What to Expect at the AACR Annual Meeting 2025: Key Highlights and Must-Attend Sessions​

The AACR Annual Meeting 2025, taking place from April 25–30 at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, is poised to be a landmark event in the oncology community. With the theme “Unifying Cancer Science and Medicine: A Continuum of Innovation for Impact,” this year’s meeting will convene over 25,000 participants from around the globe, including scientists, clinicians, healthcare professionals, patients, and advocates. The program, chaired by Lillian L. Siu of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Matthew G. Vander Heiden of MIT’s Koch Institute, promises a comprehensive exploration of the latest advancements in cancer research. ​

Scientific Program Highlights

1. Clinical Trials Spotlight

A centerpiece of the meeting, the Clinical Trials Plenary Sessions will unveil groundbreaking results from pivotal studies. These sessions are complemented by Clinical Trials Minisymposia, offering in-depth analyses of trial designs and outcomes. Attendees can anticipate significant updates on novel therapies and treatment strategies. 

2. New Drugs on the Horizon

AACR’s “New Drugs on the Horizon” sessions continue to be a launchpad for the next generation of anti-cancer therapies. This year, across three sessions, several first-in-class, mechanism-based, and combination-enabling agents will be presented—spanning solid tumors, hematologic malignancies, and hard-to-treat molecular subtypes.

Top Highlighted Agents & Their Promise

RMC-9805 (Revolution Medicines)

Target: KRASG12D-mutant solid tumors
Type: Covalent tri-complex inhibitor (KRASG12D-ON)
Stage: Phase 1/1b
Why it matters: Fills a crucial gap in KRAS targeting—addressing a mutation affecting tens of thousands annually, where KRASG12C drugs fall short.

AZD8421 (AstraZeneca)

Target: CDK4/6 inhibitor-resistant breast cancers, CCNE1-high tumors
Type: Selective CDK2 inhibitor
Stage: Phase I (CYCAD-1)
Why it matters: Smartly targets acquired resistance in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer—an urgent clinical hurdle.

BMS-986365 (Bristol Myers Squibb)

Target: Advanced prostate cancer (AR-resistant)
Type: AR degrader + inhibitor
Stage: Early-phase
Why it matters: Dual-action therapy designed to outsmart resistance to conventional androgen receptor treatments.

ABBV-303 (AbbVie)

Target: Advanced c-MET+ solid tumors
Type: TriNKET® immune engager (NK & CD8 T cells)
Stage: Phase I
Why it matters: Novel immunotherapy platform with a tri-functional design—taps into natural killer and T-cell responses for c-MET+ tumors.

VVD-214 (Vividion/Roche)

Target: MSI-H cancers resistant to immunotherapy
Type: Allosteric WRN helicase inhibitor (synthetic lethal)
Stage: Phase I
Why it matters: Precision-driven synthetic lethality approach for hard-to-treat MSI-H cancers, including immunotherapy-refractory cases.

To explore the full lineup from the New Drugs on the Horizon sessions, visit the official AACR Annual Meeting 2025 website.

3. Discovery Science Plenary Session

Scheduled for Saturday, April 26, this session titled “Novel Mechanisms Influencing Cancer Evolution” will delve into the fundamental biological processes driving cancer progression and resistance, setting the stage for translational applications. ​

Join the 2025 AACR Runners for Research 5K in Chicago!

Date & Time: Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Location: Chicago Firefighter & Paramedic Memorial, near McCormick Place Lakeside Center
Check-in: 6:15–7:15 AM
Register by: April 25, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Contact: [email protected] | (215) 446-7150

Why You Should Attend

Whether you’re a cancer researcher, survivor, advocate, or supporter, the Runners for Research 5K offers a powerful way to unite around a shared mission: to raise awareness and funds for lifesaving cancer research.

Held during the AACR Annual Meeting 2025, this community-driven run/walk blends science, solidarity, and the joy of movement along Chicago’s scenic Lakefront Trail. It’s your chance to energize the weekend, support a critical cause, and connect with fellow participants from around the world.

What Makes It Special

• Walk or run alongside cancer scientists and survivors
• Funds raised go directly to AACR’s groundbreaking cancer research efforts
• Awards for top runners, fundraisers, largest team, and best spirit
• Free for survivors and kids (17 & under)
• Chip-timed event with live results

Distinguished Award Lectures and Recipients

1. AACR Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research

This esteemed award recognizes individuals whose fundamental discoveries have profoundly influenced the understanding of cancer. In 2025, the honor will be bestowed upon Dr. Rakesh K. Jain, PhD, FAACR, a distinguished professor at Harvard Medical School and director of the Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology. Dr. Jain’s pioneering work in tumor microenvironment biology has reshaped therapeutic strategies in oncology. His award lecture is scheduled for Sunday, April 27, at 3 p.m. CT. ​

You can also read Dr. Rakesh K. Jain receives AACR Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research, on OncoDaily.

Source: Rakesh K. Jain/aacr.org

2. AACR-Margaret Foti Award for Leadership and Extraordinary Achievements in Cancer Research

Established in 2007, this award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to cancer research. In 2025, Dr. William N. Hait, MD, PhD, FAACR, will be recognized for his transformative work in cancer immunotherapy and his leadership in advancing cancer research initiatives. Dr. Hait’s achievements have had a lasting impact on the field, influencing both scientific discovery and clinical application. ​

William N. Hait/aacr.org

You can also read – William N. Hait to Receive 2025 AACR-Margaret Foti Award for Leadership in Cancer Research on OncoDaily.

3. AACR-Irving Weinstein Foundation Distinguished Lectureship

This lectureship is awarded to individuals whose research has significantly advanced the understanding of cancer biology. Dr. Daniel J. Drucker, MD, will present the 21st AACR-Irving Weinstein Foundation Distinguished Lecture. His work on the role of gut hormones in cancer metabolism offers novel insights into therapeutic approaches. 

Source: Daniel J. Drucker/aacr.org

4. AACR-Pezcoller Foundation International Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Cancer Research

This award recognizes scientists whose work has had a profound impact on cancer research. In 2025, Dr. Douglas Hanahan, PhD, FAACR, will be honored for his seminal contributions to the understanding of cancer biology, particularly his development of the Hallmarks of Cancer framework, which has guided cancer research for over two decades.

Source: Douglas Hanahan/aacr.org

You can also read Douglas Hanahan was Honored with the 2025 Pezcoller Foundation-AACR International Award for Extraordinary Cancer Research, on OncoDaily

Global Scholar-in-Training Awards

The AACR Global Scholar-in-Training Awards aim to support early-career researchers from countries with developing cancer research infrastructures. These awards provide recipients with the opportunity to attend the AACR Annual Meeting, facilitating exposure to cutting-edge research and fostering international collaborations. In 2025, several scholars were recognized for their promising contributions to cancer research.

Check out the recipients here.

Women in Cancer Research Charlotte Friend Lectureship

This lectureship recognizes outstanding scientists who have made significant contributions to cancer research and have advanced the role of women in science. The 2025 recipient will be Dr. Crystal L. Mackall, MD, a leading immunologist whose work in T cell therapies has opened new avenues for cancer treatment. Her leadership and mentorship have also inspired the next generation of female scientists.​

You can read Dr. Crystal L. Mackall Honored with Prestigious 2025 AACR-CRI Lloyd J. Old Award in Cancer Immunology, on OncoDaily.

2025 NextGen Stars

Congratulations to the following researchers recognized as the 2025 NextGen Stars for their innovative cancer research:

1. Edmond Chan, MD (Columbia University): Exploring dysregulated ribosomal homeostasis in 9p21.3 deleted cancers and microsatellite unstable cancers.
2. Yash Chhabra, PhD (Fox Chase Cancer Center): Investigating age- and sex-differential changes in the tumor microenvironment to inhibit metastasis and enhance therapy responses in melanoma.
3. Karen O. Dixon, PhD (University of Basel): Studying PI5P4K as a molecular checkpoint of anti-tumor immunity.
4. Adam D. Durbin, MD, PhD (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital): Developing a genome-derived non-coding reporter to dissect and control intratumoral heterogeneity and chemoresistance.
5. Anniina Farkkila, MD, PhD (University of Helsinki): Mapping chemotherapy-induced myeloid-driven spatial exhaustion in ovarian cancer and targeting the NECTIN2-TIGIT interaction.
6. Anand D. Jeyasekharan, MBBS, PhD (National University of Singapore): Investigating lymphoma cell spatial organization with MYC-BCL2 co-expression and its impact on immune microenvironment.
7. Zuzana Kečkéšová, PhD (Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry): Exploring cancer-resistant tissues for novel tumor suppressor identification.
8. John R. Prensner, MD, PhD (University of Michigan): Mapping the functional microproteome in cancer.
9. Elvin Wagenblast, PhD (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai): Studying developmental dependency and metabolic vulnerabilities in NUP98-rearranged pediatric leukemia.
10. Stephanie Z. Xie, PhD (University Health Network): Investigating inflammatory memory and selective advantage in human clonal hematopoiesis.
11. Di Zhao, PhD (MD Anderson Cancer Center): Decoding actionable tumor suppressor defects for personalized cancer medicine.

AACR to Recognize 33 New Fellows at 2025 Annual Meeting

At the 2025 AACR Annual Meeting, 33 new Fellows of the AACR Academy will be recognized during the Opening Ceremony on April 27. The AACR Academy honors outstanding scientists whose groundbreaking contributions have significantly advanced cancer research.

With a growing membership of 375 global experts, the Fellows play a key role in the AACR’s mission to prevent and cure cancer. Selection as a Fellow involves a rigorous peer-reviewed process, recognizing those whose work has made a lasting impact on cancer science.

For extended coverage of AACR 2025 awards and honorees, head over to OncoDaily- Celebrating Scientific Excellence: AACR Announces 2025 Award Recipients

Must-Attend Sessions

• Opening Plenary Session: Sunday, April 27, 9:30–11:30 a.m.​
• Presidential Address: Sunday, April 27, 5:30–6:15 p.m.​
• NCI Director’s Address: Monday, April 28, 2:30–3:15 p.m. (tentative)​
• AACR Annual Meeting 2025 Highlights Plenary Session: Wednesday, April 30, 12:00–1:30 p.m.​

These sessions are expected to provide comprehensive overviews of the current state and future directions of cancer research.​

Networking and Professional Development

The meeting offers numerous opportunities for professional growth and collaboration:​

• Educational Sessions and Methods Workshops: Starting Friday, April 25, these sessions will cover a range of topics, from basic research techniques to advanced clinical applications.​
• Career Fair: On Saturday, April 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., attendees can explore career opportunities in cancer research and related fields.​
• AACR Working Group Town Halls: These gatherings provide platforms for focused discussions on specific research areas, fostering community building and collaboration.​

Plan Your Attendance

With a packed agenda spanning six days, attendees are encouraged to plan their schedules in advance to maximize their experience. The Online Itinerary Planner is a valuable tool for customizing your meeting itinerary. 

The AACR Annual Meeting 2025 promises to be a pivotal event, showcasing the forefront of cancer research and offering unparalleled opportunities for learning and collaboration.

Stay tuned to OncoDaily for live updates, expert analyses, and comprehensive coverage throughout the conference.