Antimicrobial Resistance in Cancer Care: Challenge and Path Forward

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Infectious Diseases
• Drug Development

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat, particularly impacting immunocompromised cancer patients.
• Multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens compromise antibiotic efficacy, increasing morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs in cancer care.
• AMR jeopardizes cancer treatment delivery, necessitating dose adjustments and treatment delays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the unique challenges of AMR in oncology.
• To evaluate the translational readiness of novel therapeutic strategies for AMR in cancer patients.
• To explore sustainable solutions beyond traditional antibiotic stewardship.

Main Methods:

• Literature synthesis to define the clinical and economic burden of AMR in oncology.
• Critical appraisal of non-traditional anti-infective strategies, including bacteriophage therapy, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and CRISPR-Cas systems.
• Examination of clinical and regulatory barriers to these novel therapies.

Main Results:

• AMR poses a significant threat to the safe and effective delivery of cancer therapies.
• Traditional antibiotic development is insufficient to combat emerging MDR pathogens in this population.
• Innovative therapies show promise but face substantial standardization, manufacturing, and regulatory challenges.

Conclusions:

• Combating AMR is integral to advancing cancer care.
• A paradigm shift is needed, integrating robust antibiotic stewardship, rapid diagnostics, and investment in novel anti-infectives.
• Addressing translational and regulatory hurdles is essential for integrating new therapies into oncology practice and protecting vulnerable patients.