for Stage III EGFR-mutated lung cancer and as a first-line treatment.
   • BioNTech and Duality Biologics’ Phase 3 trial for a HER2-targeted therapy in breast cancer.
   • Merck KGaA’s licensing agreement with Inspirna for a novel therapy for colorectal cancer.
2. Diagnostic Innovations:
   • Eckert & Ziegler’s collaboration with Novartis for neuroendocrine neoplasms diagnostics in Japan.
   • Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood tests as highlighted by the Swiss Re Institute report.
3. Genetic and Screening Research:
   • University of Helsinki’s study on genetic risk information for breast cancer screening.
   • University of Helsinki’s ReSisTrace methodology for identifying treatment-resistant cancer cells.
   • University of Helsinki’s polygenic risk score for colorectal cancer.
4. Awareness and Strategy:
   • Aviva’s research on the need for increased cancer prevention awareness.
   • University of Liverpool’s appointment of Professor Tim Maughan to combat cancer in the Liverpool City Region.

In more details:

A landmark development comes from AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo with the EMA’s validation of marketing applications for datopotamab deruxtecan, targeting critical lung and breast cancer types. Similarly, AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso has showcased its potential in improving outcomes for lung cancer patients in advanced stages, further solidified by FDA’s nod for its use in a broader patient cohort.

In diagnostics, Eckert & Ziegler‘s alliance with Novartis Pharma K.K. shines light on [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TATE PET/CT imaging’s role in enhancing neuroendocrine neoplasm diagnostics in Japan. Simultaneously, the advent of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood tests, as reported by the Swiss Re Institute, heralds a new era in cancer screening, promising a comprehensive and less invasive approach.

The genetic front sees the University of Helsinki making strides with studies suggesting a more nuanced breast cancer screening regime, informed by genetic risk profiles, and unveiling the ReSisTrace methodology to combat treatment-resistant cancer cells. This genetic lens also brings into focus the polygenic risk score by University of Helsinki for colorectal cancer, advocating for tailored screening strategies.

Amid these scientific and technological leaps, the narrative also weaves in the vital threads of awareness and strategic planning. Aviva’s research casts light on the gaps in public consciousness regarding cancer prevention, while the University of Liverpool‘s strategic appointment of Professor Tim Maughan aims to tackle cancer incidence head-on, particularly in underserved communities.

BioNTech‘s collaboration with Duality Biologics embarks on a pivotal trial for a novel HER2-targeted therapy in breast cancer, promising to widen the therapeutic landscape. Merck KGaA‘s venture with Inspirna introduces ompenaclid, a beacon of hope for colorectal cancer patients, marking another significant stride in cancer therapeutics.

As World Cancer Day (4 February) was commemorated, these announcements serve as a testament to the unwavering commitment of European companies and institutions to advancing cancer care. Through innovation, collaboration, and a deep-seated dedication to saving lives, the battle against cancer is being waged with renewed vigor and hope. Please also note that the announcements mentioned in this release  include only the press releases that have been published on and sent out via EuropaWire during the following period: 1 Jan – 5 Mar 2024 and the information is certainly not exhaustive.

SOURCE: EuropaWire