The fight against cancer is entering a transformative era, with groundbreaking therapies poised to revolutionise treatment strategies. Investment in innovative drug designs and patient-centric approaches is accelerating, opening doors to previously untapped targets. Experts predict 2025 will be a year of major advancements in oncology, bringing more effective solutions to patients worldwide.
Cancer research is advancing rapidly, making it possible to target molecules once considered beyond reach. One of the most significant breakthroughs in recent years has been the development of KRAS inhibitors. Once deemed undruggable, KRAS mutations can now be effectively targeted, with sotorasib securing approval in 2021. Following in its footsteps, divarasib and adagrasib have entered clinical trials, with adagrasib recently demonstrating sustained efficacy in colorectal cancer. The industry anticipates further progress in this space as new data emerges throughout the year.
Another challenging target in oncology is G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), over half of which were once considered undruggable. Companies such as Domain Therapeutics and Teon Therapeutics are now advancing candidates that target these receptors to combat various forms of cancer. Additionally, molecular glues—a class of small molecules that induce proximity between proteins—are rapidly gaining traction in early-stage research. With growing pharmaceutical investment, breakthroughs in optimising drug design and identifying viable targets are expected in 2025, paving the way for future clinical applications.
Radiopharmaceuticals continue to gain momentum as a key trend in cancer therapy. These molecules offer both diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities by binding radioactive isotopes to drugs, enabling precise tumour targeting. With radiopharmaceuticals emerging as a major area of interest, companies such as AstraZeneca-backed Fusion Pharmaceuticals and Bristol Myers Squibb are leading phase 2/3 trials in prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumours. Meanwhile, Bayer and Eli Lilly are advancing candidates in early-phase trials, and Swiss biotech Molecular Partners is developing a novel radiopharmaceutical called Radio-DARPins, designed to minimise kidney absorption and enhance targeting precision. These developments are set to transform cancer care, improving patient outcomes and survival rates.
Immunotherapy remains a cornerstone of cancer treatment, with monoclonal antibodies continuing to expand their reach. The European Union recently recommended Imfinzi for approval, marking it as the first immunotherapy for limited-stage small cell lung cancer. T cell immunotherapies will also remain at the forefront of oncology, with experts predicting that advancements in innate immune system research will lead to next-generation cancer vaccines. Overcoming tumour microenvironment challenges remains a key focus, but integrating immunotherapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors has already shown promise in enhancing antitumour responses.
Another promising approach is the development of immune cell engagers, which act as a bridge between immune cells and cancer cells, forcing the immune system to recognise and destroy tumours. Several biotechs, including Candid Therapeutics and Molecular Partners, are actively working on these therapies, with bispecific antibodies playing a crucial role in ongoing oncology trials. With multiple bispecific antibodies receiving FDA approval last year, 2025 is set to see expanded trials to assess their efficacy in solid tumours.
CAR-T therapies continue to evolve despite ongoing safety concerns, particularly cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Researchers are working to mitigate these risks while expanding the use of CAR-T therapies in solid tumours. While challenges remain, CAR-T has firmly established itself as a viable treatment, with ongoing research driving further refinements to improve efficacy and safety.
Looking ahead, new approaches such as harnessing the complement system to boost immunotherapy response rates are gaining interest. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are also expected to improve cancer treatment outcomes. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly significant role in oncology, with AI-powered diagnostic tools expected to enhance precision medicine and accelerate drug discovery.
With significant advancements on the horizon, 2025 is set to be a pivotal year in the fight against cancer. Companies at the forefront of these developments are not only redefining treatment possibilities but also improving the quality of life for patients worldwide.
Poolbeg Pharma plc (LON:POLB) is a clinical stage infectious disease pharmaceutical company, with a novel capital light clinical model which enables us to develop multiple products faster and more cost effectively than the traditional biotech model.
