Precision Medicine: Hope on the Horizon

1. A study presented by researchers a the University of California, San Diego, at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) 2016 annual meeting in Chicago, indicates that precision medicine is moving in a positive direction for multiple cancers, But especially for lung cancer. Currently there have been eight different drivers of tumor growth and there will be more to be evaluated in the future. Trials for new target agents that will amplify medical technologies and treatments are on the horizon. There is hope for cross over application to other cancers and sarcomas . . . for LMS!
2. Immunotherapy is working for some forms of cancer but not all cancer types, and it is still a difficult challenge for Leiomyosarcoma. The FDA approved PD-1 inhibitors and CTLA--4 inhibitors for lung, kidney, and melanoma cancer. Immunotherapy research and application to other cancers brings hope for potential future “cross over” research and treatment for application to LMS.
3. NOTCH RECEPTORS - Low numbers of “notch signaling receptors” on the surface of immune cells weaken response against cancer cells. Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center are synthesizing molecules that interact with Notch receptors to affect Notch signaling. Molecules may work as anticancer agents by helping the immune system recognize and react against tumor cells that arise in the body. Currently this is being tested. The next step is to identify a set of possible molecules that will be evaluated for safety and effectiveness in animal cancer models If there is success . . clinical trials for humans can eventually emerge — another “hope on the horizon.”

Special Note: it is always helpful to know where research is, where it is headed,

In order to stay vigilant for a breakthrough and potential for “cross over” to different cancers and sarcomas . . . .and eventually land on the LMS doorstep.

Knowing as much as you can, allows for better information exchange with your oncology team.