ESMO: Latest advances in European oncology medicine

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) is an international organization that multidisciplinary professional organization which promotes research, education, and international collaboration in the cancer treatment in Europe and worldwide. Founded in 1975, it brings together physicians, researchers and health professionals who are responsible for implementing innovative strategies and developing medical advances in the area of oncology.

What are the latest advances that have been made in oncology in the last year? In the following article, we analyze the importance of ESMO in medicine and the most outstanding research in cancer treatment.

ESMO's role in medicine

ESMO plays a key role in cancer research worldwide. Among its main functions, it supports research into new therapies, the development of personalized medicine and the use of artificial intelligence in the detection of cancer and in the area of diagnostic imaging. It is responsible for the creation of various clinical guidelines to promote the medical education and research into innovative cancer treatments.

To this end, it organizes congresses, courses and scientific publications to update professionals and specialists on the latest trends in oncological treatments. At the same time, it also elaborates international guidelines and protocols for cancer diagnosis and treatmentThe company's work in this field has led to many advances: the following are some of the most important advances in the field In particular, its work in this field has led to many advances:

• Create and implement safer and more effective treatments.
• Promoting prevention by means of a early diagnosis of cancer.
• Promote a equitable access to cancer care.
• Improving quality of life of millions of patients.

4 new advances in oncology presented by ESMO

On an annual basis, ESMO organizes one of the most important oncology congresses in the world: the Congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology ESMO. It brings together researchers, professionals and world leaders in the field of oncology to present the latest discoveries in oncology therapies, prevention strategies and technological innovations in medicine.

The last event took place in Barcelona, Spain, from September 13 to 17, 2024, where it was possible to analyze the latest advances in cancer treatment. The following is a summary of what was new:

New studies in immunotherapy

As recently as 15 years ago, the prognosis for a patient with metastatic melanoma was very limited. There was no way to slow the progression of the skin cancer and their life expectancy was less than six months. However, at the beginning of the last decade, great advances were achieved with the development of immunotherapy.

What does immunotherapy consist of? It is a technique based on the stimulation of the body's own defenses to eliminate the malignant cells present in the body. Today, immunotherapy studies have achieved a survival rate of 10 years for a person with the same disease. Its favorable results have allowed it to be expanded to other tumors and, at present, it is also being used to treat other tumors. is used in some types of lung, bladder and breast cancer.

A decade later, it has become a fundamental therapeutic approach that is still under continuous development and research.. During the ESMO congress, a study was presented showing the long-term impact of immunotherapy. The publication showed that half of the patients with metastatic melanoma who had been treated with immunotherapy survived cancer-free for up to 10 years.

Another research presented at the congress was that this type of drugs raises the survival of the most aggressive breast cancer: triple negative.

2. Intelligent precision chemotherapy

One of the major innovations addressed at the ESMO 2024 congress is the ADC drug developmentwhich combine a monoclonal antibody with cytotoxic agents. These drugs allow targeting chemotherapy directly to tumor cellsThis increases efficacy and reduces side effects.

Currently, the intelligent chemotherapy, with greater precisionis one of the most outstanding advances in oncology treatment and cancer cure. The use of ADC drugs represents one of the most promising solutions for the treatment of cancer. to treat different types of tumors, applying lower doses of chemotherapy and with lower toxicity.

3. Artificial Intelligence applied to Oncology

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing oncologyThe results of this research range from predicting responses to treatments to detecting genetic alterations that are invisible to the human eye. The AI in medicine facilitates the realization of faster and more accurate medical testsThe company's products and services are designed to improve the personalization of therapies and optimize clinical results.

4. Shorter and more effective radiotherapy in breast cancer treatment.

According to a study presented at the ESMO annual congress, a shorter radiotherapy protocol proves effective for women with breast cancer. During the clinical investigation, 1,265 patients were evaluated and the effects of a standard five-week radiation therapy were compared with a new scheme, referred to as "hyperfractionated".. This protocol consisted of reducing the treatment to three weeks and increasing the irradiation dose progressively at each session.

Currently, it had been studied that the effectiveness of a shorter radiotherapy was the same in the case of a localized tumor, but it had not yet been analyzed in women with lymph node breast cancerwhich represents the 30% of breast cancers. As session doses increased, there were fears of increased side effects, but the results of the fractionated therapy study indicate increased overall survival rates without relapse and metastasis.

Thus, the future application of shorter radiotherapies in cases of nodal breast cancer will help to reduce the treatment load and increase its efficiency.

In conclusion

These advances and challenges presented at the ESMO 2024 congress reflect the dynamism and advances in the area of oncology and cancer treatment. To this end, they have a great importance of research and adaptation of clinical practices to improve patient outcomes and prognoses.

Kiko Ramos

CEO of 4D Médica. Expert in marketing and distribution of medical equipment.