Cancer drug discovery Cancer drug discovery

Cancer drug discovery

Growing interest in cancer drug development

Traditional cancer therapies have predominantly relied on cytotoxic agents to inhibit the uncontrolled proliferation of malignant cells. In recent years, however, there has been a rapid shift toward molecularly targeted therapies that selectively act on specific cancer cell populations. These targeted agents offer the advantage of predictive efficacy, which can be assessed in advance through companion diagnostic testing. This enables a more efficient transition from diagnosis to treatment, potentially reducing lead times and contributing to improved patient quality of life (QOL).

As a critical domain in precision medicine, cancer drug development plays an indispensable role in enabling early detection and delivering tailored therapeutic strategies based on cancer type and individual patient profiles. Consequently, this field continues to attract substantial attention from both academic and industrial research communities.

Growing interest in cancer drug development

Accelerated cancer drug development enabled by translational research

The development of a cancer drug involves a highly complex and time-intensive process, spanning from basic research to clinical application. While the general pathway includes multiple stages—such as target identification, lead compound optimization, preclinical evaluation, and clinical trials—there is a growing demand to streamline each phase and shorten the overall development timeline.

In response to these challenges, the need for translational research—which bridges the gap between fundamental scientific discoveries and clinical implementation—has become increasingly prominent. Collaborative efforts between governmental agencies and industry stakeholders are actively being promoted to accelerate the transition of promising research outcomes into practical medical applications.

Products supporting cancer drug development

We offer a lineup of instruments designed to support various stages of cancer drug development, including live-cell imaging, tissue imaging, and high-throughput screening.

Live cell imaging: sCMOS cameras

Live cell imaging techniques, such as fluorescence microscopy, are essential for elucidating cellular and molecular mechanisms in cancer research. Hamamatsu Photonics offers a range of high-performance microscope cameras capable of detecting extremely weak light signals, enabling precise and sensitive imaging at the cellular level.

spheroid

Tissue imaging: NanoZoomer® S20 Digital slide scanner

Tissue imaging is a powerful technique used to investigate the spatial distribution of target molecules and the effects of drug-induced intercellular interactions within tissue sections. Hamamatsu Photonics offers a lineup of virtual slide scanners that enable seamless observation from whole-tissue overviews to high-resolution magnified views, supporting comprehensive analysis in cancer drug research.

Imaging example

Multispectral fluorescent tissue imaging: MoxiePlex® Multi-spectral imaging system

Tissue imaging is widely used to analyze the spatial expression of target molecules and the effects of drug-induced intercellular interactions within tissue sections. Hamamatsu Photonics offers a multispectral imaging system capable of observing up to nine fluorescence channels in multiplex-stained tissue samples, enabling detailed and comprehensive analysis of complex biological processes.

Imaging example of human tonsil

3D Screening: CYTOQUBE® Light-Sheet Microplate Cytometer

Three-dimensional imaging is essential for evaluating the pharmacological effects of compounds on complex cellular structures such as organoids and spheroids. Hamamatsu Photonics offers imaging and analysis systems capable of capturing fluorescence signals from both 2D and 3D cell samples, supporting advanced screening applications in cancer drug development.

CYTOQUBE Spheroid Image

Plate imaging: Kinetic Plate Imager FDSS® series

High-throughput screening is essential for evaluating the pharmacological effects of a large number of compounds efficiently. Hamamatsu Photonics offers a kinetic plate imager that enables simultaneous dispensing and measurement across all wells, streamlining assay workflows and enhancing data acquisition speed and consistency.

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