Adaptive therapy: a balanced triangle for chronic cancer management

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Therapeutics
• Precision Medicine

Background:

• Cancer treatment complexity necessitates balancing curative intent, long-term control, and treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs).
• A dynamic approach is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes across the continuum of cancer care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an expanded definition of modern adaptive therapy in oncology.
• To focus on balancing tumor burden, therapeutic efficacy, and TRAEs for optimized outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Biomarker-guided patient selection.
• Dynamic tumor burden assessment and longitudinal monitoring of treatment response and TRAEs.
• Modulation of treatment intensity (escalation, de-escalation, intermittent strategies) using advanced imaging, liquid biopsy, and artificial intelligence.

Main Results:

• This framework enables maximization of clinical benefit while minimizing toxicity.
• Enhances patient quality of life and survival.
• Promotes more sustainable and cost-effective cancer care.

Conclusions:

• Modern adaptive therapy represents a dynamic, integrated approach to cancer treatment.
• It aims to personalize care by continuously assessing and adjusting treatment based on individual patient response and toxicity.
• This strategy holds the potential to significantly improve cancer care delivery and patient outcomes.