The three day virtual meeting presented talks from the researchers in the NCI cancer prevention group.
In recent years, the NCI cancer prevention program went through significant changes in its portfolio (i.e., what kind of research topic they fund and support). Notably, increase in immuno-oncological approaches to prevent cancers (with target-specific drug, vaccines [peptide, DNA], etc).
Reflecting the shift, many talks were about cancer vaccines targeting cancers in different organs (lung, colon, ovary, oral, pancreas, etc).
Yet, there also were more familiar topics; inflammation, target-specific drugs, and so on.
Many talks were about clinical trials, meaning that the cancer prevention approaches are moving from lab animals to the clinic. Some did not show good efficacy, others looked promising. We will see if they go up the ladder further.
Recent advancements in technology are also showing in the presentations. Data science approach is combined with model-based laboratory studies.
A thing about cancer prevention research is that we are dealing with generally healthy population even with a higher risk of developing cancer, instead of cancer patients with existing cancer.
Risk-return in clinic is assessed conservatively. Some approaches used in cancer therapy (an emergency situation) are (unfortunately?) not an option in prevention research with the fear of side effects, although they are proven effective on the specific cancer. An example is immune checkpoint inhibitor. There are many things to consider in translational science application to the public.
I saw cancer prevention research results steadily advancing toward clinical application. It is good.
[TACPAD meeting webpage]
