The Potential Of Neoadjuvant Therapy In The Treatment Of Solid Tumors

Neoadjuvant therapy, initially used for breast and colorectal cancer, is now gaining traction in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), head and neck, and gastrointestinal tumors. This approach involves administering treatments, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy, before surgery to reduce tumor size and improve surgical outcomes. While neoadjuvant chemotherapy has shown limited benefit historically, recent trials demonstrate that combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy significantly increases disease-free survival rates and enhances pathologic complete response in NSCLC.

Emerging therapies include targeted treatments like drug conjugates, monoclonal antibodies, and checkpoint inhibitors. Clinical trials have shown that neoadjuvant immune-chemotherapy does not significantly delay surgeries, and related toxicities remain manageable. This approach allows researchers to analyze tumor tissues before and after treatment, offering opportunities for molecular exploration into resistance mechanisms and treatment effects.

Advanced imaging techniques and early screening now enable better identification of candidates for neoadjuvant therapy, particularly for NSCLC, where early diagnosis options were previously limited. For example, pembrolizumab combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) demonstrated improved patient outcomes, setting a precedent for other cancers.

Parexel is pioneering clinical trials to evaluate long-term effects of neoadjuvant therapies, aiming to make this approach a standard of care. With innovative study designs and collaborations, Parexel is expediting treatments to benefit patients and advance oncology research, promising improved survival rates and enhanced care for resectable and advanced cancer patients.