A RAY of hope was hyped for all media just under two weeks ago because of an unheard of success story, where 100 per cent of an extremely small sample size of 18 patients in a phase two clinical trial, had achieved a possible “cure” after being treated for six months exclusively with an injectable drug. These patients were monitored for one year and no trace of cancer cells were visible.
This result was obtained for a specific type of cancer, rectal cancer, which is classified as mismatch repair (MMR) that was localised to the area. There was no metastasis to other organs in this study, even though the cancer in some of the patients were advanced. Other such types of cancer are colorectal, gastrointestinal and endometrial. But since cancers of the breast, prostate, bladder and thyroid are also considered MMR, some experts are highly optimistic of the potential outlook for these other patients.
Though this drug has not gone through phase three and four clinical trials, where the results are compared to the current standard treatment protocol or used in combination with other treatments for a larger number of patients, it maybe hypothesized that this drug is more efficacious as a standalone option. At no time in history was 100 per cent eradication of cancer cells seen until now.
The five-year survival rates for rectal cancer patients vary from 67 per cent to 90 percent depending on if there is metastasis to other organs or if it was just localised. Note that the success celebrated here is for those with only the primary tumor and not secondary tumors which occurs after the cancer has metastasized to other organs.
The only two factors that may come under scrutiny at this time is the sample size of patients and the number of years life can be prolonged, both of which can only be determined as time progresses.
The scientific name of the drug is dostarlimab, under the GlaxoSmithKilne brand name Jemperli. The drug category in this study is classified as monoclonal antibodies which are novel in immunotherapy. The mechanism of action involves the body’s natural immune system to fight back the cancer cells. Cancer cells may disguise by forming a protective camouflage shield around them, which it is not recognised by the body’s fight back soldiers. So dostarlimab was able to remove that camouflage so that the body’s fighter mechanism can go into combat.
Monoclonal antibodies has been around for a while and is gaining momentum since it has the potential to revolutionise immunologic treatment for cancer. It is utilised in developed countries due to its availability.
The traditional treatment protocol for cancer encompasses various options of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation which may make the cancer go into remission for a period of time. Hence success is measured by survival rates in terms of years. However the traditional treatment does not only target the cancer cells but may affect the healthy cells as well. Dealing with the side effects from the aggressive treatment can incapacitate the patient even though they survived the cancer.
Hence the battle is mental and physical for both the patient and the caregiver. Some patients may eventually succumb not because of the disease but because the organs have failed due to the treatment.
Those who survive are grateful for a second chance to live. Thirty-five years ago National Cancer Survivor Day was launched. On June 5th this year we celebrated with those who remain here with us but it is unfortunate that one out of six persons (man, woman and child) lost hope for life. The latest annual worldwide deaths reported due to cancer was 10 million in just 2020, way higher when compared to 14.9 million over a two-year period for COVID-19. Generally the overall survival rate for all cancers is lower for adults than for children; 68 per cent versus 80 per cent.
Cancer is caused by genetic, environmental or individual characteristics of the patient where there is an abnormally high rate of cell replication and growth, often times shaped differently from normal healthy cell, despite the body’s normal mechanism to shut down or neutralise the situation. This unregulated growth can lead to clusters of cells, abnormal growth of tissues and tumors and may spread to other organs or parts of the body using the body transportation system, the circulatory and the lymphatic system.
Cancer is a word no one wants to hear for it threatens the hope for a full normal life thereafter. This incurable disease since 1500 B.C has seen some accelerated progress in the last two decades where the face of cancer treatment has been totally reconstructed with new innovations. However because of the COVID-19 pandemic, FDA approvals for many new drugs were delayed.
For further pharmacological guidance, contact the pharmacist of Medicine Express PHARMACY located at 223 Camp Street, between Lamaha and New Market Streets. If you have any queries, comments or further information on the above topic kindly forward them to medicine.express@gmail.com or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/burg. Tel #225-5142.