What Are the Recent Developments in Cancer Therapy?

Cancer is one of the world’s deadliest diseases, claiming more than 166,000 lives a year in the UK. In the United States, cancer accounts for more than 600,000 mortalities a year, with lung and bronchus, breast, colorectal and pancreatic cancers representing almost 50% of deaths. With so many lives at stake, developing new and more effective cancer therapy treatments is a top priority for research laboratories around the world. Read on to find out more about recent developments in cancer therapy and the life-changing impact they’re having on modern healthcare.

Disarming cancer cells

At the world-renowned Francis Crick Institute in London, researchers have identified a mechanism that guards cancer cells against oncolytic viruses used to target and destroy malignant cells. When cancerous cells interact with neighbouring cells called cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) known to promote tumour growth, an inflammatory response is triggered which makes it harder for oncolytic viruses to penetrate malignant cells and trigger an immunological response. Co-author of the study Emma Milford says the research could be used to develop more effective treatments and help restore the power of oncolytic viruses.

AI cancer screenings

Catching cancer early is one of the best ways to increase life expectancy. In the UK, software company Sonrai Analytics has teamed up with the Precision Medicine Centre at Queen’s University in Belfast to offer AI cancer screenings for the NHS. Powered by a cloud platform, the technology will allow pathologist teams to upload biopsy images and match them with artificial intelligence algorithms to unlock faster and more accurate results.

The power of artificial intelligence is also being explored by researchers at the University of Dundee, who are collaborating with NHS Tayside to develop new skin disease diagnostic solutions. Together, the team will develop an advanced AI system with the capacity to differentiate between malignant cancers and benign skin conditions.

A new base for DJS Antibodies

In a milestone move for DJS Antibodies, the Oxford-based biotechnology company has migrated to a new HQ at the Wood Centre for Innovation. The company joins fellow biotech giant Samsara Therapeutics, with CEO David Llewellyn commenting “There could not be a better place for DJS to take its next steps as a rapidly growing biotech company. With state-of-the art new laboratories, right between Oxford’s two major hospitals, and just a stone’s throw from some of the best academics and young companies in the world, we’re thrilled to call the Wood Centre for Innovation our new home.”

Find out more about the cutting-edge work taking place at DJS Antibodies, as well as the exciting immunology and medicine breakthroughs the company hopes to acheive at its new state-of-the-art laboratory, in ‘Antibodies Developer locates to Oxford Trust’s Wood Centre.'