Figure 1 Dr. Jacek Jassem

Interview

TBCR: Can you share your journey in oncology and leadership roles within organizations like the EORTC and the Polish Cancer Society?

Dr. Jassem: My journey in oncology has spanned several decades. I chose this specialty when there were more failures than successes in treating cancer patients. However, it turned out to be a good choice, as oncology appeared to be one of the fastest-growing fields of medicine.

My foreign contacts began in the early 1980s, first with the South-East European Oncology Group (SEEOG, currently Central and East European Oncology Group) and then with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), the most prestigious European scientific oncology organization. I participated in the lung and breast cancer cooperative groups, which were my areas of interest.

In 1981, the head of my clinic in Gdansk died suddenly, and the department remained without a head for several years. Consequently, a few years after graduation, I had to carry out scientific and clinical studies without a mentor. One of them was coordinating a nationwide government project on lung cancer, which resulted in several good publications and a habilitation. These achievements were recognized nationally and internationally, and I was later invited to leadership positions in CEEOG, EORTC, and the Polish Cancer Society. Over the past 15 years, I have also carried out several important projects with partners in the United States and had the opportunity to participate in ASCO activities. This experience has also been very fruitful.

TBCR: How has your involvement in various international oncology organizations influenced your perspective on cancer research and treatment?

Dr. Jassem: I started international cooperation when Poland was in a difficult political and economic situation, and our contacts with the best centers in Europe were limited. In a way, I was a pioneer among Central and Eastern European institutions and an ambassador for this region at EORTC. On the other hand, participation in such valuable research and direct contact with the top scientists in Europe allowed me to accelerate scientific development. An important part of my scientific path was a one-year stay at the National Cancer Institute, where I completed several projects. This collaboration is still ongoing and being developed. Currently, many centers from our part of Europe cooperate with the EORTC and other international oncology organizations, with mutual benefit. Nowadays, it is impossible to progress in medicine without working in large teams. International cooperation has given me this opportunity, and I have tried to make the most of it.

TBCR: Could you highlight any significant findings from your research in lung and breast cancer?

Dr. Jassem: I have been fortunate to work with outstanding teams in Poland and abroad. Apart from international projects that have changed cancer treatment standards, I have conducted several translational studies. Among others, these included the development of molecular predictive and prognostic molecular signatures in breast and lung cancers, expanding our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of brain metastasis in breast, lung, and ovarian cancers, demonstration of delta-like protein 3 expression in small cell lung cancer, which later resulted in the development of the first targeted drug in this malignancy, studies on clinical activity and mechanisms of resistance of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in advanced non-small cell lung cancer, and demonstration of resistance of colorectal cancer harboring various RAS family genes mutations to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies.

TBCR: With over 800 publications and numerous patents, what do you consider your most impactful contributions?

Dr. Jassem: Naturally, multicenter studies have had the most significant clinical impact and have changed clinical practice. In lung cancer, these included the studies we conducted in the 1990s on new cytotoxic drugs and, later, on targeted therapies and immunotherapies. In breast cancer, our team demonstrated for the first time the superiority of a regimen consisting of an LHRH analog and tamoxifen over either drug used alone in premenopausal advanced breast cancer patients and the superiority of exemestane over tamoxifen in the postoperative setting. In head and neck cancer and colorectal cancer, the most impactful were projects demonstrating the activity of anti-EGFR antibodies in various clinical settings. Regardless, I also consider the aforementioned translational studies as my best achievements.

TBCR: What trends do you see emerging in breast and lung cancer research?

Dr. Jassem: Oncology is developing into precision medicine. Targeted drugs and immunotherapy are rapidly replacing traditional chemotherapy. Breast cancer and lung cancer are prime examples of this trend. This progress is due to the development of knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of cancer. I still see huge potential for further development here. I also have great hopes for the use of artificial intelligence in oncology. It has already found practical applications in diagnostic imaging and pathology, but this is only the beginning of this chapter.

TBCR: How has your experience been as an Editorial Board Member of TBCR and what are your expectations for TBCR?

Figure 1 Dr. Murali M. Yallapu

Interview

TBCR: What inspired you to pursue a career in cancer immunology and nanomedicine?

Dr. Yallapu: Throughout my academic and scientific career, I have been consistently motivated by the challenge of addressing unmet medical needs, and cancer stood out as one of the most complex and devastating diseases. The immune system’s ability to naturally recognize and eliminate cancer cells is fascinating, yet tumors have evolved to evade this process. This evolving interaction between cancer biology and immune regulation sparked my deep interest in the field of cancer immunology. As a material scientist, my interest is in nanomedicine due to its transformative potential to revolutionize therapeutic delivery. This enables us to have more targeted and efficient treatment modalities, enhancing therapeutic efficacy while reducing systemic toxicity. By integrating the principles of immunology with nanomedicine, I believe we can pioneer innovative approaches that advance cancer therapy, improve patient outcomes, and lessen the overall burden of the disease.

TBCR: Can you discuss any recent breakthroughs in cancer nanomedicine that you find particularly promising?

Dr. Yallapu: The most promising recent breakthrough in cancer nanomedicine is the development of nanoparticle-based immunotherapies. These advancements are transforming cancer treatment by allowing for more precise tumor targeting and enhancing the immune system's ability to attack cancer cells. Particularly exciting is the combination of nanomedicine with checkpoint inhibitors, which can increase the efficacy and specificity of immunotherapy. Another notable advancement is the use of nanoparticles to overcome tumor-induced immunosuppression, rendering tumors more susceptible to immune attack. Collectively, these innovations have the potential to revolutionize cancer therapy and significantly improve patient survival outcomes.

TBCR: Can you explain the primary goals of your current research in nanomaterials and their applications in drug delivery?

Dr. Yallapu: My primary research goals focus on the development and application of nanomaterials for advanced drug delivery systems. I am particularly interested in designing nanoscale carriers, such as magnetic nanoparticles, self-assemblies, and modified polymer nanoparticles that can improve the precision and efficacy of therapeutic agents. My research explores engineered nanoformulations with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), mucin 13 (MUC13), and peptides to enhance the targeted delivery of drugs to prostate, pancreatic, colon, liver, and lung tumors while minimizing toxicity to healthy tissues. My aim is to create nanosystems that not only treat but also monitor treatment progress in real time.

TBCR: How do you see your work contributing to the advancement of cancer therapies?

Dr. Yallapu: My work interface of nanomedicine and cancer immunology is poised to make significant contributions to the advancement of cancer therapies. By developing innovative MUC13 antibody-drug conjugate systems, it addresses one of the biggest challenges in cancer treatment. More importantly, our research idea of using nanomaterials to reverse tumor-induced immunosuppression is highly promising. This approach paves the road for reprogramming the tumor microenvironment for improved immune attack and, thus, an effective cancer treatment.

TBCR: What are some challenges you face in developing safe and effective nanoformulations for cancer immunotherapy? How did you overcome these challenges?

Dr. Yallapu: Developing safe and effective nanoformulations for cancer immunotherapy presents quite a few challenges. Firstly, the formulation must be biocompatible and non-toxic in nature while possessing specific tumor-targeting or immune cells. Additionally, efficient release and stability of therapeutic is also important. The main challenges are its clinical translation and regulatory affairs.

TBCR: As an editorial board member for various journals, what are some trends or common themes that are gaining attention? Which emerging trend are you most excited about?

Dr. Yallapu: In the recent past, I have noted a few new trends and themes gaining attention in the field of cancer research and nanomedicine including but not limited to cancer microenvironment, nanotechnology in immunotherapy, personalized and combination therapies, and artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine learning in nanomedicine. In addition, the emerging trend that excites me the most is the integration of nanotechnology with personalized medicine.

TBCR: How has your experience been as an Editorial Board Member of TBCR?

Dr. Yallapu: My experience as an Editorial Board Member of TBCR has been both inspiring and rewarding. It provided me with a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of breast cancer. In addition, it provided me with opportunities to review articles, quality research topics, and collaborations.

TBCR: As an Editorial Board Member, what are your expectations for TBCR?