AACR Cancer Progress Report Features Breakthroughs in Cancer Science and Persistent Inequities in Care

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) recently released its 14th annual Cancer Progress Report, highlighting significant advancements in cancer research and treatment. The report, unveiled on September 18 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., showcases the extraordinary progress being made against cancer, but also underscores persistent inequities in care that continue to affect marginalized populations.

Extraordinary Progress Against Cancer

The AACR Cancer Progress Report 2024 presents a compelling narrative of the strides made in cancer science and medicine. One of the most striking aspects is the reduction in cancer mortality rates. Between 1991 and 2021, the age-adjusted overall cancer death rate in the U.S. fell by a remarkable 33%, translating into more than 4 million cancer deaths averted. This decline is attributed to advances in prevention, early detection, and treatment.

Advances in Cancer Research and Treatment

The report highlights several key areas where significant progress has been made:

• Immunotherapy: Cancer immunotherapeutics have emerged as one of the most exciting new approaches to cancer treatment. These therapies work by unleashing the power of a patient’s immune system to fight cancer, offering new hope for patients with previously incurable diseases.
• Precision Medicine: Research has led to the identification of genetic mutations that fuel tumor growth, setting the stage for a new era of precision medicine. This approach ensures that each patient is treated based on the specific characteristics of their own tumor, leading to more effective treatments.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Minimally Invasive Screening: Advances in AI are transforming cancer detection, diagnosis, and clinical decision-making. Additionally, minimally invasive screening tests are becoming more prevalent, reducing the need for invasive procedures and improving patient comfort.

FDA Approvals and New Therapies

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a plethora of new anticancer therapies between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. These approvals include:

• 15 New Anticancer Therapies: The FDA has approved 15 new anticancer therapies, including the first tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte-based cellular immunotherapeutic for patients with melanoma. Other approvals include bispecific antibodies for small cell lung cancer and several molecularly targeted therapeutics for blood cancers.
• AI-Based Tools: Several AI-based tools have been approved to improve early detection and diagnosis of cancers. These tools leverage machine learning algorithms to analyze medical data, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and reducing false positives.
• Minimally Invasive Tests: The FDA has also approved two minimally invasive tests for assessing inherited cancer risk or for early detection of cancer. These tests utilize advanced technologies such as DNA sequencing to identify genetic predispositions without the need for invasive biopsies.

Progress in Childhood and Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancers

The report highlights significant advancements in the treatment of childhood and AYA cancers. Key points include:

• Molecularly Targeted Therapeutics: The FDA has approved two new molecularly targeted therapeutics specifically for childhood and AYA cancers. Tovorafenib is approved for treating children with certain types of brain tumors, while repotrectinib is approved for treating children with various cancers that have a specific genetic alteration known as NTRK gene fusion.
• Improved Survival Rates: The overall cancer-related mortality rate for children and AYAs has declined by 24% over the past two decades. The 5-year relative survival rate for children diagnosed with cancer has increased from 58% in the mid-1970s to 85% between 2013 and 2019. For AYAs, the 5-year relative survival rate rose to 86% between 2010 and 2018.

Persistent Inequities in Care

Despite the remarkable progress in cancer treatment, the report emphasizes that persistent inequities in care continue to affect marginalized populations. Key issues include:

• Disparities in Cancer Incidence and Mortality: Racial and ethnic minority populations bear a disproportionately higher burden of cancer. For instance, cervical cancer incidence among women aged 30 to 34 increased by 2.5% annually between 2012 and 2019, with higher rates observed among African American and Hispanic women.
• Limited Access to Care: Some populations face barriers in accessing quality cancer care. Pancreatic and uterine cancers, as well as HPV-related cancers, show rising incidence rates, particularly among lower-income communities.
• Modifiable Cancer Risk Factors: The report highlights modifiable cancer risk factors such as alcohol use. Addressing these factors is crucial for reducing the overall burden of cancer on the population.

Call to Action

The AACR Cancer Progress Report 2024 concludes with a call to action, emphasizing the need for sustained federal funding to maintain the momentum against cancer. AACR CEO Margaret Foti and President Patricia M. LoRusso stress that robust and predictable annual funding increases for the NIH, NCI, FDA, and CDC are essential for continuing the remarkable progress made in cancer research and treatment.

Conclusion

The 14th edition of the AACR Cancer Progress Report serves as a testament to the dedication and innovation in cancer research. While significant advancements have been made in treating various forms of cancer, there remains a critical need to address persistent inequities in care. By continuing to support federal funding and addressing modifiable risk factors, we can ensure that the extraordinary progress against cancer continues for the benefit of all patients.

---

References

• AACR Cancer Progress Report 2024. The American Association for Cancer Research.
• AACR Cancer Progress Report 2024 Congressional Briefing. The American Association for Cancer Research.
• AACR Cancer Progress Report Highlights Innovative Research, Novel Treatments, and Powerful Patient Stories. The American Association for Cancer Research.
• AACR Cancer Progress Report Features Breakthroughs in Cancer Science and Persistent Inequities in Care. The American Association for Cancer Research.