Yearly Cancer Summit Online: Lung, Prostate, and Colon Treatment the Focus

The yearly gathering of oncologists stills presses on despite the coronavirus pandemic. — (Photo : Photo by ColiN00B from Pixabay)

There's are new medications that will play an essential role in controlling certain types of cancer, especially for lung, colon, and prostate cancers.

In an article from Medical Xpress, it was revealed during the online conference of the American Society of Clinical Oncology that Tagrisso, under U.K. pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca will be able to reduce the risk of lung cancer to come back and will even make the process of treatment bearable.

Tagrisso and Lung Cancer

Tagrisso is different from the usual chemotherapy as it will lock-on a distinct mutated DNA sequence instead of killing both healthy cells and cancer cells. Other good news is that the pill's side effects are quite feasible, mainly as it can be used again and again if necessary.

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As expected, due to the coronavirus pandemic, a spectacular conference wherein participating pharmaceuticals will travel was a big no-no. Nevertheless, the virtual summit still came up with various vital highlights regarding cancer, although most drug industries are concentrating on the cure and treatment for the coronavirus.

In a study spearheaded by Yale Cancer Center's Dr. Roy Herbst, the AstraZeneca drug demonstrated a compelling effect on both early-stage epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated (EGFRm) non-small cell lung cancer patients. Half of them underwent chemotherapy and was given Tagrisso or placebo pills. In two years, 89% of those who took the pill survived and didn't have any recurring growth of cancer cells, unlike those who took the placebo.

The physician mentioned that Tagrisso is now recognized as a treatment for lung cancer, especially in the advanced stages, as mentioned in The Miner. However, the possible drawback of this drug is that it's extremely expensive.

Relugolix and Prostate Cancer

Pharmaceutical company Myovant Sciences's also made its announcement for their treatment of advanced prostate cancer courtesy of the drug called relugolix. In the study group, relugolix treatment displayed a lower rate of 54% major cardiovascular side effects compared to leuprolide acetate, as mentioned in ABC News. The test was done every three months, wherein 930 subjects were given treatment for almost a year.

Keytruda and Colon Cancer

For advanced colon cancer, Merck & Co's Keytruda demonstrated a fantastic treatment for people who suffer from this type of cancer. Comparatively, the usual chemo combinations will result in a genetic effect due to the exposure.

Keytruda tested 307 individuals with colon cancer in a report from AP News. The subjects treated with the drug managed to achieve 16 months before their cancer becoming unfavorable. Those on chemo managed only eight months before their condition worsened.

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This annual meeting of clinical oncologists provides many opportunities for physicians, scientists, executives, and investors to know each other well. Despite the hindrance of the pandemic, it still managed to give a good platform for pharmaceutical companies to share their findings and new treatments to the public.