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Published on: June 20, 2015
Challenging Roadblocks to Cancer Cure
1Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. The Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Division of Cancer Studies, King's College, London, United Kingdom. massimo_loda@dfci.harvard.edu.
Abstract:
The Pezcoller Symposium in Trento, Italy, June 2015, focused entirely on the question of why advanced cancer cure is so uncommon despite the extraordinarily rapid growth of invaluable therapeutic information. Participants were asked to define and to critically evaluate real and potential obstacles to permanent disease eradication. High-level concepts on potential road blocks to cures as well as opportunities for intervention in diverse areas of investigation ranging from genomic alterations to metabolism, microenvironment, immunity, and mechanotransduction were discussed. Provocative concepts and novel therapeutic avenues were proposed. What follows is a critical analysis of the highlights of this meeting. Cancer Res; 76(17); 4924-30. ©2016 AACR.
Insights
Advanced cancer cure remains rare due to complex obstacles. This analysis explores potential roadblocks and interventions across genomics, metabolism, immunity, and mechanotransduction for improved cancer eradication strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Research
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Despite significant advances in cancer therapeutics, achieving a complete cure for advanced cancer remains uncommon.
- The rapid accumulation of knowledge in cancer biology and treatment has not translated into a proportional increase in cure rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the obstacles hindering permanent cancer eradication.
- To identify and discuss novel therapeutic avenues and intervention opportunities in advanced cancer.
Main Methods:
- The content is based on discussions and analyses from the Pezcoller Symposium held in Trento, Italy, in June 2015.
- Expert participants critically evaluated real and potential barriers to cancer cures.
Main Results:
- Key areas of investigation include genomic alterations, tumor metabolism, the tumor microenvironment, cancer immunity, and mechanotransduction.
- Discussions highlighted provocative concepts and novel therapeutic strategies for intervention.
Conclusions:
- Overcoming obstacles in diverse biological areas is crucial for advancing cancer cure.
- Further research and novel therapeutic approaches are needed to improve permanent disease eradication in advanced cancer.
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