Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: February 6, 2015
High-Throughput Testing of Novel-Novel Combination Therapies for Cancer: An Idea Whose Time Has Come
Uciane K Scarlett1, Dennis C Chang2, Thomas J Murtagh2
1Clarion Healthcare LLC, Boston, Massachusetts. uscarlett@clarionhealthcare.com.
Abstract:
Combination therapies are essential to address the genetic complexity, plasticity, and heterogeneity of tumors and to overcome resistance mechanisms that confound single-agent approaches, and are a paradigm that became well established in the era of conventional cytotoxic chemotherapies. Today, we are well equipped to address many of the scientific, clinical, and collaboration challenges that have existed historically; however, the pace of testing rational combinations is modest. Our analysis shows that the volume of clinical trials testing multiple investigational pipeline agents ("novel-novel" combinations) is dismally low, as out of approximately 1,500 phase I to III investigational combination trials initiated in 2014-2015, only 80 were for novel-novel combinations, and only 9 of those involved more than one company. The Collaborative Novel-Novel Combination Therapies (CoNNCT) initiative aims to alleviate this bottleneck by developing a new, faster paradigm for early investigation of scientifically informed, novel-novel drug combinations. The initiative kicked off on March 7, 2016, when representatives from top academic centers, biopharma, nonprofits, the FDA, and other groups gathered to define an actionable path forward. Cancer Discov; 6(9); 956-62. ©2016 AACR.
Insights
Developing novel combination cancer therapies is crucial but slow. The Collaborative Novel-Novel Combination Therapies (CoNNCT) initiative aims to accelerate testing of new drug combinations to overcome tumor resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Drug Development
Background:
- Combination therapies are vital for treating complex and heterogeneous tumors, overcoming resistance to single agents.
- Despite advances, the pace of testing rational drug combinations, particularly novel-novel combinations, remains slow.
- Analysis of 2014-2015 trials shows a low volume of novel-novel combination studies, with few involving multiple companies.
Discussion:
- The Collaborative Novel-Novel Combination Therapies (CoNNCT) initiative addresses the bottleneck in early-phase investigation of novel drug combinations.
- CoNNCT seeks to establish a faster paradigm for scientifically informed, novel-novel drug combination testing.
- A March 2016 meeting convened experts from academia, industry, and regulatory bodies to define a path forward.
Key Insights:
- Tumor complexity necessitates combination therapies for effective treatment.
- Current clinical trial landscape shows limited investigation into novel-novel drug combinations.
- Industry and academic collaboration is essential for advancing combination therapy research.
Outlook:
- The CoNNCT initiative aims to accelerate the development and testing of innovative combination cancer treatments.
- Future efforts will focus on streamlining the early investigation of scientifically rational, novel-novel drug combinations.
- This initiative holds promise for improving outcomes in cancer patients by overcoming therapeutic resistance.
