Discover Takeda Oncology's decades of leadership in oncology. Explore their approach, latest news, pipeline, and innovative therapies.

Takeda Oncology: Decades of Leadership in Oncology | Takeda Oncology

# Decades of Leadership in Oncology



Learn about the Europe Approval of Takeda’s ADCETRIS® in newly diagnosed Stage IIb/III/IV Hodgkin lymphoma with chemotherapy, based on Phase 3 HD21

European Commission Approves ADCETRIS® (brentuximab vedotin) for the Treatment of Adult Patients with Newly Diagnosed Stage IIb/III/IV Hodgkin Lymphoma in Combination with ECADD

Rusfertide Phase 3 study at ASCO 2025 shows reduced phlebotomy and improved hematocrit control in patients with PV

Protagonist and Takeda Announce ASCO Plenary Presentation Highlighting Full 32-Week Results from Phase 3 VERIFY Study of Rusfertide, Showing Reductions in Phlebotomy, Improved Hematocrit Control in Polycythemia Vera

Learn about the positive CHMP opinion of Takeda’s ADCETRIS® in newly diagnosed Stage IIb/III/IV Hodgkin lymphoma with chemotherapy, based on Phase 3 HD21 trial

Takeda Receives Positive CHMP Opinion for ADCETRIS® (brentuximab vedotin) for the Treatment of Adult Patients with Newly Diagnosed Stage IIb/III/IV Hodgkin Lymphoma in Combination with ECADD

Discover Takeda's latest data in oncology with Phase 3 clinical data, real-world evidence, and patient and HCP surveys at the ASCO 2025 Annual Meeting.

Phase 3 Clinical Data from Takeda’s Oncology Pipeline and Portfolio to be Presented at 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting

## Oncology News



# Oncology Pipeline&#xA;

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## About Takeda Oncology



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**Author: Awny Farajallah, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Global Oncology Business Unit**

Over the past several decades, the rapid pace of scientific advancement has catalyzed a revolution in the way we treat cancers. This has led to a stronger focus on survival outcomes, and, in some cancers, many patients are living longer on treatment than ever before thanks to therapeutic developments such as novel targeted therapies and immunotherapy. The improvement in survival rates has created an opportunity – and obligation – to consider factors beyond just survival rates when it comes to the management of the disease.

As we continue to advance treatment options, there has been a growing movement towards prioritizing patient-centered care – considering the individual health status, preferences, values, and goals of patients when making treatment decisions. Balancing clinical outcomes with the real-world experiences of patients can be complex but is necessary to provide the best possible care. 

## Redefining Survival: The Dramatic Impact of Targeted Therapy

Let’s dive a little deeper into one of the reasons we’ve observed such notable improvements in the survival rates for certain cancer types – targeted therapies. Targeted therapies have revolutionized the way some cancers are treated by enabling us to target a genetic mutation that may be driving the cancer. This scientific achievement has dramatically changed the prognosis for certain types of cancers, such as breast and lung.

For example, breast cancer is the second-most common and lethal cancer type in women, and treatment options were previously limited to chemotherapies, radiation, and surgical procedures. For HER2-positive breast cancers specifically, which account for about 20% of all breast cancers, the disease is more aggressive and has a worse prognosis. The development of HER2-targeted drugs has forever changed the treatment approach and patient outcomes. In fact, some treatment combinations for this cancer extend survival to more than 4.5 years, compared to a life expectancy of 1.5 years achieved 14 years ago.1

A similar transformation has occurred in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), another widespread cancer that has been historically difficult to treat and was previously treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a combination of both. Over time, we’ve learned that about 70% of patients with NSCLC have a targetable mutation, such as EGFR, BRAF, ALK or KRAS. With improved diagnostic testing, these patients are being matched with treatments that target their cancer at its source. As a result, in recent years, population-level mortality from NSCLC has fallen sharply.2

In addition to longer survival durations, some targeted therapies have also improved upon the toxicity profiles and administration of standard chemotherapies. For example, in a study comparing neoadjuvant targeted therapy versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced-stage EGFR-mutant NSCLC, the incidence of grade 3/4 adverse events was found to be significantly less in the targeted therapy group compared to the chemotherapy group.3 Many of these targeted therapies are administered orally, providing a more convenient dosing regimen for patients.4-10 

In the 20+ years since the first targeted therapies for cancer were introduced, they have revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of patients with breast cancer, lung cancer and many other types of cancer, and made the possibility of extending patients’ lives while improving convenience, adherence and safety, a reality.11 

## From Survival to Survivorship 

While the rise in survival rates is an incredible accomplishment that will continue to be built upon as science advances, it has also brought about a paradigm shift in cancer care. With more cancer survivors living longer and more therapeutic options than ever before, there is greater impetus to evolve how we evaluate factors to identify the best treatment for each patient. 

For example, quality of life (QoL) and method of treatment administration are important real-world factors that should be considered in addition to clinical outcomes, as they play a crucial role in the everyday lives and experiences of patients. 

That said, how they are viewed and prioritized can differ by patient. For example, some patients may prioritize convenience and flexibility in treatment administration, while others may be more concerned about potential side effects or the impact of treatment on their ability to work or socialize. Some patients may prefer oral therapies that can be taken at home, while others may be comfortable with intravenous therapies administered in a clinical setting.

Evaluating these factors alongside traditional clinical standards when determining the best possible treatment ensures we are taking not only a patient’s survival into account – but also their quality of survivorship. Survivorship, in the context of cancer, refers to the journey and life experiences patients must navigate following their cancer diagnosis. Despite advancements in care over the past decade, there are still substantial gaps and challenges that need to be addressed to alleviate the short- and long-term effects of treatments – such as fatigue, cognitive problems, and pain – and their impact on an individual’s survivorship and long-term disease management. 

Because real-world factors and their role in survivorship are often not measured in randomized clinical trials, it’s crucial we invest in real-world evidence research and partner with patients and advocacy groups to understand how patients experience and prioritize factors such as location, family type, socioeconomic status, mental health, support systems, and cultural background and how these considerations influence their decisions.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide patients with the best possible opportunity of achieving long-term survival while also maintaining a good quality of life. This requires a collaborative effort between patients, their healthcare providers, and the healthcare industry to ensure that the unique needs and preferences of each patient are considered to improve care. 

## Looking Ahead

While clinical outcomes will continue to be paramount, as treatment options improve, it is imperative that additional factors are considered, and patients are actively involved in the decision-making process. Considering patient preferences on factors like quality of life, treatment feasibility and emotional well-being alongside considerations on clinical efficacy can help optimize outcomes and patient experience. 

By prioritizing an environment of trust, shared decision-making, and open communication, we can empower individuals to actively participate in their treatment journeys and become informed partners in their own care, which has been shown to improve their perception of quality of care and conversations with physicians.12

The future of cancer treatment lies in embracing an approach that considers a complete picture of patient health, recognizing not only survival as a key outcome but also incorporating the patient's overall well-being, or survivorship. By integrating real-world factors into treatment decision-making, prioritizing patient-centered care, and fostering ongoing research, we can collectively transform the cancer survivorship landscape and, hopefully, empower individuals worldwide to lead fulfilling lives beyond their diagnosis.

## References

1. Mendes D, Alves C, Afonso N, et al. The benefit of HER2-targeted therapies on overall survival of patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer – a systematic review. Breast Cancer Res 17, 140 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13058-015-0648-2
2. Howlader H, Forjaz G, Mooradian M, et al. The Effect of Advances in Lung-Cancer Treatment on Population Mortality. N Engl J Med 2020;383:640-649. Published 2020 Aug 12. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1916623
3. Chen D, Jin Z, Zhang J, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Neoadjuvant Targeted Therapy vs. Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Stage IIIA EGFR-Mutant Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Surg. 2021;8:715318. Published 2021 Aug 19. doi:10.3389/fsurg.2021.715318
4. Assoun S, Lemiale V, Azoulay E. Molecular targeted therapy-related life-threatening toxicity in patients with malignancies. A systematic review of published cases. Intensive Care Med. 2019;45(7):988-997. doi:10.1007/s00134-019-05650-w
5. Atrium Health. Treating Stage IV Lung Cancer With a Pill. Available at: https://atriumhealth.org/dailydose/2018/01/10/treating-stage-iv-lung-cancer-with-a-pill
6. XALKORI Prescribing Information. Pfizer. Available at: https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=676
7. ZYKADIA Prescribing Information. Novartis. Available at: https://www.novartis.com/us-en/sites/novartis_us/files/zykadia.pdf
8. ALECENSA Prescribing Information. Genentech. Available at: https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/alecensa_prescribing.pdf
9. LORBRENA Prescribing Information. Pfizer. Available at: https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=11140
10. ALUNBRIG Prescribinig Information. Takeda. Available at: https://www.alunbrig.com/sites/default/files/2022-10/prescribing-information.pdf
11. American Cancer Society. History of Cancer Treatments: Targeted Therapy. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/understanding-cancer/history-of-cancer/cancer-treatment-targeted-therapy.html
12. Kehl KL, Landrum MB, Arora NK, et al. Association of Actual and Preferred Decision Roles With Patient-Reported Quality of Care: Shared Decision Making in Cancer Care. JAMA Oncol. 2015;1(1):50–58. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2014.112

Over the past several decades, the rapid pace of scientific advancement has catalyzed a revolution in the way we treat cancers. Takeda Oncology │ Leadership │ Article

Living is More Than Surviving: Balancing Clinical Outcomes with Patient Impact

In the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with a projected toll of over 50,000 deaths in 2024. Overall, the lifetime risk of developing CRC is about 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women.1

When people are diagnosed with later stage or more advanced CRC, it is known as metastatic CRC (mCRC).2 When a cancer metastasizes, it means that cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body.3 When caught early, CRC is often treatable and, in many cases, curable, speaking to the importance of screening and early detection. However, at least 20% of people are diagnosed with CRC in the metastatic stage, and about 50% of people diagnosed with localized CRC will develop metastases over the course of their disease.4,5 After cancer metastasizes, treatment can become much more challenging and as a result, many people experience diminished survival outcomes and quality of life.6

## A Prevalent Cancer, A Lack of Support

While CRC ranks among the most prevalent types of cancers, there are still considerable gaps in care and resources for patients, particularly for those experiencing structural challenges and barriers that impact both treatment access and survival outcomes.

The distribution of CRC and mCRC is not even across U.S. subpopulations; there is a marked difference in incidence among different racial and ethnic groups. For example, Black Americans are about 20% more likely to get CRC and about 40% more likely to die from it than any other racial group in the U.S.7 Additional factors that could impact disease experience with CRC are socioeconomic status, insurance access, geography and environmental exposure, among others.

> There is a wealth of information available around screening and prevention of CRC, but educational resources are sparse by comparison for patients with advanced CRC. While early detection of CRC is the hope, the unfortunate truth is that many people are either diagnosed with advanced CRC or will progress to it over time. Recognizing the challenges and diverse experience of those with mCRC is not widely documented. There is a critical need to develop comprehensive resources to assist the broader community in providing better support, particularly as new treatment options and combinations emerge, offering people more decisions to navigate.
>
> **ASHLEY CALABRESE**
> Associate Director, Policy and Advocacy, US Public Affairs

## A United Purpose to Support Advanced CRC Patients

Joined by a passion to make a difference for advanced CRC patients, Takeda and four leading advocacy organizations are launching a U.S. survey to identify the most pressing needs concerning disease and treatment navigation. Through this collaborative effort, we intend to uncover actionable insights that will help guide the collective development of resources and education to support patients. Our partners include:

**Colorectal Cancer Alliance:** Founded 25 years ago by more than 40 CRC survivors, caregivers and friends, the Alliance advocates for screening, magnifies patient support and accelerates research. It exists to end CRC in our lifetime.

**COLONTOWN:** Founded by a CRC survivor looking to create a disease-specific community, COLONTOWN empowers proactive colorectal cancer patients and caregivers with educational tools and relevant peer-to-peer support.

**BLKHLTH:** BLKHLTH is an Atlanta-based non-profit with a mission to advance the health of Black communities through equity-centered education, advocacy, research and programs.

**Family Reach:** Family Reach is a non-profit that provides non-medical financial support to people facing cancer. They work with patients, providers and community organizations to challenge the systems that force families to choose between their health and their home.

We will be unveiling findings for the survey throughout 2024. To learn more about our partners we are collaborating with, please visit their channels: [Colorectal Cancer Alliance](https://colorectalcancer.org/), [COLONTOWN](https://colontown.org/), [BLKHLTH](https://www.blkhlth.com/) and [Family Reach](https://familyreach.org/).

## References

1. American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer. Available at: <https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html>

2. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Treatment for Metastatic Colon Cancer. Available at: <https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/colon/treatment/metastases>

3. City of Hope Cancer Treatment Centers. Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (stage 4). Available at: <https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/colorectal-cancer/types/metastatic-colorectal-cancer>

4. Biller LH, Schrag D. Diagnosis and Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Review. JAMA. 2021;325(7):669-685. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.0106

5. Atreya CE, Yaeger R, Chu E. Systemic therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer: from current standards to future molecular targeted approaches. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book. 2017;37:246-256. doi:10.1200/EDBK_175679

6. American Cancer Society. Treatment of colon cancer, by stage. Available at: <https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/treating/by-stage-colon.html>

7. American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Rates Higher in African Americans, Rising in Younger People. Available at: <https://www.cancer.org/cancer/latest-news/colorectal-cancer-rates-higher-in-african-americans-rising-in-younger-people.html>

Beyond early detection, how do we bridge the gap in metastatic colorectal cancer care. Learn about Takeda’s partnerships for patient support.

Beyond Early Detection: Bridging the Gaps in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Support

Technological advances continue to push the boundaries of what's possible. Takeda's Teresa Bitetti discusses how we are leveraging these tools for cancer patients.


 Embracing AI & Emerging Technologies to Advance Cancer Care

**Author: Teresa Bitetti, President, Global Oncology Business Unit**

Many of us have loved ones who have been affected by cancer and understand the immense difficulty of processing a diagnosis and beginning treatment, both for the patient and their support network. Through personal and professional conversations with patients, we also recognize that their challenges often extend far beyond the initial diagnosis.

From financial and job insecurity, to depression and anxiety, to caregiving responsibilities – cancer treatment can be all-consuming. And while developing innovative medicines to treat cancer is at the heart of what we do as a pharmaceutical company, there is a lesser-known part as critical as the medicine – treating the whole patient. It’s this care beyond medicine where we have devoted more support in recent years.

## Mental Health and Well-Being

A cancer diagnosis can take an incredible toll on mental and emotional health, and recognizing changes in mood and behavior are critical during the journey according to the [American Cancer Society](https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/emotional-mood-changes.html). Approximately 35% of patients diagnosed with cancer are impacted by a psychiatric disorder, and another 20% experience clinically relevant distressing psychosocial conditions such as demoralization and health anxiety.1 Research has shown that cancer patients receiving mental health support have better outcomes.2 Unfortunately, while mental health support may be a key part of a patient’s treatment journey, it is not always incorporated.3

Fortunately, there are several ways patients can be supported as they navigate the physical and emotional aspects of cancer. I am impressed by the resources that many of our partner patient advocacy organizations such as [CancerCare](https://www.cancercare.org/) provide – including emotional, practical and financial support – to navigate resources and the underlying emotions associated with diagnosis and treatment.

## Life Necessities and Obligations

A cancer diagnosis does not put life on pause. Patients may still need to feed themselves (and also family members), keep a roof over their heads, continue working, among many other aspects of life. Cancer is stressful enough without the added component of determining how to afford life.

Financial hardship impacts one in three patients diagnosed with cancer. And the risks disproportionality affect those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged and working-aged patients.4 The anxiety and stress of affording basic necessities can lead to poorer mental health, which can lead to poorer outcomes, perpetuating a vicious cycle. Fortunately, organizations such as [Family Reach](https://familyreach.org/) provide resources to help patients navigate non-medical expenses. No one should have to make the decision to put treatment on hold to keep food on their table or the lights on at home.

In addition, patients may also be caregivers – to children, to aging parents, to pets – a role that does not disappear at cancer diagnosis. Caregiving can be emotionally and physically taxing even without managing a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Organizations such as [Cancer Support Community](https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/) offer resources to support dialogue between patient and those in their care as they navigate this journey together.

Cancer treatment is more than medicine. It’s the collaboration and commitment of many stakeholders to ensure that patients receive the care necessary to navigate their journey. At Takeda, I’m proud we partner with patient organizations around the globe – to raise awareness and provide support to help ensure the whole patient is being treated. This is the way we will truly reach our aspiration to cure cancer.

## References:

1. Caruso R, Breitbart W. Mental health care in oncology. Contemporary perspective on the psychosocial burden of cancer and evidence-based interventions. *Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci.* 2020;29:e86. doi:10.1017/S2045796019000866

2. Berchuck JE, Meyer CS, Zhang N, et al. Association of Mental Health Treatment With Outcomes for US Veterans Diagnosed With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. *JAMA Oncol.* 2020;6(7):1055-1062. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2020.1466

3. Oncology TL. Provision of mental health care for patients with cancer. *The Lancet Oncology*. 2021;22(9):1199. doi:10.1016/S1470-2045(21)00480-0

4. Smith GL, Lopez-Olivo MA, Advani PG, et al. Financial Burdens of Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review of Risk Factors and Outcomes. *J Natl Compr Canc Netw.* 2019;17(10):1184-1192. doi:10.6004/jnccn.2019.7305

Hear from Teresa Bitetti, President of the Global Oncology Business Unit, as she discusses how Takeda and its partners are providing cancer care beyond medicine by supporting other areas of patients' lives, such as finances and mental health.

Cancer Treatment is More Than Medicine

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