World Cancer Day 2025: Advancing Oncological Surgeries

As we unite to commemorate World Cancer Day 2025 under the theme “United by Uniqueness”, it’s a moment to reflect on the strides being made in cancer care and the collective efforts required to combat this global health challenge. This year’s theme emphasizes the diversity of cancer care and the importance of innovation in addressing unique patient needs. At the forefront of these advancements are groundbreaking surgical techniques and supportive tools, such as hemostatic agents, which play a vital role in improving outcomes for cancer patients worldwide.

Challenges in Oncological Surgeries

Oncological surgeries are among the most intricate and high-risk medical procedures. The complexity arises from the need to remove tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues and managing potential complications, such as excessive bleeding. Bleeding, particularly in highly vascularized areas like the breast, liver, pancreas, and lungs, remains one of the most critical challenges, often leading to longer surgeries, increased recovery time, and heightened risks of infection or mortality.

The National Cancer Institute has identified breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers among the most common in the U.S., with over 313,510 breast cancer cases projected in 2024 alone. Colorectal cancer, combining colon and rectal cancer, is expected to account for 152,810 cases, further highlighting the growing demand for advanced surgical care [1].

Fig. 1: Cancer Statistics 2024: New Cases vs. Mortality Rates [1].

The Role of Hemostatic Agents in Cancer Surgeries

To address the challenges of excessive bleeding during oncological surgeries, surgical hemostats have become indispensable tools. These products either promote clot formation or act as a mechanical barrier to blood flow, improving surgical precision. By controlling bleeding, they reduce the need for blood transfusions, minimize surgery time, and enhance patient outcomes. Additionally, hemostatic agents help lower the risk of complications, supporting quicker recovery and safer surgical procedures.

Aegis Lifesciences: Advancing Cancer Care

At the forefront of these solutions, Aegis Lifesciences offers a wide range of hemostatic products that empower surgeons to perform safer and more efficient procedures.

  • SURGISPON®: an absorbable gelatin sponge that ensures rapid and effective hemostasis, reducing intraoperative bleeding and surgery time.
  • Surgi-ORC®: a plant-based absorbable hemostat made from oxidized regenerated cellulose, designed to control capillary, venous, and minor arterial bleeding effectively.
  • FLOGEL®: a flowable hemostatic matrix kit ideal for minimally invasive surgeries.
  • SURGI-PVA™: medical-grade PVA nasal packs and eye spears for specialized surgical needs.

These products effectively address the risks associated with excessive bleeding and align with the vision of delivering personalized cancer care.

Clinical Evidence 

Breast Cancer Surgery &Hemostasis:

A clinical study with 125 breast cancer patients compared the use of oxidized regenerated cellulose and gelatin sponge for defect repair after breast-conserving surgery. Both materials significantly improved cosmetic outcomes compared to conventional surgery, with no notable differences in operation time, hospital stay, or infection rates. These materials offer an effective and safe solution for enhancing post-surgical results [2].

Managing Bleeding in Malignant Breast Wounds:

A recent case report highlighted the successful use of Floseal, a flowable hemostatic matrix, in controlling persistent bleeding from a metastatic breast tumor. After multiple failed attempts with conventional dressings and topical agents such as adrenaline and alginate dressings, a single application of Floseal effectively stopped the bleeding. This case demonstrated the potential of hemostatic agents in palliative wound care [3].

Fig. 2: The application of FlosealHemostatic Matrix on the bleeding fungating cancer: (A) a Floseal applied, the wound covered with a breathable mesh dressing, and (B, C) dressing exposed after 24 hours, with significant improvement of bleeding [3]

Advancements Revolutionizing Cancer Care

In addition to hemostatic agents, modern technologies and advanced therapies are transforming cancer care:

  • Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy (RAB): enhances visualization and access to hard-to-reach lung nodules, improving lung cancer detection and diagnosis [4].
  • Immunotherapy: harnesses the immune system to fight cancer and has shown promise in treating breast, lung, and melanoma cancers [5].
  • Nanotechnology: gelatinsponge such as SURGISPON®is a highly promising drug carrier material for cancer treatment, offering targeted drug delivery to tumor sites. It facilitates the direct transport of drugs to cancer cells, enhancing treatment precision while reducing side effects[6].
  • Advanced Imaging Technologies: tools like intraoperative CT and MRI enable precise tumor resections, reducing damage to healthy tissues and improving outcomes [7].

These advancements, when combined with hemostatic solutions like SURGISPON®, Surgi-ORC® and FLOGEL®create a comprehensive approach to improving surgical outcomes and recovery for cancer patients.

Aegis Lifesciences and World Cancer Day

The theme “United by Uniqueness” reflects Aegis Lifesciences’ commitment to delivering tailored solutions that meet the diverse needs of cancer patients worldwide. By developing cutting-edge hemostatic agents, Aegis supports healthcare providers in offering safer, more effective, and personalized care.

As we observe World Cancer Day 2025, it’s essential to recognize the collective efforts of researchers, clinicians, and organizations like Aegis Lifesciences in driving progress against cancer. Every innovation, whether in surgical techniques, hemostatic solutions, or advanced therapies, brings us closer to a future where cancer care is more accessible, effective, and patient-centric.

Together, Towards a Better Future

On this World Cancer Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to research, innovation, and collaboration. By uniting diverse expertise and resources, we can empower healthcare providers, improve patient outcomes, and continue the fight against cancer. Aegis Lifesciences is proud to be part of this journey, delivering solutions that make life-saving surgeries safer and more efficient, one patient at a time.

References

  1. SEER Cancer Statistics Factsheets: Common Cancer Sites. National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/common.html. Last accessed May 10, 2024.
  2. Li JJ, Yang Y, Wan Q, Li H, Long QM, Zhang PR. Clinical observation of the regeneration process of defects after breast cancer resection. BMC Women’s Health. 2021 Dec;21:1-6.
  3. Abid H, Soliman M, Williams K. The Use of FlosealHemostatic Agent for Local Bleeding Control in Fungating Breast Cancer: A Case Report and Review of Literature. Cureus. 2024 Nov 4;16(11):e72962.
  4. Khan F, Seaman J, Hunter TD, Ribeiro D, Laxmanan B, Kalsekar I, Cumbo-Nacheli G. Diagnostic outcomes of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy for pulmonary lesions in a real-world multicenter community setting. BMC pulmonary medicine. 2023 May 9;23(1):161.
  5. Vanneman M, Dranoff G. Combining immunotherapy and targeted therapies in cancer treatment. Nature reviews cancer. 2012 Apr;12(4):237-51.
  6. Jiang X, Du Z, Zhang X, Zaman F, Song Z, Guan Y, Yu T, Huang Y. Gelatin-based anticancer drug delivery nanosystems: A mini review. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology. 2023 Mar 21;11:1158749.
  7. Jochelson M. Advanced imaging techniques for the detection of breast cancer. American Society of Clinical Oncology Educational Book. 2012;32(1):65-9.
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