Attacking cancer from multiple angles
Leading a revolution with the aim to transform cancer care
Our ambition is bold: to one day eliminate cancer as a cause of death. We are helping drive this revolution through scientific innovation, pioneering technologies and a purposefully diverse pipeline focused on attacking cancer from multiple angles and harnessing the potential of combinations to drive deeper, more durable responses.
There are three pillars to our Oncology R&D strategy:
1. Attacking cancer from multiple angles and unlocking the potential of combination therapies
2. Treating cancer earlier and in smarter ways
3. Leading with potentially transformational technologies
2nd leading cause of death
30 million+
5-year survival rates reach 70%
Attacking cancer from multiple angles and unlocking the potential of combination therapies
We intentionally span a breadth of scientific platforms to attack cancer from multiple angles, harnessing the potential of combinations to drive deeper, more durable responses for patients.
Activating the immune system
Harnessing the body's own power
We develop pioneering approaches to help empower the immune system - the body's natural defences - to recognise and eliminate cancer cells more effectively.
Killing cancer cells directly
Targeting cancer with precision
We’re exploring therapies that seek out and kill cancer cells directly through a variety of mechanisms, aiming to maximise their impact on cancer and minimise impact on healthy cells.
We’re progressing our Oncology R&D at pace, utilising a range of novel modalities and technologies to attack cancer from multiple angles, help improve patient outcomes and advance towards our ambition of one day eliminating cancer as a cause of death
Susan Galbraith, Executive Vice President, Oncology Haematology R&D, AstraZeneca
Treating cancer earlier and in smarter ways
Crucial to effective cancer treatment is understanding an individual cancer’s characteristics and drivers as early as possible. Diagnosing cancer and administering targeted treatment while it is still at an early stage can make a huge difference to patient outcomes. We are exploring a range of novel biomarkers that offer early insight into which treatments are most likely to benefit an individual, while also creating opportunities to introduce therapies earlier in the treatment pathway.
Circulating Tumour DNA (ctDNA) in clinical oncology research
By analysing the fragments of DNA shed by cancer cells into the bloodstream, we can perform a 'liquid biopsy' to detect changes in the cancer before other signs appear. This can help guide early treatment decisions and the way we monitor for minimal residual disease.
Multimodal biomarkers
We are combining molecular, genetic, and imaging data into sophisticated AI-based foundational models. This provides physicians with a single, comprehensive picture of the tumour to help simplify complex treatment decisions.
Leading with potentially transformational technologies
We embed technologies, such as data and AI, computational pathology and digital health, across our R&D to better understand complex cancer biology, identify and select patients for treatment and increase the probability of success in the clinic. We leverage massive data sets and AI to gain unprecedented insights.
Data & AI
By integrating vast biological and chemical datasets, our AI platforms can simulate millions of molecular structures to identify the most promising candidates with unprecedented speed. This data-driven approach can significantly accelerate the journey from initial discovery to optimised clinical candidates.
Computational pathology
We use AI-enabled computational pathology solutions, such as Quantitative Continuous Scoring (QCS), to analyse tissue samples with exceptional precision, helping us identify patients who are most likely to benefit from targeted therapies like Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs).
Digital health
We are leveraging compounding technologies, from remote patient monitoring to AI-enabled study design and novel digitally enabled endpoints, to help improve patient experience and clinical trial outcomes.
Three organisations. One aim.
Our R&D approach brings together our BioPharmaceuticals, Oncology and Rare Disease R&D organisations with a shared purpose: to lead the process from drug discovery through clinical development and deliver potentially life-changing medicines to the patients.
Our R&D approach
Driven by a commitment to push the boundaries of science to deliver potentially life-changing medicines for patients, we aim to transform patient care through early screening, prevention, and treatment.
BioPharmaceuticals R&D
Driving a strategy that aims to shift from reactive sick care to proactive healthcare by focusing on cardiovascular, renal and metabolism (CVRM) diseases, respiratory diseases and immunology, and infectious diseases.
Rare Disease R&D
Turning pioneering science into therapies for rare diseases and conditions with high unmet medical need – in many cases, where no therapy exists today.
Innovate with us
We welcome pioneers in oncology to accelerate our ambition to one day eliminate cancer as a cause of death.
Veeva ID: Z4-80701
Date of preparation: August 2026