Hundreds of thousands of people with advanced head and neck cancer could live longer without their cancer returning thanks to an immunotherapy drug, a clinical trial suggests. This is the first sign of a breakthrough for patients with this difficult-to-treat cancer for 20 years, say scientists behind the research. Laura Marston, 45, from Derbyshire, says she is "amazed she's still here" after being given "dire" chances of survival following a diagnosis of advanced tongue cancer six years ago. She received the immunotherapy before and after surgery, which researchers say helps the body learn to attack the cancer if it returns. Cancers in the head and neck are notoriously difficult to treat and there's been little change in the way patients are treated in two decades. More than half those diagnosed with advanced head and neck cancers die within five years. Laura was given only a 30% chance of surviving that long after her diagnosis in 2019, after having an ulcer on her tongue which wouldn't go away. The next step was major surgery to remove her tongue, as well as lymph nodes in her neck, and then she had to learn to talk and eat again. "I was 39 and I was devastated," she told BBC News. As part of an international study into new ways to treat the cancer, involving experts from the Institute of Cancer Research in London, Laura was one of more than 350 patients given the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab before and after surgery to prime the body's defences. Prof Kevin Harrington, who led the trial in the UK, explains: "We give the immune system the chance to have a good look at the tumour to generate anti-tumour immunity and then, after removal of the tumour, we continue to amplify that immune response by giving the drug continually for up to a year." A similar number of patients diagnosed with similar cancers received the usual care offered. They all had advanced head and neck cancers in one area, that had not spread to the rest of the body. The new approach showed positive results. It doubled the length of time patients were cancer free, on average, from around 2.5 years to five years. After three years, patients given pembrolizumab had a 10% lower risk of their cancer returning elsewhere in the body. Six years on, Laura is working full-time and says she's "in a good place and doing really well". "It's been phenomenal for me, because I'm here, able to talk to you. "I wasn't expected to come this far," Laura says. "My prognosis was quite dire." She had muscle taken from her left arm and placed into her mouth to fill the void left by her tongue. It has been a tough journey. "Just having this amazing immunotherapy has given me my life back again." The researchers say the key to their results was giving patients the drug before surgery, which trains the body to hunt down and kill the cancer if it ever comes back. Prof Harrington says immunotherapy "could change the world" for these patients. "It significantly decreases the chance of cancer spreading around the body, at which point it's incredibly difficult to treat," he said. About 12,800 new head and neck cancer cases are diagnosed in the UK every year. The approach worked "particularly well" for some patients, but it was "really exciting" to see the treatment benefitting all the patients in the trial, Prof Harrington said. He added that it should now be made available on the NHS, . The study findings are being presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting. The trial, called Keynote, involved 192 hospitals in 24 countries, was led by Washington University Medical School in St Louis and funded by drug company MSD.
Breakthrough cancer drug doubles survival in trial
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"New Immunotherapy Drug Shows Promise in Doubling Survival Rates for Advanced Head and Neck Cancer"
Bbc News
7.2
TruthLens AI Summary
Recent findings from a clinical trial have shown that an immunotherapy drug, pembrolizumab, could significantly improve survival rates for patients with advanced head and neck cancers. This marks the first substantial advancement in treatment for this challenging disease in the last two decades. The trial involved over 350 participants, including Laura Marston, who was diagnosed with advanced tongue cancer and initially faced a dire prognosis. The drug was administered both before and after surgical interventions, allowing the immune system to better recognize and combat the cancer. By giving the immune system a 'preview' of the tumor, researchers believe this approach enhances the body's ability to fight off any potential recurrence of the disease. The results indicated that the average time patients remained cancer-free doubled from approximately 2.5 years to five years, with a notable reduction in the risk of the cancer returning.
Professor Kevin Harrington, who led the UK trial, emphasized the significance of this research, stating that it could change the landscape of treatment for head and neck cancers. The findings are particularly promising given that over half of patients diagnosed with advanced forms of this cancer typically succumb within five years. Following her treatment, Laura has experienced a remarkable recovery, returning to full-time work and expressing gratitude for her life. The trial, known as Keynote, was conducted across 192 hospitals in 24 countries and is set to be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting. With approximately 12,800 new cases of head and neck cancer diagnosed annually in the UK, researchers advocate for this innovative treatment to be made available through the NHS, highlighting its potential to offer hope to many patients facing similar battles against this aggressive disease.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent article highlights a significant advancement in the treatment of advanced head and neck cancer through the use of an immunotherapy drug called pembrolizumab. This development has the potential to drastically improve survival rates for patients suffering from this historically challenging disease.
Public Perception Goals
The article aims to generate optimism and hope among cancer patients and their families by showcasing a breakthrough in treatment options after two decades of limited progress. By sharing Laura Marston's personal story, the narrative seeks to humanize the statistics and encourage others facing similar diagnoses. This emotional appeal can foster a more supportive community around cancer treatment advancements.
Information Omission
While the article presents a promising outlook, it may downplay the complexity and potential side effects of immunotherapy, as well as the challenges of accessibility and affordability. By focusing primarily on the success story of one patient, the article could obscure the broader context of cancer treatment, which often involves multifaceted challenges.
Manipulative Elements
The narrative employs emotionally charged language to engage readers, potentially leading to a sense of urgency or misplaced optimism. Terms like "breakthrough" and "amazed she's still here" may evoke strong emotional responses, steering the audience towards a more favorable view of immunotherapy without fully covering its limitations.
Credibility Assessment
The article appears credible as it cites reputable sources, including researchers from the Institute of Cancer Research in London. However, the focus on a single clinical trial might not provide a comprehensive view of the drug's efficacy across diverse patient populations. Thus, while the information is likely accurate, it is essential to approach it with a critical lens regarding its broader applicability.
Societal Impact
The news could inspire increased funding and research into cancer treatments, potentially affecting public health policy and resource allocation. It may also encourage patients to seek out clinical trials, thereby influencing healthcare decisions on an individual level.
Target Audiences
This article resonates particularly with cancer patients, survivors, and their families, as well as healthcare professionals and researchers in oncology. It aims to reach individuals seeking hope in their treatment journeys and those interested in the latest medical advancements.
Market Implications
The announcement of a breakthrough cancer drug could have significant implications for pharmaceutical companies involved in cancer therapies. Stocks related to immunotherapy and cancer treatment may see fluctuations based on public and investor perceptions of the effectiveness of such treatments.
Global Power Dynamics
In the context of global health, advancements like this can influence healthcare equity, particularly in how different regions access new treatments. The article aligns with ongoing discussions about healthcare innovation and access, reflecting broader societal trends in prioritizing cancer research.
AI Influence
It's plausible that AI-assisted tools were utilized in the research or writing process of this article, particularly in data analysis or summarizing findings. Such tools could create a narrative that emphasizes positive outcomes and simplifies complex medical information for broader consumption.
The analysis indicates that while the article presents valuable information regarding a breakthrough in cancer treatment, it may also contain elements that manipulate public perception through emotional storytelling. The credibility is generally solid, but the article's focus and language choices warrant a cautious approach to its implications and the broader context of cancer treatment advancements.