4 February 2026
New World Cancer Day: 4 February 2026
The Enduring Role of Small Molecules in Modern Oncology
World Cancer Day invites us all to reflect not only on the scale of the global cancer challenge, but also on the scientific progress that continues to reshape treatment options. While modalities such as gene therapies, ADCs and multi-specific antibodies are advancing rapidly, small molecule medicines remain central to oncology innovation.
Small Molecules: A Continuing Foundation in Cancer Treatment
Small molecules continue to lead drug development pipelines and regulatory approvals. In 2025, they represented 31 of the 46 FDA novel drug approvals, with oncology accounting for the largest share. Many of these agents are designed to target gnomically defined cancer subtypes, including precision therapies for conditions such as non‑small cell lung cancer.
Their ongoing momentum highlights several strengths:
Access to intracellular targets that are out of reach for biologics
Scalable, cost‑efficient development and manufacturing
A critical role in precision oncology, particularly for mutation‑driven disease
Despite the growth of new therapeutic modalities, small molecules remain fundamental to cancer care worldwide.A Notable Advancement: GSK’s Progress in GIST
A recent example of progress comes from GSK’s acquisition of IDRX and its development candidate IDRX‑42 - a next‑generation, selective KIT inhibitor for gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST). Resistance to existing treatments is common in GIST, leaving a significant unmet clinical need.
IDRX‑42 is engineered to inhibit both primary activating mutations and secondary resistance mutations that drive disease progression. Early findings have shown promising antitumour activity, and the programme has been granted FDA Orphan Drug Designation, indicating its potential to address a meaningful therapeutic gap.
Why Small Molecules Remain Essential
Although the oncology R&D landscape now spans a wide spectrum of technologies, small molecules still comprise the majority of global oncology development. Novel modalities such as ADCs, cell and gene therapies, and bispecific antibodies account for around 35% of oncology trials, but small molecules continue to represent the largest share.
Their relevance is further reinforced by the increasing focus on precision oncology, where targeting tumour‑specific mutations, signalling pathways and resistance mechanisms demands the design flexibility that small molecules offer.
The Value of a Multimodal Future
While small molecules retain a leading role, oncology is evolving through the strength of multiple modalities, each contributing something distinctive:
ADCs combining targeted delivery with potent small molecule payloads
Cell and gene therapies that redefine treatment possibilities for specific cancers
Multispecific antibodies enabling sophisticated targeting approaches
Together, they reflect a broadening toolkit for improving outcomes across a range of cancers.
United for Progress
Aligned with the 2025–2027 World Cancer Day theme, United by Unique, today serves as a reminder that every patient’s experience is personal - yet the global ambition remains shared: earlier diagnosis, more effective treatments, and equitable access to care.