OBJECTIVES:

Cancer Interception is defined as the accurate identification of at-risk patients with pre-malignancies and treat these pre-malignancies before they progress towards carcinogenesis and localization. This research aimed to analyse recent developments in Interception product development, including critical endpoints that can help differentiate vs., say, prevention options and the potential Payer readiness to accept ground-breaking innovation for patient access.

METHODS:

A pragmatic review of literature (in English and local language) was undertaken to research various cancer interception initiatives (including products in development) across Cervical Cancer and NSCLC to build a framework around future Payer engagement. In addition, public private partnerships and various government policies were evaluated around Lung Cancer interception to identify public policy positions in USA, EU-5, China and Japan.

RESULTS:

Assessment of interception landscapes of NSCLC and Cervical Cancer revealed advanced assets in development with potential as an alternative to surgery (VGX-3100 for cervical cancer), as a neo-adjuvant treatment option to limit cancer recurrences post-surgery (nivolimumab for NSCLC) and as a treatment for bronchial dysplasia - NSCLC pre-cursor (Iloprost). In addition to product approaches, we discovered multiple imaging and AI-powered diagnostic approaches to accurately identify at-risk patients and pre-malignancies. In addition, unique interception endpoints, such as, disease regression will warrant extensive Payer education for patient access. Encouragingly, private-public partnerships are in the forefront in both scientific research and patient engagement, thus creating opportunities for robust discussion around patient eligibilities for such innovation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Currently the only available option for pre-cancerous lesions (if detected) is surgery however in several cases the cancer relapses. An interception treatment can create value in multiple ways (e.g. an alternative to invasive surgery, limiting the life-time treatment costs associated with cancer progression etc.) and thus assessing Payor, KOL, Patient advocate opinions is critical to create a new approach to fighting Cancer.