Cancer Rates Are Surging in Young Adults -- Here's Where the Smart Money Is Going

USA News Group News Commentary

Issued on behalf of Oncolytics Biotech Inc.

VANCOUVER, BC, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- USA News Group News Commentary – According to a recent report in Newsweek, more Americans younger than 50 are getting cancer. In fact, the report cites a recent study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which found that between 2010 and 2019, more than 2 million Americans aged 15 to 49 were diagnosed with cancer, with early-onset cases rising significantly in 14 different cancer types, including breast, colorectal, and kidney cancers. The dire statistics from the study come at a time where Bloomberg has recently reported on the skyrocketing costs of cancer drugs, and their lack of life-extension successes. That said, with the recent close of the world's largest cancer conference (the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting), doctors, scientists, and researchers remain optimistic. For investors to note, oncology innovators have provided recent developments to pay attention to, including Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), Galectin Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: GALT), ProPhase Labs, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRPH), CG Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CGON), and Perspective Therapeutics, Inc. (NYSE-American: CATX).

With reports coming out that the current US administration could drastically reduce funding of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) by nearly 40%, the market is looking towards the private sector to pick up the slack and continue to make advancements in cancer treatment. According to analysts at ResearchAndMarkets, the global oncology market is projected to reach US$866.1 billion by 2034, rising at a 10.8% CAGR, while Vision Research Reports projects the global oncology market to surpass US$903.81 billion by 2034, at a 10.9% CAGR.

Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC) just announced a major leadership transition that could mark a pivotal chapter in its clinical and corporate trajectory. The company has appointed Jared Kelly as Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board, a move that brings in a seasoned biotech dealmaker known for high-value M&A and immuno-oncology strategy.

Kelly most recently played a central role (as General Counsel) in the $2 billion sale of Ambrx Biopharma to Johnson & Johnson. Prior to that, he advised numerous biotech firms on licensing and acquisitions during his tenure at leading law firms Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Lowenstein Sandler LLP. In joining Oncolytics, he inherits one of the most intriguing immunotherapy agents and pipelines in clinical oncology: pelareorep, a virus-based agent with broad synergy potential in solid and hematologic tumors.