The spring of 2025 has marked a particularly dynamic period in cancer treatment innovation, with the FDA and international regulatory agencies approving numerous groundbreaking therapies that are reshaping the oncological landscape. From April through May 2025, we’ve witnessed the approval of combination immunotherapies expanding into new cancer types, the emergence of precision medicine targeting previously “undruggable” mutations, and significant advances in biosimilar accessibility that promise to democratize cutting-edge cancer care. These developments collectively represent not just incremental progress, but fundamental shifts in how we approach cancer treatment across multiple tumor types, offering new hope to patients who previously had limited therapeutic options.
1. Immunotherapy Move to Frontline Care
Opdivo + Yervoy for Colorectal & Liver Cancers
The FDA approved the immunotherapy duo Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab) as first treatments for two aggressive cancers:
Why it matters: Previously, these drugs were used only after chemotherapy failed. Starting with immunotherapy upfront may help patients live longer with fewer harsh side effects compared to chemo.
Penpulimab for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC)
Penpulimab, a new immunotherapy, is now approved for NPC (a rare throat cancer linked to Epstein-Barr virus). It can be used:
Patient takeaway: This is especially important for Asian and North African communities, where NPC is more common.
2. Targeted Therapy Breakthroughs and Setbacks
Vitrakvi for Tumors with NTRK Gene Changes
Vitrakvi (larotrectinib) received full approval for any solid tumor with an NTRK gene fusion—a rare mutation found in cancers like salivary gland, infantile fibrosarcoma, and lung1.
How it works: It targets the specific genetic flaw driving cancer growth, regardless of where the tumor is located. This “tissue-agnostic” approach is ideal for rare or hard-to-treat cancers.
Telisotuzumab Vedotin for c-MET+ Lung Cancer
This new antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targets c-MET protein, common in some non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). The FDA has granted accelerated approval to telisotuzumab vedotin-tllv (Emrelis) as a treatment for adults with locally advanced or metastatic nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and high c-MET protein expression previously managed wih systemic therapy
Key benefit: Telisotuzumab vedotin is the first and only available therapy for this NSCLC subtype. Topline data revealed an overall response rate (ORR) of 35% (95% CI, 24%-46%) and a median duration of response (DOR) of 7.2 months (95% CI, 4.2-12.0) among 84 evaluable patients with high c-MET protein overexpression.
Belzutifan for Rare Neuroendocrine Tumors
Belzutifan, a pill, is now the first oral therapy for advanced pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL)—rare adrenal gland tumors. It’s especially helpful for patients with genetic conditions like von Hippel-Lindau disease7.
Advantage: Avoids IV infusions and showed strong tumor shrinkage in trials7.
HER3-DXd in NSCLC
On May 29, 2025, Daiichi and Merck voluntarily withdrew their Biologics License Application for patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd) as a treatment for previously treated EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC. The decision followed topline results from the phase 3 HERTHENA-Lung02 trial, where overall survival did not meet statistical significance.
Outlook: Despite the withdrawal, patients who have responded to treatment will continue receiving patritumab deruxtecan or chemotherapy until disease progression, as determined by investigators.
3. First-Ever Treatments for Neglected Cancers
Retifanlimab for Advanced Anal Cancer
Retifanlimab, a PD-1 inhibitor, is the first FDA-approved frontline therapy for squamous cell anal cancer (SCAC). It can be used alone or with chemo5.
Trial results: Patients lived 9.3 months without cancer progressing (vs. 7.4 months with chemo alone)5. This is a major step for a cancer that’s seen little innovation in decades.
4. Biosimilars: Lower Costs, Same Benefits
Jobevne (Bevacizumab Biosimilar)
Jobevne, a cheaper version of Avastin, is approved for glioblastoma (brain cancer) and kidney cancer. It works by starving tumors of blood supply1.
Why this helps: Biosimilars like Jobevne can reduce treatment costs by up to 30%, making life-extending therapies more accessible.
5. Practical Insights for Patients
CT Scan Safety
A study found that 5% of future cancers may stem from CT scan radiation, especially in children4.
Ask your doctor: “Could MRI or ultrasound work instead?” Reducing unnecessary scans lowers long-term risks.
Final Thoughts
The past two months have brought meaningful options for patients with rare, aggressive, or previously overlooked cancers. While these advances are promising, always work with your care team to weigh risks, costs, and quality of life. Science is moving faster than ever—today’s trials could become tomorrow’s cures.
For more details on these treatments, ask your oncologist about eligibility or visit trusted resources like the National Cancer Institute (cancer.gov).
We need immunotherapy for pMMR colorectal cancer asap