Immunotherapies help T cells to find and attack cancer cells, and might be more effective when given earlier in the course of disease when the immune system is stronger.Credit: Steve Gschmeissner/ Science Photo Library/ Getty Images
New research and medicines have revolutionized the oncology landscape over the last several decades. Innovations in immunotherapy, particularly checkpoint inhibition, have driven increases in overall survival and quality of life. With three checkpoint inhibitors approved for clinical use, Bristol Myers Squibb is a pioneer of immunotherapy in oncology and continues to draw on its deep knowledge to initiate additional clinical studies in earlier stages of cancer.
Ian Waxman, VP, senior global programme lead, late development oncology at Bristol Myers Squibb, explains how immunotherapy, when used in earlier stages of disease, may benefit even more patients.
Ian Waxman, VP, senior global programme lead, late development oncology at Bristol Myers Squibb.Credit: BMS
Decades ago, we had relatively few tools and we were mainly limited to older chemotherapeutic agents. Today, we have many more effective options beyond chemotherapies, including hormone therapies, novel antibodies that disrupt important cancer functions, antibody-drug conjugates, small-molecule inhibitors of genetic drivers, and immune checkpoint inhibitors across multiple indications. The innovations in immunotherapy across a wide range of cancers have been revolutionary for many patients and their families.
How can the treatment of cancer further advance?
We believe it is important to use our existing treatment armamentarium earlier in the course of disease, for instance in the locally advanced, high-risk setting, with the aim to prevent the disease from returning. Patients often worry that their cancer might come back following potentially curative treatment like surgery. It’s an emotional toll that patients and their loved ones constantly carry both before and after surgery.
Why is it a good idea to treat earlier stages of cancer with immunotherapy?
The scientific rationale for treating cancer earlier is that the immune system is usually largely intact and hasn’t been knocked down by either the cancer or systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, and therefore may be more responsive to immunotherapies. Exploring the use of immunotherapy in earlier stages of cancer is important because of its potential to help prevent recurrence, address unmet needs, and provide patients with hope of a cure.
What areas of need are Bristol Myers Squibb addressing?
Through our focus on improving patient outcomes, whether by addressing needs in earlier stages of cancer or by addressing cancer resistance and relapse if it recurs, we aim to help improve survival outcomes by working together as a cancer community to bring transformative treatment options to the patients that we serve. Our research in melanoma, lung, esophageal and urothelial cancer has shown us that it is possible for immunotherapy to have a statistically significant benefit earlier in the course of disease. We continue our efforts to translate these scientific findings into other tumour types.
How can the cancer community help?
Treating cancer takes a village. We all strive to advance cancer care and treatment by contributing, discussing and understanding the latest research presented in the literature and at congresses. We further engage with the oncologic community through social and digital channels. At BMS, we maintain active relationships with advocacy organizations, and regularly discuss new datasets with colleagues, which are wonderful ways to keep advancing the field to provide better options and outcomes for our patients. We all want the same thing – to reduce or eliminate the burden of cancer around the world.