Let’s take a look at what advancements in cancer research and treatment have been made since the signing of the Charter in 2000.
February 4th 2000
Paris Charter Against Cancer
The Paris Charter Against Cancer is signed by 156 dignitaries from 27 different countries, joining the commitment to fight against cancer. The 4th of February is henceforth World Cancer Day to commemorate this occasion.
2001
Imatinib is approved by the FDA
Imatinib, a small molecule inhibiter that thargets tyrosine kinases, is approved to treat myelogenous leukemia. The drug is later on approved to help treat Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) and other lkinds of leukemiia , such as Chroic Eosinphilic Leukemia (CEL) and Acute Lymphotyic Leukemia (ALL).
2003
US National Human Genome Research Institute complete the Human Genome Project
3 billion DNA letters were successfully mapped by scientists in a 13-year project. The completion of this mapping project allowed scientists to identify genetic abnormalities that are linked to cancers, and to create new screening methods for cancer.
2004
First Drugs to Target EGFR Receptors are approved.
The FDA approved gefitinib and erlotinib to target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR is a protein located on cell surfaces that influences the growth and spread of lung cancer.
Bevacizumab is approved.
Beaviczumab is approved as the first anti-angiogenic treatment for cancer patients. The drug stops the tumor from growing it’s own blood vessels that it needs to survive. It was initially approved for treating colorectal cancer, however this type of treatment has become instrumental in treating certain brain tumors, ovarian cancer, kidney cancer and advanced cases of lung cancer.
Oncorine (H101) is approved by the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) for use in medicine. It is the first oncolytic virus to be approved for use in the world.
2005
The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) Begins
The National Cancer Insitute (NCI) and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) created the TCGA Project to map and analyze the genomes from 30 different cancers
2006
HPV Vaccine is created.
Gardasil was introduced as the first vaccine for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is known to cause cervical cancer and the introduction of the vaccine helps prevent further cases.
2009
A new Stereotactic Radiotherapy technique
Radiation oncologists developed a stereotactic radiosurgery technique that allows for single-day, high-dose treatments of metastatic brain tumors. This technique allows for fewer sessions and shorter treatment times in a cycle.
2010
Sipuleucel-T Cancer Treatment Vaccine is approved.
The vaccine uses a patient’s own immune system to target cancer cells. It is specifically used for metastatic prostate cancer that is no longer responding to other therapies.
2011
Ipilimumab is approved by the FDA
Ipilimumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor that used to help the immune sustem rarget CTLA-4 protein receptors, is approved by the FDA for the treatment of melanomal, colorectal cancer, esophogelal cancer, renal cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinomal, and malignant pleural mesotheliam.
It is currently undergoing clinical trials to be authorized for use in the treament of prostate cancer and bladder cancer.
2014
The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Project Findings
TCGA finds that instead of being one disease, gastric cancer is four different diseases based on tumor variations. This finding may lead to a new cancer classification system
Cancer Research UK launched the first trial of a new molecular radiotherapy treatment at the University College Hospital in London. The treatment is designed to combat neuroblastomas in children.
2020
International Pan-Cancer Anaylsis of Whole Genomes
Researchers from all over the world analyze 2,600 genomes from 38 different types of cancer in order to identify patterns in the molecular changes of these cancers.
