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Updated: Aug 2, 2025

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: February 6, 2015
A View on Drug Development for Cancer Prevention
Andrew R Reynolds1, Michele Moschetta1, Alula R Yohannes2
1Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Despite some notable successes, there are still relatively few agents approved for cancer prevention. Here we review progress thus far in the development of medicines for cancer prevention, and we outline some key concepts that could further enable or accelerate drug development for cancer prevention in the future. These are summarized under six key themes: (i) unmet clinical need, (ii) patient identification, (iii) risk stratification, (iv) pharmacological intervention, (v) clinical trials, and (vi) health care policy. These concepts, if successfully realized, may help to increase the number of medicines available for cancer prevention.
Significance:
The huge potential public health benefits of preventing cancer, combined with recent advances in the availability of novel early detection technologies and new treatment modalities, has caused us to revisit the opportunities and challenges associated with developing medicines to prevent cancer. Here we review progress in the field of developing medicines to prevent cancer to date, and we present a series of ideas that might help in the development of more medicines to prevent cancer in the future.
Insights
Developing new medicines for cancer prevention is crucial. This review outlines key strategies to accelerate the availability of cancer preventive drugs, addressing unmet needs and improving patient identification for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Limited number of approved agents for cancer prevention despite significant public health benefits.
- Recent advances in early detection and treatment modalities necessitate a re-evaluation of cancer prevention drug development.
Approach:
- Reviewing progress in the development of medicines for cancer prevention.
- Outlining key concepts to enable and accelerate future drug development.
Key Points:
- Unmet clinical need in cancer prevention.
- Improved patient identification and risk stratification.
- Pharmacological interventions and optimized clinical trial designs.
- Consideration of healthcare policy to support drug development.
Conclusions:
- Addressing the outlined key themes can significantly increase the number of available medicines for cancer prevention.
- A multi-faceted approach integrating scientific, clinical, and policy strategies is essential for advancing cancer prevention drug development.
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