The world has been battling cancer since its first discovery. Throughout the years, many treatments have surfaced with chemotherapy as the most widely used. New information suggests that a type or class of drugs can help free a person's immune system and target cancer. The new system is the product and research of a Houston scientist. According to the scientist, the new research can prolong the lives of people including those dealing with hardest-to-treat forms of ailments.
According to the Houston Chronicle, the breakthrough was announced during the biggest cancer conference in the world. The announcement also said that new research has been achieving positive results for bladder, kidney, head, neck and lung cancer specifically related to immunotherapy. The treatment in these areas has been considered a lost cause until the new research came forward.
Overall, there over 70 studies discussed during the event. Likewise, despite the number, the new studies have the industry buzzing.
"The revolution is here," Dr. Steven O'Day, director of clinical research at the Beverly Hills Cancer Center, explained during the conference. "Immunotherapy is bursting out of melanoma and into other solid tumors."
According to the doctors, the results of the studies produced survival numbers that can be considered significant enough. The results were also impressive since there were patients tested who were already suffering from advanced stages of the disease. The patients did not respond previously to other treatments and therapies thus the value of the results of the study. The doctors also noted that there was a short life expectancy among the patients involved.
The conference drew those from the drug sector who are keen on cashing out the results of the researchers. According to analysts, the results of the studies can mean tens of billions of dollars for the drug industry. According to the report, the research from Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck, Roche and AstraZeneca can amount easily to $1.3 billion.
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