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Shifting the Paradigm of Cancer Treatment

In previous posts on MedOncMD.com, I’ve discussed a message about a future where we rely less on traditional chemotherapy. Dr. Thomas and I have dedicated a significant portion of our careers to shifting the paradigm toward more targeted therapies that minimize damage to healthy cells. Our ultimate goal is to improve the quality and length of life for our patients while reducing the toxicity of treatments.

The EV-302/KEYNOTE-A39 Study: Comparing Targeted Therapies to Traditional Chemotherapy

Recently, the results of the EV-302/KEYONTE-A39 study were presented at a global meeting. This study compared an Antibody Drug Conjugate and Immunotherapy (Padcev and Pembrolizumab) to traditional chemotherapy in patients with advanced urothelial (bladder cancer). Padcev targets cells with a marker called Nectin-4 on their surface, primarily found on cancer cells rather than healthy ones.

This means that the therapy mostly targets malignant cells while sparing healthy ones. Pembrolizumab activates the body’s normal immune cells to recognize cancer cells as it would a virus or bacteria and mount an attack.

The trial results demonstrate, for the first time, that a non-chemotherapy combination could surpass the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy, typically cisplatin and gemcitabine. Patients, on average, had better disease control and longer survival with Padcev and Pembrolizumab compared to traditional chemotherapy. Although it may take some time for a new treatment option to become the standard of care after study results are released, it’s highly likely that this combination will quickly become the new standard.

Such advancements occur thanks to clinical trials and forward-thinking. Dr. Thomas and I aspire to bring about similar changes in the treatment of every disease we handle.

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