Revolutionary Cancer Treatments: Unveiling 10 Life-Extending Drugs

PD-1 drugs have emerged as leaders in the treatment of solid tumors, offering significant advancements in cancer therapy. Among these, Keytruda (K drug) stands out as a market leader, not only in oncology but also in global drug sales for the first half of 2024. Since its accelerated approval by the FDA in 2014 for melanoma, Keytruda has accumulated approvals for 40 different indications as of June 17, 2024. Opdivo (O drug), which followed in 2015, also began with melanoma and has since expanded its reach in oncology.

PD-1 therapy represents a breakthrough in oncological treatments by harnessing the body's T cell immune response to combat cancer cells. This type of therapy shows vast potential when combined with other treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), small molecule targeting drugs, and even traditional Chinese medicine.

In the realm of hematological malignancies, the CD38 monoclonal antibody Darzalex has revolutionized the treatment of multiple myeloma since its launch in late 2015. As the first approved CD38 monoclonal antibody, it has moved from being a last-line treatment option to a front-line therapy, supplanting traditional drugs like lenalidomide (Revlimid).

Johnson & Johnson's BTK inhibitor, ibrutinib, pioneered small molecule inhibitors, while Chinese company BeiGene's Zeebutinib has joined the fray. Both are nearing the end of their patent periods, with ibrutinib's expiring in 2026 and Darzalex's in 2029. Johnson & Johnson is already exploring next-generation therapies, including CAR-T therapy from Legend Biotech, to continue its dominance in hematological treatments.

For solid tumors, in addition to PD-1 monoclonal antibodies, drugs targeting specific tumor cells offer highly targeted therapeutic options. Many current leading drugs owe their success to research pipelines established a decade ago, reflecting the trend towards monoclonal antibodies and cutting-edge dual antibody and ADC drugs.

Tagrisso (osimertinib), a third-generation EGFR inhibitor, has resolved many issues associated with earlier generations and has quickly become a first-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Current research is tackling resistance to osimertinib, with new drugs like Homekonil's deuterated small molecule drug and Johnson & Johnson's EGFR/c-MET dual antibody emerging to address this challenge.

Xtandi, another notable small molecule drug, has been a cornerstone in prostate cancer treatment since its approval in 2012. It works by blocking androgen receptor binding, often used in combination with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Prostate cancer treatment has become a crucial area for developing new therapies. Breast cancer, similarly, benefits from a range of targeted therapies, such as HER2 inhibitors like Perjeta, which is used with trastuzumab.

Verzenio (abemaciclib) has emerged as a significant treatment for hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer. This small molecule kinase inhibitor targets CDK 4/6, significantly impacting cell cycle regulation and cancer cell proliferation.

The current landscape of leading cancer drugs showcases the achievements of past research, building a comprehensive system for cancer treatment. Today's efforts in ADCs, multi-antibodies, and CAR-T therapies continue this legacy, aiming to improve patient outcomes further.

In the HER2-targeted segment, DS-8201 is a rising star in ADC drugs, with sales reaching $1.772 billion in the first half of 2024. Initially approved for breast cancer, it has expanded its indications to include gastric cancer, NSCLC, and colorectal cancer.

Trodelvy, a trop2 ADC, offers new hope for triple-negative breast cancer patients and has become a focal point in ADC research following its accelerated FDA approval in 2020.

In hematological treatments, CAR-T therapy has revolutionized the approach to multiple myeloma. Current research aims to extend CAR-T applications to autoimmune diseases and solid tumors, promising new treatment avenues for challenging cancers like glioblastoma, where traditional chemotherapy remains standard despite advances in electric field therapy.

Legend Biotech's CAR-T drug, Ciltacabtagene autoleucel, is poised to become a significant player, with first-line treatment approval being a critical milestone. This development could accelerate the drug's market presence and broaden its indications.

Future PD-1 therapies may focus on dual antibodies, with companies like Akeso Biopharma leading the charge with innovative drugs like AK-104 and AK-112, targeting PD-1/CTLA-4 and PD-1/VEGF, respectively. These advancements highlight the ongoing evolution of cancer treatments, driven by the dedication and innovation of researchers and developers across generations.