Cancer research is a beacon of hope, turning the unimaginable into reality. Breakthroughs build on the tireless work of researchers and clinicians worldwide who unravel cancer’s complexities. This pursuit fuels novel therapies and refines existing treatments, making them more precise, effective, and less toxic. For patients and families, these advances mean longer, healthier lives and renewed optimism. As we express gratitude this season, it is fitting to celebrate the inspiring progress achieved this year, a story of innovation, resilience, and the collective will to conquer cancer.
These milestones honor the dedication of trial volunteers, research teams, and compassionate healthcare providers. The success of this year’s discoveries owes much to unprecedented global collaboration among academia, industry, regulators, and patient advocates. Together, they accelerate the translation of innovations from lab to bedside, bringing hope faster than ever.
Highlights of This Year’s Cancer Research
Celebrating Innovation: Reactions to the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
Breast Cancer
- DESTINY-Breast11 Trial – Trastuzumab Deruxtecan
ESMO 2025 landmark trial showed 67% pathologic complete response (pCR) rates in high-risk HER2+ early breast cancer when used neoadjuvantly before surgery. - TNBC Novel Therapies
Comprehensive review of key phase I–III trials including KEYNOTE-522, KEYNOTE-355, and IMpassion130 shaping current immunotherapy standards in TNBC.
GI Cancer
- Durvalumab + FLOT FDA Approved for Gastric/GEJ Cancer
- MATTERHORN trial (ESMO 2025) achieved FDA approval Nov 25, 2025. Improved event-free survival by ~30%, tripled pCR rates in resectable gastric/GEJ cancers. No surgery delays, broad applicability regardless of PD-L1 status.
- ATOMIC Trial Results at ASCO 2025: Atezolizumab Significantly Improves Disease-Free Survival in Stage III dMMR Colon Cancer
- ctDNA-Guided Rechallenge in Colorectal Cancer:The phase II CITRIC trial at ESMO 2025 confirmed that ctDNA-guided selection can optimize cetuximab plus irinotecan rechallenge in metastatic colorectal cancer.
- Immunotherapy Organ Preservation in Rectal Cancer
- TORCH-E Phase II Trial achieves 72.7% complete response rate using short-course RT + CAPOX + toripalimab in early low rectal cancer.
Top Upper GI Cancer Trials to Watch at ESMO 2025
Lung and Bladder Cancer Progress
Evolution trial is a major breakthrough for advanced NSCLC offering a novel treatment paradigm with curative intent potential and less toxicity.
- Enfortumab Vedotin + Pembrolizumab for Urothelial Cancer
FDA-approved ADC+IO combo improved survival in platinum-refractory advanced bladder cancer. Nectin-4 targeting delivers chemo selectively to tumors.
Cell Therapy
- The “Off-the-Shelf” RevolutionCell Therapy
Allogeneic iNKT cells deliver durable remissions in PD-1 refractory solid tumors (23-month mOS).
Immunotherapy Innovations
- High-Risk NMIBC Immunotherapy Trials
Optimized dosing reduces recurrence while preserving bladder function.
Top Immunotherapy Trials in Head and Neck and Endocrine Cancers to Watch at ESMO 2025
Precision Oncology Technologies
- Multi-Cancer Early Detection
A single blood test uses liquid biopsy plus AI to detect over 50 cancers early.
Cancer research is a complex and evolving field, marked by remarkable advances alongside ongoing challenges. The studies highlighted here represent meaningful progress that brings renewed hope to patients and families navigating this difficult journey.
This Thanksgiving, as we pause to reflect on the blessings in our lives, it is fitting to acknowledge the tireless dedication of researchers, clinicians, and trial participants whose collective efforts fuel these scientific strides. While many new therapies offer promise, they also remind us of the careful work still needed to bring effective, accessible cancer care to all. Embracing both gratitude for the breakthroughs and humility for the road ahead, we honor the spirit of perseverance and collaboration that drives cancer research forward.
“Happy Thanksgiving from the Kim family and from our City of Hope family. Feeling particularly grateful for the faculty and staff who have worked so hard to open Orange County’s only cancer specialty hospital.
We can’t wait to welcome our first patients on Monday, Dec. 1, completing the continuum of care for the people who need us.
Wishing all of you time to recharge and make memories with family and friends.”
“I am grateful today to have found a career that brings meaning to each day and to work with the team at Penn State Health that is committed to providing the best care possible. I am most thankful to know the families and children I am trusted to care for. There is no greater honor. They are why I come to work fully present each day. For those we are still fighting for and for those that live in our hearts.
To know that when one of our children needs something it is only a call away – when something changes, there is such comfort in knowing that if I need a biopsy, radiation, a trial, or an inpatient bed- this team will move mountains to make it happen because kids with cancer should not have to wait.”
“Not a single Thanksgiving has gone by over the past decade when I haven’t been grateful for having my boss/ally/friend Tanya Dorff at City of Hope. Beyond the incredible strides she has made in immunotherapy for prostate cancer, she has led our growing group with integrity, empathy & inspiration.
It was an honor to sit down with her this week on our hashtag#podcast to hear what she feels the future holds for hashtag#cancer research.”
“Gratitude.
It costs nothing but requires selflessness, recognition of the world around you, and hope.
It returns in abundance.
I try to practice it on the daily.
I am thankful for the gift of every day.
Although it’s been a minute, there was a time when that was threatened.
I am grateful for those around me-unconditional, supportive, strengthening.
I am grateful for the inspirers, collaborators, and educators.
I continue to learn from you, connect with you, and practice what you preach.
Happy Thanksgiving to my family-whether at home, at Blood Cancer United, or elsewhere. I am thankful for you.”
“Grateful This Thanksgiving
As we head into Thanksgiving, I’m feeling incredibly grateful for the people and purpose that shape my work.
To my patients—thank you for your trust, your honesty, your resilience, and the way you allow me into some of the most vulnerable moments of your lives. You teach me something every single day about courage, grace, and what really matters.
To my team and colleagues at Sarah Cannon Research Institute and SCRI Oncology Partners —I’m grateful to work alongside people who are talented, mission-driven, and deeply committed to advancing cancer care. Together, we strive to bring innovative treatments and clinical trials to the communities we serve, so patients can access the best options close to home.
And to everyone who supports this work—families, caregivers, researchers, advocates—thank you. Progress in cancer care happens because so many people care fiercely and work tirelessly.
Wishing all of you a restful, healthy, and meaningful Thanksgiving. May your holiday be filled with connection, gratitude, and maybe even a little joy and quiet.
Happy Thanksgiving!”
“As we reflect on this past year, I want to express my deepest gratitude to our incredible
community partners, dedicated researchers, the Massey team, and our patients. Your trust,
collaboration, and commitment have been the heart of our efforts in One Team, One Fight.
Together, we’ve advanced research, strengthened community engagement, and worked toward a future where cancer care is equitable and accessible for all. Your support makes every step of this journey possible.
From all of us at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, thank you for being part of our
mission, and for believing in the power of teamwork, innovation, and hope.
Together, we’re making a difference, and I’m honored to work alongside all of you. Here’s to the progress we’ve made and the lives we continue to touch.”
Written by Marine Marashlian MDc