How Drugmaker Eisai Is Working to Expand Treatment Options for People With Cancer: A Conversation With Oncology Leader Dr. Corina Dutcus

“The desire is not only to address if a drug works, but also if that drug provides meaningful improvement to the patient’s life,” Dutcus explained. “That motivates and energizes all of us to challenge ourselves to address so many unmet needs in oncology today.”

One of Eisai’s most significant contributions to cancer care has been the development of Lenvima, an oral targeted therapy that has become an important treatment option across multiple cancer types.  The drug has now been approved in seven indications spanning five different tumor types and is available in more than 80 countries worldwide.

“Lenvima is our flagship,” she said. “It has impacted many, many lives and delivered results for hundreds of thousands of patients.”

But Eisai’s work with Lenvima is far from complete. The company continues to study the drug in combination with newer therapies, hoping to improve outcomes and create additional treatment options for patients facing difficult-to-treat cancers.

“We are committed to continuing that research,” Dutcus said. “It is our responsibility to bring new options to patients, help physicians make treatment decisions, and support future research.”

A key part of that strategy has been Eisai’s collaboration with Merck. Together, the companies developed the combination of Lenvima and Keytruda, which has helped reshape treatment approaches in cancers including endometrial cancer and kidney cancer.

“Our partnership with Merck is probably the most important strategic collaboration for Eisai Oncology,” Dutcus said. Beyond the scientific success, she believes the collaboration demonstrates the value of bringing together complementary expertise and therapies in pursuit of a common goal: improving outcomes for patients.

For Dutcus, the mission remains deeply personal. She says seeing new medicines reach patients and make a meaningful difference in their lives continues to fuel her commitment to oncology research.

“There is no greater joy than seeing a drug approved that helps people live longer and live better,” she said. “That gives me the determination to keep fighting every day for patients who are struggling with cancer.”

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.