Section 1.1: Advances in Breast Cancer Treatment

It is important to clarify that breast cancer that has metastasized to distant organs—such as the bones, lungs, liver, or brain—is currently not curable. Nevertheless, a recent study has revealed promising news regarding long-term survival rates for two subtypes of breast cancer.

Patients suffering from two of the three major forms of advanced breast cancer now boast a median overall survival rate of at least five years, essentially doubling the survival time observed a decade ago. The two subtypes that have seen this improvement are HER2-positive (HER2+) and estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers. HER2-positive breast cancer is characterized by cells that have a specific protein overexpressed on their surface.

Approximately 25 percent of those with metastatic breast cancer are diagnosed with HER2-positive disease, and many are now living up to ten years after diagnosis. This is largely due to targeted therapies that inhibit the HER2 pathway responsible for cell growth and division, with trastuzumab (Herceptin) being the most prominent treatment.

For those interested in learning more about Herceptin, consider reading:

Her-2: The Making of Herceptin, a Revolutionary Treatment for Breast Cancer

To experience the inspiring story of Dr. Dennis Slamon, the developer of Herceptin, you might enjoy the film:

Living Proof

Section 1.2: Progress in Melanoma Treatment

Recent advancements in the field of immunotherapy are revolutionizing cancer treatment. Researchers from around the globe have shared impressive results from studies utilizing a combination of two immunotherapy agents for advanced melanoma. The use of nivolumab and ipilimumab together has led to significantly improved progression-free and overall survival rates compared to single-agent treatments.

Notably, at least half of the patients with melanoma that has metastasized to distant sites remained alive five years post-treatment.

One remarkable case is that of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who was diagnosed with advanced melanoma that had spread to his brain. Initially, doctors treated him with a focused, high-dose radiation therapy known as radiosurgery, which damaged the cancerous cells and caused them to release substances that attracted immune cells.

Subsequently, President Carter received immunotherapy, specifically pembrolizumab (Keytruda). Within three months, at the age of 91, he learned that his tumors had disappeared. This drug bolstered his immune system's ability to combat the cancer, and five years later, he shows no signs of residual cancer.

To delve deeper into immunotherapy, visit:

What is Immunotherapy?

In recognition of their groundbreaking work in cancer immunotherapy, Dr. James P. Allison and Dr. Tasuku Honjo were jointly awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Thank you for joining me in exploring the advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapy for managing advanced cancer.