The societal burden of cancer morbidity and mortality continues to increase throughout the world. As mortality caused by other diseases declines and as the population ages, cancer emerges as a leading health problem. The annual incidence of cancer in the United States is 1.2 million. Throughout the world, the annual incidence is 10 fold greater.
In the United States more than 8 million cancer patients are receiving medical care. The annual direct cost of cancer therapy is estimated at $60 billion.
The results of cancer therapy continue to improve, enhanced by the earlier detection of localized disease and the prompt application of effective multimodal treatments. Nevertheless, the treatment of common "solid tumors" originating in sites such as the breast, bowel, prostate or lung that have spread throughout the body remains a formidable therapeutic challenge. For these cancers, limited treatment options are available, treatment is associated with significant debilitating side effects, and relapse is almost inevitable. Clearly, major new therapeutic options are most desperately needed.
