Esmo 2023 brings together oncologists from around the world to discuss the latest advances in cancer treatment. Specialists from Sírio-Libanês Hospital highlight the main results of the meeting
Around 30,000 experts gathered from 20 to 24 October for the European Society of Medical Oncology (Esmo) congress in Madrid, Spain, to discuss the latest in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
The main focuses of the 2023 edition concerned lung cancer, but important works on cervical, breast, endometrial and bladder cancers were also presented, which should change clinical practice. Promising treatments have emerged in two drug classes. One of these, immunotherapy, stimulates the defense system to attack malignant cells. “Studies have shown, for the first time, that immunotherapy can increase patient survival even in the early stages of the disease,” says Guilherme Harada, clinical oncologist at Sírio-Libanês Hospital.
Another important class is that of targeted therapies, widely used in advanced diseases and which act directly on the mutation that causes cancer. “We already had impressive data on disease control in the initial scenario for patients with a mutation in the EGFR gene and now we also have them for changes in the ALK gene,” says clinical oncologist Andrea Shimada, coordinator of Oncology at Sírio Hospital -Libanês, at the Itaim unit. .
Both targeted therapy and immunotherapy spare healthy tissue and produce fewer side effects than chemotherapy. These drugs are more accurate in treating non-small cell lung cancers and are part of precision oncology.
In this sense, Harada also highlighted other research with targeted therapies against thyroid cancer. For most people, this cancer is treatable with surgery and iodine therapy. Some, however, metastasize and require further treatment. “One study showed that a drug called selpercatinib, used for lung cancer, also works for the thyroid,” says the doctor. “This edition of Esmo has reinforced the importance of molecular analysis of tumors as early as possible, so that the doctor can indicate the best treatments for each case.”
The event also brought good news regarding breast cancer. In this context, Andrea Shimada highlights an important class of drugs, drug-conjugated antibodies. They bind to tumor cells and release chemotherapy inside them, a sort of Trojan horse. Updated data on the benefits with trastuzumab deruxtecan were presented and the first data withdatopotamab deruxtecan were also positive. “These drugs help minimize symptoms, increase disease control times and improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients. This class of drugs has come to revolutionize all areas of oncology through its mechanism of action. intelligent action in fighting the disease”, says the doctor.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
