Expert view: Understanding the fast-evolving immune-oncology landscape

With new, fast-growing anti-cancer agents, personalised medicine will require both the identification of new biomarkers and data mining approaches. In fact, the need for data management (curation, organisation, integration, etc) improvement is paving the way for artificial intelligence to hold a stronger presence in the industry.

Today, pharma companies have a broad pipeline of PD1, NKG2a, CD47, SIRP1a, OX40, iCOS and CD40 inhibitors/ activators. Over the next five years, we will continue to see growth of these modulators, combined with other agents for new targets. Indeed, clinical trials are currently underway targeting NLRP3, CCR5 and KRas, all of which did not appear in the immuno-oncology pipeline two years ago.

Furthermore, cell therapies, specifically CAR T, should continue to grow – there are 30 BCMA-targeted CAR T therapies already in the clinic. Bispecific antibodies are also exhibiting growth, with 14 agents in Phase II compared to just four in 2017.

Innovations in the immuno-oncology industry continue to open the door for further advances in this field. For example, immune checkpoint inhibitors like anti-PD1 have revolutionised the global medical approach to fighting cancer. Cell therapies employing third, and more recently fourth, generation CAR T cells have already demonstrated impressive therapeutic effects. There is no doubt that we will continue to witness new advances due to a broad arsenal of therapeutics, especially cell therapies.