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Stocks to Fight Cancer: Why Immunotherapy Is a Gamechanger

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  • (1:10) - What Is the ASCO Conference And Why Is It Important?
  • (5:50) - What Has Changed In The World Of Oncology Over The Years?
  • (9:00) - What Cancers Is Immunotherapy Focused On Now?
  • (10:55) - Incyte (INCY - Free Report) : Combination Trials
  • (13:15) - Are Both Large And Small Companies Working Together or Seperate?
  • (15:45) - bluebird bio (BLUE - Free Report) : Leukemia/Lymphoma research
  • (19:25) - What To Watch For In the Future of Oncology
  • (21:50) - Episode Roundup: Podcast@Zacks.com make sure to check back for part II

The world of health care is changing fast, and nowhere is that more the case than in the world of cancer research. This space is seeing huge developments, and companies are making great strides in treating a variety of cancers.

This is definitely an exciting area, and one that investors will want to watch in the months and years ahead too. But in an industry like this—which is dominated by dense medical jargon—how do find out what the real trends are and which companies you really need to keep an eye on these days?

In order to discuss this topic in more detail, we were lucky enough to have Brad Loncar, the CEO of Loncar Investments which is the index provider for the Immunotherapy ETF (CNCR - Free Report) , in studio for this edition of the Dutram Reportto tell us more about this corner of the biotech market. Brad was in Chicago for the ASCO Conference, which is basically the most important cancer research event of the year.

In this podcast, Brad clues me in on why this conference is so important to not just the health care community at large, but something that investors need to pay attention to as well. We also discuss some of the big trends in the world of cancer research as of late, and what is on the horizon for this quickly-changing space.

Companies to Watch

Brad also discusses a few companies that he has his eye on in the immunotherapy world right now. One that he discussed was Incyte (INCY - Free Report) , a firm that is working in conjunction with Merck (MRK - Free Report) on lung cancer treatment, while we also talk about how other big names in the health care world—such as Pfizer (PFE - Free Report) —are looking at similar partnerships with smaller biotech players too.

We also talk about bluebird bio (BLUE - Free Report) , a company that is doing research on the worlds of leukemia and lymphoma. Brad explains to us what is so unique about their approach, but listen to the podcast for more on why he is watching this company these days.

Looking Ahead

I also talk to Brad about what looks to be ahead for the immunotherapy space in the rest of 2017, and what he is focused on for cancer research to close out the year. We also discuss what has changed since my last chat with Brad and other health care developments as of late too.

Make sure to check out the podcast for Brad’s thoughts, and come back again next time for my chat with the Chief Medical Officer of Kite Pharma for an in-depth look at how some companies are revolutionizing the world of cancer research.

Bottom Line

But what do you think about the world of immunotherapy? Is this area something you’ve considered for your portfolio? Make sure to write us in at podcast @ zacks.com or find me on Twitter @EricDutram to give us your thoughts on this, or anything else in the fund market.

But for more news and discussion regarding the world of investing, make sure to be on the lookout for the next edition of the Dutram Report (each and every Thursday!) and check out the many other great Zacks podcasts as well!

And definitely make sure to check back for part two of this special on immunotherapy, as I will be interviewing an executive at Kite Pharma next time!

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