The Day 4 of ASCO 2026 continued the momentum of innovation and collaboration in oncology, with a focus on refining treatment strategies and addressing key challenges in cancer care. Sessions highlighted ongoing research, practical insights, and the integration of new therapies into clinical practice. Discussions emphasized the importance of evidence-based approaches to improve patient outcomes and foster sustainable advancements in the field.
Below is a selection of key highlights, updates, and perspectives shared by global oncology leaders during the Day 4 of ASCO 2026.
Arpita Desai
“What an absolute honor to chair the papillary RCC Education Session at ASCO26!
Papillary renal cell carcinoma is a disease that demands our attention, and this session covered the full spectrum – biology frontline refractory disease.
I was thrilled to review subsequent lines + novel therapeutic approaches for refractory papillary RCC, including the emerging strategies and clinical trial opportunities that give me so much hope for our patients.
Huge thanks to my incredible co-faculty Dr. Ramaprasad Srinivasan and Charles Nguyen for such an engaging discussion – collaboration like this is what moves the field forward!”
Elizabeth Garrett-Mayer
“Heading home after ASCO26 and what a phenomenal meeting. Great science, great collaborations and great reconnections with longtime friends and colleagues from around the globe. Thank you to American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and to the oncology community for your commitment to science.”
Sergio Cifuentes-Canaval
“Two ASCO 2026 Posters. One Regional Message.
Proud to share two studies presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting 2026 focused on the future of oncology professionals in Latin America.
Poster 1: Burnout and Well-being
We found substantial levels of emotional exhaustion among early-career oncologists across LATAM, highlighting the growing impact of workload, workforce shortages, and limited institutional resources.
Poster 2: Educational and Research Gaps
Young oncologists are highly motivated to engage in research and academic development, yet face significant barriers:
- Limited protected research time
- Insufficient funding opportunities
- Restricted access to mentorship
- Limited research networks
- Few pathways toward independent research leadership
One finding stood out:
- 83.8% identified clinical trials and research methodology as their highest educational priority.
The message is clear:
- The challenge in Latin America is not lack of interest or talent.
- The challenge is transforming motivation into opportunity.
As a region, we need stronger mentorship programs, research training pathways, protected academic time, and collaborative networks that allow young oncologists to become future investigators and leaders.
Grateful to all collaborators and participants from across Latin America who made these projects possible
To our super team!”
Ronan Hsieh
“Given early closure, most likely pemigatinib will stay in 2L.
However, a similar PFS1 of experimental arm and PFS2 of control arm crossover solidifies that 2L pemigatinib will be similarly effective.”
GI Cancers Alliance
“What a year to remember at American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)!”
“Some highlights:
- Catching up with our industry partners to hear about exciting clinical trials in the pipeline and the desire for global patient input in research and precision medicine education.
- Sharing our latest biomarker research and ways to support our community in the upcoming year.
- Presenting the The Yvonne Award as OncoDaily’s GI partner.
- Ensuring the patient voice was heard through participation in panels and helping recruit for ad boards
- Catching up with our advocacy partners and hearing what they’re up to and why a collective voice for GI patients is important to them
- Networking with old friends and new under the Chicago skyline
- Hearing the latest research in sessions and experiencing the unforgettable moment in the plenary, during the watershed moment for pancreatic cancer
Thank you to everyone who met with us, grabbed a pic, shared your voice, did an interview, and made sure the GI patient voice was represented at ASCO26 this year.”
Jesús Fuentes Antrás
“ASCO2026 has brought a continued shift toward more refined, biologically informed oncology drug development. From daraxonrasib’s momentum to multispecific antibodies, dual adc payloads, and increasingly sophisticated cell therapy platforms, the technical progress felt incremental rather than transformative – but meaningful nonetheless.”
“A great few days of discussions and reconnecting with colleagues and old friends from across the field!”
Jasmine Kamboj
“My last session of ASCO26, the MENA region and ASCO Collaborative. Thanks to Prof Hesham ElGhazaly and ASCO for inviting me, ASCO.
Truly humbled to be speaking alongside global and ASCO leaders.
- Engagement
- Education
- Empowerment to collaborations and leadership
Also, congratulations Dear Dr Atla Abusanand for your LDP program graduation.”
James Wu
“Some amazing life advice at the ASCO26, Astra Zeneca Lungsphere Leadership Exchange from Triparna Sen, Rami Manochakian, Eric K. Singhi, Arthi Sridhar, Ana I. Velázquez Mañana.
A thread of the some of the top pearls of advice…”
Stacey Tinianov
“Thirteen years ago this week, I was diagnosed with cancer.
Ten years ago this week, I attended my first American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting as an advocate.
Seven years ago this week, a group of advocates joined forces to form Advocates for Collaborative Education to share leading practices and learn with and from each other.
And this week, I was able to spend time steeped in “The Science and Practice of Translation” at ASCO26.
Grateful to share space, knowledge, and good energy with the clinicians, researchers, industry partners, ASCO staff, and advocates who are focused on improving not only clinical outcomes but also quality-of-life for individuals with a diagnosis or history of cancer.”
Ravindran Kanesvaran
“Honored to chair the 2026 ASCO B.J. Kennedy Geriatric Oncology Award session and to introduce this year’s award recipient, Enrique Soto Perez de Celis.
It was a privilege to read his citation and reflect on his remarkable journey – from training and early practice in Mexico City to becoming an internationally respected leader in geriatric oncology at the University of Colorado.
His award lecture, “Geriatric Oncology: The Coming of Age of a Specialty – Its Distinct Principles, Practice, and Science in a Global Context,” was thoughtful, inspiring, and timely. Enrique highlighted how geriatric oncology has evolved from a niche interest into an essential pillar of modern cancer care, grounded in evidence, multidisciplinary collaboration, and a deeper understanding of the needs of older adults with cancer.
What stood out most was his emphasis on building a truly global field – one that is relevant not only to high-income countries, but also to diverse healthcare systems worldwide.
A well-deserved recognition for a clinician, researcher, educator, and global advocate for older adults with cancer.”
Walid Kamoun
“Back from ASCO2026 energized and inspired!
“The ASCO Annual Meeting is always a unique moment to step back from the day-to-day and reconnect with the broader oncology community in what feels, at times, like a quasi-spiritual gathering around a shared mission.”
This year felt exceptional. We witnessed remarkable data, including a standing ovation for results that will redefine the standard of care in pancreatic cancer. Progress in this field is hard-won, and the addition of a new therapy brings meaningful hope to patients.
Beyond the science, ASCO is about dialogue. I spent time engaging with investigators on how to best develop our therapies, and with current and future partners on how we can work together to bring transformative innovation to patients.
As I head back to Paris, I do so with energy, new ideas, and a renewed conviction that, together, we can accelerate progress and bring real hope to patients.
Thanks to all the Servier Oncology team for the great organization.”
Elvina Almuradova
“In the IRIS study, adjuvant capecitabine + trastuzumab achieved excellent long-term outcomes in small, node-negative HER2+ disease:
- 5-year iDFS: 97.8%
- 5-year RFS: 98.9%
- Only 4 events after 66 months of follow-up
A promising less-toxic alternative deserving further investigation.”
Herbert Loong
“Heading home from American Society of Clinical Oncology – ASCO26 and reflecting on the amazing group of international colleagues friends mentors collaborators that I’ve had the chance to say hi to over the last 72 hours.
Too many to tag! Thanks all for your support and for making what we do so fun and collaborative.
Safe travels home everyone!”
Vivek Subbiah
“Fantastic live panel discussions at the First annual Paradigms in Practice (PIP) now flawlessly moderated by Healthcare Unfiltered host Chadi Nabhan.
A true who’s‑who in oncology breaking down the latest ASCO 2026 data and what it means for patients”
Erika Hamilton
“DB05 update on ILD with T-DXd
- 10% ILD, 2 cases fatal
- Radiation pneumonitis (RP) incidence ~ 30%
- Having ILD did not increase chance of RP
- No diff in ILD based on sequential or concurrent radiotherapy
- Moderate renal dysfunction high risk ILD”
Julie Gralow
“As ASCO26 comes to a close, I think the highlight for me was connecting with 3 of my prior Conquer Cancer, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) IDEA mentees: Nico from Romania, Yanin from Mexico, and Anyur from Kazakhstan.
All 3 have become amazing oncology leaders and are improving cancer care globally. So proud!”
Mark Chang
“My fav session D4 of ASCO2026.
Bobby Mukkamala shared his struggle after being diagnosed with grade 2 astrocytoma. I took this selfie in 2024 prior to his AMA pres and brain cancer dx. His story exemplifies what many of our cancer pts also experience in our healthcare system.”
JJ Singleton
“This morning I did something I never thought possible. At the largest oncology conference in the world I was invited and asked to sit on a panel with amazing and Incredible medical professionals and talk about survivorship from a patient experience at the ASCO Community of Practice Survivorship meeting.
Advocacy has taken me many places and I’ve got to do many things that are still hard for me to believe much less understand how or why even if the imposter syndrome is high I’m forever grateful and appreciative.
Today I got to speak and use my voice my experiences and the experiences of my friends and community to answer questions and inform medical professionals from across the world about the ups an downs the good the bad the ugly and the hurdles and barriers we face as cancer patients and survivors. From the people who are NED remission or on forever treatment
It’s complicated, it’s hard and there are no simple answers, but listening and learning from us patients and continuing to try and to work on improving survivorship is what I hope I was able to get across.
Now to relax an head home tomorrow for treatment Wednesday.”
Nazik Hammad
“Great to catch up at ASCO with Erika Ruiz-Garcia and Eric Small immediate past ASCO president.
Erika is Chair of the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting Education Program Committee. Notably, she is the first ASCO member from a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) to hold this leadership role.
Thank you both for working to make the annual meeting a space for bringing attention to cancer in traditionally “invisible” populations such as displaced persons in Africa and undocumented migrants in HIC.”
John P. Leonard
“The STAMP trial (EA6174) is the largest clinical study (sponsored by National Cancer Institute, ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Grou) evaluating immunotherapy as an adjuvant treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) after surgery.”
Laurence Buisseret
“Beyond the exciting science, ASCO2026 is also a moment to reflect on how we want to evolve as researchers, clinicians, mentors, and colleagues.”
“Thank you, Sharon H. Giordano, for this inspiring reminder that a meaningful career in oncology is built not only on scientific excellence, but also on the impact we have on others.”
Shane Jacobson
“As the oncology community gathers for the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, I’m thinking about the full arc of progress – from discovery to delivery.
New science is essential. We are excited to secure more support for the talented research community and collaborate with those organizations accelerating discovery. And we will not stop there. Progress only counts when patients can access it – regardless of income, geography, or insurance status. We will continue to work at the local, state, and federal levels to advocate for improvements and to activate volunteers, whose experiences become stories that underscore the needs and opportunities in communities across the country.
At the American Cancer Society and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN):
- We invest in research and help translate evidence into real-world practice.
- We provide support so patients and caregivers aren’t navigating cancer alone.
- We advocate for policies that protect access to screening and treatment.
- We engage those in venture and business to speed up the connection of innovation to patient support.
A special congratulations to Eduardo Vilar Sanchez, of the UT MD Anderson, for being awarded the ASCO-American Cancer Society Prevention Award, for his work in cancer immunoprevention.
To everyone presenting, caring for patients, and pushing the field forward: thank you. We’re proud to be part of this all-star community.
And to our teammates (pictured below) who made the meeting a great success, thank you! It was a great weekend in Chicago!”
Dana-Farber News
“At ASCO26 DanaFarber’s Dr. Sara Tolaney presented a subgroup analysis of the ASCENT-04 study based on biomarkers.
Across all subgroups, patients who received sacituzumab govitecan plus pembro as 1st line therapy had longer PFS compared to standandard therapy.”
Pauline Funchain
“Weighing pros and cons of engineered cellular therapy vs currently approved TIL.
Modified TIL OBX: Higher prelim ORR, unknown duration of response.
TCR-T anzu-cel: lower dose IL but higher CRS/ICANS/HLH and HLA-restricted eligibility.”
Yale Cancer Center
“Drs. Alessandro Santin and Stefania Bellone share promising data on a ph II study (NCT06028932) of sacituzumab govitecan for ovarian cancer: 35% had tumor shrinkage and 40% had stable disease in 20 heavily pretreated patients.”
You can also read:
30 Posts Not To Miss From ASCO 2026 Day 3
