WOF 2015

Prof Jordan talks to ecancertv at the World Oncology Forum 2015 about how tamoxifen - a drug originally developed as a contraceptive - has gone on to become an effective breast cancer drug. However, he argues that tamoxifen isn't worth taking as a preventive measure against breast cancer and that we need 'smarter' medicine. He explains how many drugs effective in treating breast cancer have other effects on the body which can be good or bad depending on the individual. He explains the undesirable impacts of some drugs which helped against breast cancer but contributed to endometrial cancer. On the other hand, some breast cancer drugs, such as lasofoxifene (which he describes as a "miracle of molecular biology"), can prevent stroke, osteoporosis and heart disease.

Dr Pollack talks to ecancertv at the 2015 World Oncology Forum about the hormonal imbalances caused by obesity and the impact these have on cancer occurrence. He describes obesity as an epidemic, with an obese person "having a fertile soil for cancers to develop". In particular, he highlights the importance of post-menopausal women maintaining a healthy weight in order to both prevent breast cancer and to have a better prognosis if diagnosed. Though he focuses on lifestyle intervention, he also discusses possible prevention drugs on the horizon such as a possible 'tri-pill' comprising aspirin, statins and metformin.

Dr Franceschi talks to ecancertv at the World Oncology Forum 2015 about the infections and viruses that are known to lead to the development of certain cancers, and the various ways in which these can be prevented and treated. One in seven cancers diagnosed worldwide can be linked to an infection or virus and one in three of these occurs in Sub-Saharan Africa, which shows that there are issues of social injustice, she says. She explains how vaccines and early diagnosis can help tackle these cancers, with reference to HIV and hepatitis C.

Prof Cuzick talks to ecancertv at the World Oncology Forum 2015 about the IBIS-I and II studies which looked at tamoxifen versus placebo and anastrazole versus placebo for postmenopausal women at high risk of breast cancer. Anastrazole was shown to be more effective, he says. In the interview, he argues that the active prevention of breast cancer should be "much more routine", noting the way that high blood pressure and high cholesterol have been designated as medical problems in their own right rather than just contributing factors to other diseases. He also explains why a proper exercise regime is so important in aiding both the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

Dr Trinchieri talks to ecancertv at the 2015 World Oncology Forum about microbiota and their effects on inflammation and metabolism - two factors which influence the effectiveness of anti-cancer treatments. He discusses the issues surrounding antibiotics and the ways that the most damaging effects of this often extremely necessary course of action can be ameliorated.

Dr DeCensi talks to ecancertv at the 2015 World Oncology Forum about his article published in the Biomarkers, Screening and Prevention in Cancer special issue. He explains why the use of preventive therapy in cancer has been poor so far and the potential of drug repurposing for providing new agents for the prevention of cancer.

Dr Ford talks to ecancertv at the 2015 World Oncology Forum about the work being done in chemoprevention and vaccination in breast and prostate cancer. Her work focuses on chemical interventions rather than lifestyle. In particular, she mentions 'Prostvac', an anti-prostate cancer vaccine which is currently being trialled.

Dr Cavalli talks to ecancertv at the 2015 World Oncology Forum about the convening of 100 experts who discussed how well the scientific challenge of cancer is being faced. The appeal, 'Stop Cancer Now!', was launched worldwide, with activities to promote its 10 steps which include early diagnosis and awareness, he explains. Influencing policy makers was the most important factor. He also tells us about the theme of this year's congress, 'Prevent the preventable', which mainly focuses on tobacco use, obesity, and vaccination.

Dr Albini talks to ecancertv at the 2015 World Oncology Forum about her article published in the Biomarkers, Screening and Prevention in Cancer special issue. She talks about cancer prevention strategies and how her laboratory has been involved in finding biomarkers for anti-angiogenesis therapy.