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Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: February 6, 2015
The changing world of cancer drug development: the regulatory bodies' perspective
Iordanis Gravanis1, Camille Vleminckx2, Bertil Jonsson3
1European Medicines Agency, London, UK. Iordanis.Gravanis@ema.europa.eu.
Background:
Although not a singular disease entity, advanced cancer continues to be a largely intractable disease and a high unmet medical need situation. Discovery of novel therapeutic modalities, including new drugs targeting cancer, is undoubtedly of major public health interest.
Methods:
In this article, we discuss current trends in oncology drug development as these are ultimately reflected in regulatory drug approvals.
Results And Conclusions:
These include the shift to targeted therapies which hold the promise of personalized medicine, but also financial pressures, the call for adaptive licensing which places more emphasis on early access and post-authorization studies (patient registries, prospective interventional and observational studies) and real-life effectiveness studies, as well as the emergence of biosimilars in the oncology treatment armamentarium.
Insights
Advanced cancer remains a significant challenge, driving the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Oncology drug development trends focus on targeted therapies, personalized medicine, and adaptive licensing for improved patient access and real-world effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Drug Development
- Regulatory Science
Background:
- Advanced cancer represents a major unmet medical need.
- Discovery of novel cancer therapeutics is of significant public health interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss current trends in oncology drug development.
- To analyze how these trends are reflected in regulatory drug approvals.
Main Methods:
- Review of current oncology drug development trends.
- Analysis of regulatory drug approval data.
Main Results:
- Shift towards targeted therapies and personalized medicine.
- Increased emphasis on adaptive licensing and real-world evidence.
- Emergence of biosimilars in cancer treatment.
Conclusions:
- Oncology drug development is evolving with a focus on precision medicine.
- Regulatory pathways are adapting to facilitate earlier access and post-authorization studies.
- Biosimilars are becoming an important part of the oncology treatment landscape.
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