Cynthia Weiss | (TNS) Mayo Clinic News Network
DEAR MAYO CLINIC:
Over the past year, my family has been affected by various types of cancer, such as leukemia, melanoma, breast cancer, and colon cancer. I’ve noticed that there are more treatment options available now compared to the past. Could you please share some of the advances in cancer care? Also, what should I be aware of in terms of my own risk for cancer?
ANSWER:
Although the rate of cancer diagnosis has slightly decreased since the onset of COVID-19, it remains a prevalent disease in the United States, affecting nearly 2 million individuals each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that cancer continues to be the leading cause of death in the country. Due to its chronic nature, extensive research is being conducted by numerous organizations, including Mayo Clinic, to identify and evaluate new treatment options that can improve outcomes and reduce the burden of cancer for patients and their families.
Innovations in cancer therapy are contributing to increased survival rates and providing hope for a cure to a larger number of people. We are now able to treat cancer more precisely while minimizing side effects. Here are five groundbreaking cancer treatments that are revolutionizing the field:
1. CAR-T Cell Therapy:
Chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy (CAR-T) is a relatively new treatment that was approved in 2017 for specific types of lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma. Mayo Clinic actively participated in the clinical trial that led to the approval of this therapy. CAR-T cell therapy utilizes the power of the immune system to fight cancer by modifying and training immune cells to target cancer cells in the body. It has been successfully used to treat lymphomas, leukemias, and multiple myeloma, with remission rates of approximately 70% to 80% in lymphoma patients. Ongoing studies are exploring the use of CAR-T cell therapies for additional diseases with fewer side effects.
2. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors:
These therapies enhance the immune system’s ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells by inhibiting natural checkpoints that limit the immune response. The first checkpoint inhibitor received FDA approval in 2011 for the treatment of melanoma. Since then, 15 more immune checkpoint inhibitors have been approved for various cancers, including small-cell lung, liver, and colorectal cancers.
3. Minimally Invasive Surgery:
While surgery remains an essential part of cancer treatment for many individuals, minimally invasive surgery has emerged as a preferred approach. This technique involves using small incisions and specialized instruments to remove cancer tissue. Compared to traditional procedures, minimally invasive surgery is associated with less pain, fewer complications, and faster recovery times. Recent advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as robotic technology, allow for even greater precision and safety, expanding the availability of this approach across multiple diseases.
4. Personalized Cancer Vaccines:
Similar to vaccines for childhood diseases, cancer vaccines hold potential not only for treating certain cancers but also for preventing their recurrence. Several cancer vaccines have already been approved for the treatment of melanoma, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer. However, personalized mRNA cancer vaccines are particularly exciting to researchers. These vaccines would be tailored to an individual based on the specific genetic features of their tumor. It is expected that personalized mRNA cancer vaccines will become accessible within the next decade, paving the way for preventive vaccination against certain cancers.
5. Advances in Radiation Therapies:
Radiation therapy is often prescribed as part of cancer treatment for specific cancer types. Proton beam therapy, a highly precise radiation treatment that spares surrounding healthy tissue while targeting cancer cells, is widely known. This technology has been refined over the years to improve its effectiveness in various tumor types and minimize side effects. The next advancement in radiation therapy is carbon ion therapy, which is currently used to treat cancers resistant to proton therapy. Carbon ion therapy, like proton beam therapy, precisely targets and destroys cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. While it is currently available at only a few medical centers in Europe and Asia, Mayo Clinic is building the first carbon ion therapy facility in North America at its Jacksonville, Florida campus.
These innovative cancer therapies are driving improvements in health outcomes and leading to more cancer cures. Given the cancer diagnoses within your family, it is crucial to stay updated on new advancements and treatment options. Seeking information and resources from a comprehensive cancer center like Mayo Clinic will be invaluable as you and your family navigate the journey of treatment and survivorship. It is also important to review your relationship with your family members who have been diagnosed with cancer to better understand your own risk. Consider connecting with a genetic counselor who can guide you in assessing your risk and determining appropriate screenings.
— Compiled by Mayo Clinic staff
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