Scientists at the National Medical Research Institute have announced a major breakthrough in cancer treatment that could significantly improve survival rates for patients with advanced-stage cancers.
The new treatment, which combines immunotherapy with targeted genetic modification, showed remarkable results in clinical trials. In a study of 200 patients with late-stage lung cancer, 72% showed significant tumor reduction, with 40% experiencing complete remission.
"These results far exceed what we've seen with conventional treatments," said Dr. Sarah Johnson, lead researcher on the project. "For many of these patients, we've effectively turned a terminal diagnosis into a manageable condition."
The treatment works by reprogramming the patient's immune cells to better recognize and attack cancer cells, while simultaneously targeting specific genetic mutations that help the cancer evade the immune system.
Side effects were reported as mild to moderate, with most patients able to maintain their normal daily activities during treatment—a stark contrast to the debilitating effects often associated with chemotherapy.
The Food and Drug Administration has granted the treatment "breakthrough therapy" designation, potentially fast-tracking its approval process. If approved, the treatment could be available to patients within two years.
Medical experts not involved in the study have called the results "extremely promising" while cautioning that longer-term follow-up is needed to assess durability of the treatment.