Oncology
Redefining the treatment paradigm to eliminate cancer as a cause of death
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Our approach
Even as research and development continues to break boundaries in how we understand and fight cancer, there are still more than eight million lives lost every year to the disease. At AstraZeneca, we are committed to advancing the science of oncology to deliver life-changing medicines to patients most in need. With a combination-focused pipeline that exploits the power of four scientific platforms to help address unmet clinical needs in a host of cancers, we are motivated by a dedication to the scientific discovery and collaboration that will one day help eliminate cancer as a cause of death.
Our focus on unmet needs
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Immuno-oncology
Using the body's immune system to help fight cancer
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Tumour drivers and resistance
Developing therapies that target specific mutations to attack cancer cells
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DNA damage response
Targeting the DNA repair process to block tumour cells' ability to reproduce
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Antibody-drug conjugates
Arming antibodies with cancer-killing agents for specific tumour targeting
What we're working on
As part of our commitment to oncology, the following section provides further detail about key areas of focus.
WEE1 inhibition
Irregular activity of the WEE1 kinase, a kinase regulator of cell cycle checkpoints in healthy cells, has been linked to cancers such as ovarian and non-small-cell lung. Inhibiting this activity has demonstrated interference with DNA damage response within tumor cells and can eventually lead to their death. AstraZeneca is currently evaluating an investigational, highly selective WEE1 inhibitor designed to leverage this mechanism for a variety of solid tumours.
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AKT inhibition
Many cellular processes are regulated by a signaling network composed of three key enzymes, but this network is often disrupted in a number of cancers. Gene amplification of AKT (protein kinase B) has been identified as a tumour driver, and its mutations are thought to mediate resistance to conventional chemotherapies. AstraZeneca is currently exploring an investigational pan AKT-kinase inhibitor as a potential treatment for advanced solid tumours and metastatic malignancies.
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Selective oestrogen receptor downregulation
In about 70% of breast cancers, specific oestrogen receptors are over-expressed, and even when patients are treated with current therapies targeting this driver, many still progress. To address this need for effective treatment alternatives, AstraZeneca is currently developing a selective oestrogen receptor downregulator, an innovative investigational molecule being explored in clinical trials as a potential oral treatment for types of advanced breast cancers with certain receptor mutations.
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Our pipeline
Our robust pipeline includes investigational therapies in varied stages of clinical development, from recently approved products to earlier-stage molecules in clinical trials. We aspire to transform the lives of cancer patients, working to eliminate cancer as a cause of death in the future.
Phase 3/Reg.* refers to assets that are in Phase 3 or that have been submitted for regulatory approval, and may include assets that are now launched in one or more major markets.
Oncology (as at 28 July 2016)
Phase 1
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 2
Phase 3/Reg.*
Phase 3/Reg.*
LCM Projects
LCM Projects
Our medicines
Please note that the products mentioned may not be available in all countries. Additionally, currently approved indications (uses) and presentations may differ between countries. Country specific information is available from your local AstraZeneca company.
Partnering to address unmet needs
To eradicate cancer as a cause of death, we understand that we cannot work alone. Improving patient outcomes requires a collaborative approach to research and development.
Collaborating with Cancer Research UK is going to enable us to find some really novel targets so we can generate innovative therapeutics to help cancer patients.
Commitment to science
Our commitment to science is reflected in our track record of publications. Here are a few recent examples of high impact and high quality publications co-authored by AstraZeneca and/or MedImmune scientists.
Low-frequency coding variants at 6p21.33 and 20q11.21 are associated with lung cancer risk in Chinese populations.
PUBLISHED
May 2015
TITLE
Low-frequency coding variants at 6p21.33 and 20q11.21 are associated with lung cancer risk in Chinese populations.
AstraZeneca/MedImmune AUTHOR
Brandon Higgs (Oncology, MedImmune)
Acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 promotes acetate utilization and maintains cancer cell growth under metabolic stress
PUBLISHED
January 2015
TITLE
Acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 promotes acetate utilization and maintains cancer cell growth under metabolic stress.
Resources
Sharing clinical trials information
We publish information about the registration and results of all new and ongoing clinical trials for all products in all phases on our dedicated website.
Information about our medicines
Our medicines are approved in individual countries for specific uses. Visit your local AstraZeneca site to find out more.
Latest news
Events and talks
2016
Upcoming events
2016
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Page Atlas ID: 958745.011
Date of next review: March 2017