OncoDaily hosted Grand Rounds by OncoDaily: AI in Oncology Edition during ASCO 2026 in Chicago, bringing together leaders from oncology, digital health, drug development, community cancer care, and medical informatics for a focused discussion on the growing role of artificial intelligence in cancer care. The event was held on May 30 at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, with ZS serving as the exclusive partner.
A Timely Conversation On AI In Cancer Care
As artificial intelligence continues to enter clinical workflows, research programs, data interpretation, diagnostics, and treatment planning, the Grand Rounds created space for a practical and multidisciplinary discussion. The session focused not only on the promise of AI, but also on how these tools can be integrated responsibly into oncology while keeping patient-centered care, clinical judgment, safety, and equity at the center.
The evening opened with pre-event networking and coffee, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session. The program concluded with a post-event networking dinner, allowing participants to continue conversations around innovation, implementation, and collaboration across the oncology community.
Leadership From Oncology And AI Experts
The session was chaired by Douglas Flora, MD, a board-certified medical oncologist, cancer survivor, executive leader, and Editor-in-Chief of AI in Precision Oncology. Known for his work at the intersection of cancer care, technology, prevention, and equity, Dr. Flora helped guide the discussion around how AI can support oncology without replacing the human connection that remains central to cancer care.
The event was co-hosted by Pavankumar Anné, Principal at ZS and leader of the firm’s Global Oncology and Precision Medicine Practice. His experience across oncology commercialization, diagnostics, strategy, and organizational design added an industry and systems-level perspective to the discussion.
Voices Across Clinical Practice, Research, And Industry
The panel brought together speakers representing different parts of the oncology ecosystem. Cristian Massacesi, MD, Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, and Head of Development at Bristol Myers Squibb, contributed perspectives from global drug development and clinical research. His experience across oncology, hematology, neuroscience, immunology, and cardiovascular development highlighted how data, science, and innovation are shaping modern therapeutic pipelines.
Debra Patt, MD, Executive Vice President of Texas Oncology, President of the Community Oncology Alliance, member of the ASCO Board of Directors, and Chair of ASCO’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force, brought a strong community oncology and policy perspective. Her remarks reflected the importance of ensuring that digital tools are clinically useful, accessible, and aligned with real-world cancer care delivery.
Sanjay Juneja, MD, Vice President of AI and Medical Informatics at Tempus AI, shared insights from the intersection of clinical oncology, informatics, and public communication. His work in clinical AI strategy and medical education underscored the growing need for oncologists to understand how AI tools are built, validated, and applied in practice.
Sunil Verma, MD, Senior Vice President and Global Head of the Oncology Franchise at AstraZeneca, added a global oncology development perspective, drawing from decades of experience across clinical practice, academia, and pharmaceutical leadership. His participation emphasized the importance of innovation that is connected to meaningful clinical outcomes and long-term progress in cancer treatment.
Here are some interesting posts from social media highlighting the OncoDaily Grand Rounds: AI in Oncology Edition, held during ASCO 2026 in Chicago. The event brought together leading voices in oncology, artificial intelligence, drug development, community cancer care, and medical informatics for an engaging discussion on how AI is shaping the future of cancer research and clinical practice.
“ASCO After Hours Did Not Disappoint.
The evening started with a high-impact, energized discussion on AI in oncology—moving beyond the hype and focusing on where artificial intelligence is already changing workflows, decision-making, patient engagement, operations, and the future of cancer care.
From there, the momentum carried directly into the incredible 40 Under 40 gathering.
The energy in the room was electric.
But what stood out most wasn’t the technology, the titles, or even the accomplishments being celebrated.
It was the realization that something much larger is taking shape.
Across the room were leaders from every corner of oncology, healthcare, technology, policy, operations, and innovation. Different backgrounds. Different expertise. Different organizations. Yet there was a common thread connecting everyone: a shared commitment to improving cancer care, challenging outdated models, creating meaningful change, and doing the work necessary to move the industry forward.
The power of alignment should never be underestimated.
When talented people with common goals, relentless drive, consistency, and a willingness to collaborate come together, extraordinary things happen.
What is being built through these relationships extends far beyond a single conference, networking event, or panel discussion. The conversations taking place today are laying the foundation for future partnerships, strategic initiatives, educational programs, research collaborations, policy discussions, and innovations that will have a lasting impact across oncology.
This is only the beginning.
There will be much more to follow in the weeks and months ahead as announcements are made, new panels are launched, podcasts are recorded, collaborations are formalized, and strategic alignments continue to take shape.
The future of oncology will not be built by individuals working in silos.
It will be built by communities of people willing to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and execute together.
Last night was a powerful reminder that those communities are forming—and they are gaining momentum.”
“Our ZS sponsored OncoDaily Grand Rounds: AI in Oncology Edition is about to start.
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
5pm
Come join us for the most exciting panel discussion on AI.
Douglas Flora, MD, LSSBB
Pavan Anné
Sanjay Juneja, M.D.
Debra Patt, MD PhD MBA FASCO
Sunil Verma
Cristian Massacesi, M.D.”
“Highlights from an exciting oncology AI gathering hosted by OncoDaily and ZS during ASCO.
Excellent speakers, engaging discussions, and not a single seat left empty.”
“Full room and the event hasn’t yet started “AI in Oncology” by OncoDaily and sponsored by ZS ASCO2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)”
“What an inspiration lecture onco silence is a bad disease absolutely
Impact can be done saving one life saves the world.
Let’s have global impact patients everywhere Gevorg Tamamyan
And in my opinion “The future of global oncology is not defined by how much knowledge we generate, but by how effectively we share it, how equitably we collaborate, and how rapidly we translate evidence into better outcomes for patient”
” I am excited to join American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) as a patient advocate. For me, this is one of the most rewarding roles imaginable—the opportunity to help change lives and amplify the voices of patients from Armenia
Whenever I share the impact of City of Smile Charitable Foundation with international colleagues, they are genuinely amazed. In Armenia, no child with cancer has been left without access to comprehensive cancer care since 2019, and treatment abandonment has been reduced to 0%. These achievements demonstrate what can be accomplished by a small team with great potential that grows and improves together every day.
None of these achievements would have been possible without the leadership of City of Smile Charitable Foundation and its Executive Director, Ester Demirtshyan, together with the generosity and dedication of our donors, partners, healthcare professionals, and supporters
Together, they have transformed pediatric and young adults cancer care in Armenia and given hope to countless families.
I look forward to learning from fellow advocates around the world, sharing Armenia’s experience, and continuing our collective mission to improve cancer care and outcomes for every patient.”
“One of the most thought-provoking questions during the AI in Oncology Panel Discussion organised by OncoDaily with the sponsorship of ZS wasn’t about what AI can do, it was about what we might lose if we’re not careful.
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into cancer care, how do we preserve critical thinking, human judgment, and the patient experience? How do we ensure that AI supports clinicians rather than replacing the reasoning and empathy that patients rely on?
The panel highlighted an important point: the conversation shouldn’t be about choosing between AI and humans. It should be about using AI responsibly, demanding transparency, and ensuring that technology helps us deliver better, safer, and more accessible care.
A timely discussion as oncology continues to navigate one of the most transformative technological shifts in its history.”
Written by Nare Hovhannisyan, MD