Abstract

The future of cancer research

Author(s): Rachel Mits

Over the past five years, new cancer research approaches have emerged at an extremely rapid rate. Examples include extensive DNA sequencing of tumor and normal cell populations, the use of highly sensitive cancer cell detection techniques, vaccine development, and the development of tumor-specific (designer) drugs. These developments have prompted considerations about where to focus efforts when establishing clinical trials in the near future. This is crucial in an era of resource depletion and at a time when competing cancer control strategies are likely to overwhelm the opportunities for establishing significant, fruitful clinical trials.