Cancer research has entered a new horizon, where scientific progress and technology are bringing new hope for patients. The years 2024-2025 have witnessed significant innovations in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer. Specifically, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have brought about unprecedented changes in these fields. With advances in genome sequencing, the ability to identify the molecular characteristics of cancer is now possible, allowing for more accurate, personalized treatment plans for patients. New techniques like cancer vaccines and liquid biopsies are also showing significant success in clinical trials, which are expected to open a new chapter in the future fight against cancer.
Furthermore, our understanding of the exquisite behavior of cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment has expanded, aiding in the invention of new medical procedures. Adoptive Cell Therapies, such as CAR T-Cell Therapy, which revolutionized the treatment of certain blood cancers, are now being researched for their application in solid tumors as part of cancer research. The use of data science and machine learning has led to unprecedented improvements in cancer forecasting, predicting treatment responses, and identifying new drug targets. These innovations are not only making cancer treatment more effective but also reducing its side effects to improve patients’ quality of life. In the coming years, these advancements are expected to benefit even more patients.
Sophisticated Progress in Cancer Treatment:
One of the most significant progressions in cancer research and treatment involves Personalized Cancer Vaccines and Advanced Immunotherapies. RNA-based cancer vaccines train the immune system to detect and attack specific cancer cells. Recent clinical trials conducted on melanoma patients show that using these vaccines with conventional immunotherapy reduces the risk of cancer recurrence by 44%. These vaccines are also showing promising results in the treatment of severe cancers such as pancreatic cancer and glioblastoma, with more than 120 clinical trials currently running. These vaccines are made according to the unique features of each patient’s tumor, though they currently cost much higher.
In the case of immunotherapy, the first FDA approval for the treatment of solid tumors, particularly with Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) therapy and TCR-engineered therapy, has been a major milestone in cancer research. More than 150 immunotherapies have received FDA approval since 2021, with 17 new approvals in 2024 alone. This proves that immunotherapy has now become a main pillar of cancer treatment, working through Checkpoint Inhibitors, Adoptive Cell Therapy, and Bispecific T-Cell Engagers. In addition, the use of AI is helping to predict patient responses to cancer treatment and select effective therapy. The new drug delivery system, such as nanoparticles, is also helpful in delivering drugs directly to the tumor, thereby reducing side effects.
New Horizon in Cancer Diagnosis:
Cancer research has brought a revolutionary change to the diagnosis of cancer through liquid biopsy. This is a non-invasive method where the DNA of cancer cells (circulating tumor DNA – ctDNA) from blood or other physical fluids can be monitored by analyzing the cancer, genetic changes, and reaction to the treatment. In 2024, the number of scientific publications related to liquid biopsy increased significantly, indicating its growing importance. In the early stages of cancer detection and minimal residual disease (MRD), the use of ctDNA is increasing, playing an important role in predicting cancer recurrence and determining the severity of the treatment.
Also, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are increasing both accuracy and speed in the diagnosis of cancer. AI-powered algorithms can detect very small tumors by analyzing imaging data (such as CT scan, MRI) that human eyes cannot easily catch. According to a study published by Meta, an AI tool is capable of reducing the number of false positives in breast cancer screening. The new AI-based diagnostic tools are helping to detect the type and subtype of cancer quickly and more precisely, which opens the way for personalized treatment. With these technologies, the diagnosis of cancer is now becoming more specific, less aggressive, and faster, creating opportunities for patients to start treatment on time.
Modern Method of Prevention and Screening:
Cancer research, prevention, and screening also made some important progress in 2024-2025. The increased HPV vaccination rate continues to reduce cervical cancer incidence, representing a major success in prevention. In addition, reducing the use of tobacco products and increasing awareness about healthy living are considered basic pillars of cancer prevention. Advanced screening methods for the detection of cancer in the early stages are becoming more accessible. For example, the Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging (TMIST) trial has been successfully completed in breast cancer screening, which will provide new directions for breast cancer detection.
In particular, blood-based tests are undergoing significant cancer research to detect multiple cancers in their early stages. A new blood test, capable of detecting 18 types of primary stage cancer, has shown promising results in its initial clinical trial. This test can be more effective than conventional, expensive, and aggressive approaches. In addition, research is underway on the risk of cancer based on genetic predisposition and specific preventive strategies for at-risk individuals. Using artificial intelligence, the task of evaluating the risk of cancer in certain populations and creating personalized resistance plans is also moving forward, which will play an important role in reducing the burden of cancer in the future.
Future Challenges and Opportunities:
Despite these breakthrough advancements in cancer research, there are several challenges. It is a major challenge to ensure the high cost of advanced medical procedures and their availability to all. Especially in developing countries, delivering these sophisticated therapies is a complex task. In addition, some cancer types are still not responding well to treatment, such as pancreatic cancer or glioblastoma, which requires more intensive research. Understanding the complexities of cancer, such as its genetic diversity and drug resistance, is also an ongoing challenge to overcome.
However, numerous opportunities are also being created for the future. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and quantum computing will accelerate the speed of cancer research. Technologies such as single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics will help understand the microenvironment of tumors for new target therapy and immunotherapy. More personalized and risk-based methods can develop in the prevention of cancer. Overall, the progress of 2024-2025 has created new hope in the long-term battle against cancer and has opened the way for more effective solutions in the future.