From where I sit as an oncologist, the ideal cancer treatment looks like this:

It’s personalized. It’s built around the unique biology of each person’s cancer. We’re not just treating a diagnosis, we’re targeting the specific drivers of disease in that individual. That kind of precision helps us avoid unnecessary toxicity and improves outcomes.

It’s highly effective. That means significant improvement in overall survival, not just in a lab, but in real patients. Tumors respond, symptoms improve, and people get more time that truly matters.

It’s safe. It’s been rigorously studied in well-designed clinical trials, with a clear understanding of the risks and benefits. As a doctor, I need to trust that what I’m offering has been through the right kind of testing.

It’s tolerable. It doesn’t derail someone’s life or leave behind long-term damage. Patients can stay active, stay connected, and keep doing the things that make life worth living.

It’s cost-effective. It delivers real value without creating financial hardship. Patients shouldn’t have to choose between the care they need and the life they’ve built.

I know we are not there yet, but every year, I see us getting closer. One step at a time, one breakthrough at a time, that’s what I’m striving for.