Cancer patients could soon see significant improvements in their treatment options thanks to five groundbreaking developments. These include immunotherapy treatments that boost survival rates, a new DNA blood test that accelerates personalized cancer care, and structured exercise programs that reduce the risk of death and recurrence.
Immunotherapy treatments like Keytruda and Car T-cell therapy have shown remarkable success in tackling head and neck cancers, melanoma, and solid tumors. Studies have demonstrated significant improvements in survival rates, with some patients living up to five years after treatment without disease progression.
A revolutionary DNA blood test, known as a liquid biopsy, is being rolled out across England for patients with lung and breast cancer. This fast-tracking technology enables healthcare systems to offer tailored treatments that significantly increase survival chances.
Regular exercise has also been found to reduce the risk of death in cancer patients by over 30%. A decade-long trial showed that structured exercise regimes can prevent disease recurrence, new tumors developing, and improve mood, fatigue, and strength.
Breast cancer treatment is getting a boost with new drugs like camizestrant, which slows tumor growth and delays chemotherapy. Researchers have also discovered a groundbreaking triple therapy for aggressive breast cancer, slowing disease progression and extending patient lifespans.
Finally, artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to end a “postcode lottery” for life-extending treatments like abiraterone for prostate cancer. An AI test developed by researchers in the US, UK, and Switzerland can identify which men would benefit most from this treatment, paving the way for more targeted and effective care.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jun/06/key-takeaways-from-worlds-largest-cancer-conference-in-chicago