Insight

Jan 25, 2025, 13:37

Highlight of Prof. Ola Khorshid’s Talk at BGICC 17th Conference: Advancements in cancer management

Prof. Ola Khorshid provided an in-depth overview of advancements in cancer management at BGICC 2025, with a particular focus on systemic therapies, surgical interventions, and immunotherapy developments.

Here are the key takeaways from her presentation:

1. Shift in Treatment Paradigms:

Cancer management has evolved significantly, transitioning from traditional chemotherapy to immunotherapy and targeted treatments.
Platinum-based regimens were the standard for years, but the integration of immunotherapy has drastically improved survival rates in recent times.

2. Role of Inflammation in Disease Progression:

Prof. Khorshid emphasized the critical role of chronic inflammation in cancer pathogenesis.
Markers such as TMB (Tumor Mutation Burden) have limited utility in certain cases, but inflammation-based mechanisms remain a research focus.

3. Immunotherapy Revolution:

Immunotherapy options, such as checkpoint inhibitors (anti-PD-1/PD-L1), are now integral in first-line treatments.
Studies have shown long-term survival benefits, with some patients achieving 4-year survival rates of up to 20%.

4. Challenges in Biomarkers:

Despite advancements, reliable biomarkers for certain cancers remain elusive, making it difficult to predict treatment responses accurately.

5. Surgical and Systemic Treatment Guidelines:

New international guidelines underscore the importance of combining surgery with systemic therapies.
The recommendation for perioperative chemo-immunotherapy has become a strong standard for specific patient subsets.

6. Clinical Trials and Innovations:

Prof. Khorshid highlighted pivotal trials such as IMpower743, which have shaped the current approach to systemic therapies.
Novel combination strategies, including dual immunotherapy or chemo-immunotherapy, continue to show promise.

7. Unmet Needs and Future Directions:

While immunotherapy has transformed outcomes, challenges remain, particularly in patients with progressive disease or limited responses.
Ongoing trials, such as metastatic-focused Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, aim to refine and expand treatment options.

8. Key Message:

The integration of immunotherapy into frontline treatments is changing the trajectory of survival for many patients, offering hope where none existed before.
A personalized approach to treatment, focusing on patient-specific factors rather than one-size-fits-all solutions, is essential.

Prof. Khorshid concluded her talk at BGICC by reiterating the need for continuous innovation and collaboration to address the unmet needs in oncology. Her insights provided a comprehensive update on the future of cancer care, emphasizing both the progress made and the challenges ahead.