The Resilience of Cancer Research

Each fall, I look forward to the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Annual Congress and the chance to connect with colleagues and peers from around the globe to engage in important scientific exchange. While the virtual congress this year will look and feel different, I’m incredibly proud of the Janssen team’s determination this year and am pleased that data spanning our solid tumor portfolio and pipeline will reach those committed to improving cancer care for patients.

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, our team remains relentlessly committed to our ultimate goal: eliminating cancer. We’ve adapted quickly to advance important research, conducting many aspects of our studies virtually for the safety of patients, researchers, and our communities. Because we know cancer doesn’t quit, we will do whatever it takes to keep science moving forward.

Recent advances in prostate cancer have been inspiring. Great progress has been made with androgen receptor inhibitors that can slow patients’ disease progression or extend their lives. But there is more to be done. That is why we are focused on continuing to study these medicines, as well as pursue biologics that we hope will one day make prostate cancer a chronic disease. As we pursue these options, we are increasingly focused on ensuring that our therapeutic options not only prolong life but help maintain quality of life as well.

To that end, this weekend, Janssen will present patient-reported outcomes data that aim to quantify health-related quality of life for patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. These data are important because they add meaningful context to patient experiences and can help physicians and patients make informed treatment decisions. We want patients not only to live longer, but to actively enjoy the time that treatment may provide them.

In addition to these prostate cancer data, I’m encouraged by the breadth and depth of the solid tumor research our team will share at ESMO, including new data in non-small cell lung cancer – a prime example of how Janssen is driving the next transformation in therapy.

As I look toward the weekend ahead, I’ll miss the energy and excitement that comes from walking into a large conference hall and seeing my colleagues and peers face-to-face. But I’m grateful for the access a virtual congress provides. Many of our colleagues who otherwise could not attend will be tuned in for what I’m sure will be an exciting weekend of updates from the front lines of cancer research.

I look forward to another great ESMO meeting and seeing you all online!