Our approach to managing the side effects of cancer therapy has evolved

Although there has been tremendous progress in discovering and developing new therapies to treat cancer patients, innovation in treating or preventing the side effects has lagged in comparison.

- Dr Manbeena Chawla

The number of patients with cancer is growing, and patients continue to struggle with treatment side effects, leading to dose reduction or discontinuation of cancer therapeutics. This creates an opportunity for a new generation of cancer supportive agents to help an underserved population of patients in need. To find out more in this regard, BioSpectrum Asia spoke to Mike McCullar, Chief Executive Officer, OnQuality Pharmaceuticals in detail. The company has operations in the US and China. Edited excerpts;

What is the market landscape for cancer supportive care therapeutics in Asia?

Cancer is the second most prevalent cause of death worldwide, prompting many to develop therapeutics to help patients in need. Approved cancer therapies provide patients with the hope of complete remission but are also characterised by potentially severe side effects. This holds true for classical therapies, such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, as well as modern approaches such as targeted immunotherapies.

Due to the growing burden of cancer in Asia, accounting for over 30 per cent of all cases worldwide, and an increasing number of cancer survivors, cancer-related morbidities have been rapidly growing. There is a significant unmet need in cancer supportive care with limited treatment options. In fact, skin toxicities are among the most common adverse events associated with cancer treatments and gastrointestinal (GI) side effects are correlated with high rates of cancer therapy discontinuation. We are developing therapies to treat both of these side effects.