ASCO 2026 Plenary Session, part of the ASCO 2026 Annual Meeting taking place in Chicago, will spotlight five major trials: PROTEUS, SARC041, LIBRETTO-432, HARMONi-6, and RASolute 302. Together, these studies reflect key directions in modern oncology, spanning perioperative treatment intensification, targeted therapy, novel immunotherapy strategies, and direct RAS inhibition.
Together, these studies reflect key directions in modern oncology, spanning perioperative treatment intensification in prostate cancer, targeted strategies in rare sarcomas, precision adjuvant therapy in lung cancer, next-generation immunotherapy approaches, and long-awaited efforts to directly target RAS in pancreatic cancer.
Final analysis of the PROTEUS phase 3 study
Title: Perioperative (neoadjuvant and adjuvant) apalutamide (APA) + androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) vs placebo (PBO) + ADT with radical prostatectomy (RP) in high-risk localized or locally advanced prostate cancer (HR LPC/LAPC): Final analysis of the PROTEUS phase 3 study.
Presenter: Mary-Ellen Taplin
Abstract number: LBA1
PROTEUS is a global, randomized phase 3 trial evaluating the addition of apalutamide to androgen deprivation therapy in patients with high-risk localized or locally advanced prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy. The study is designed around a perioperative strategy, delivering systemic therapy both before and after surgery to improve disease control in a population at significant risk of recurrence.
The trial explores whether intensifying androgen receptor pathway inhibition can reduce residual tumor burden and delay metastatic progression. By integrating systemic therapy into the curative-intent setting, PROTEUS reflects a broader shift toward earlier use of effective agents traditionally reserved for advanced disease.
This session will address whether perioperative intensification with apalutamide can redefine treatment strategies for high-risk localized prostate cancer.
SARC041: CDK4 Inhibition in Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma
Title: SARC041: A phase 3 randomized double-blind study of abemaciclib versus placebo in patients with advanced dedifferentiated liposarcoma.
Presenter: Mark A. Dickson
Abstract number: LBA2
SARC041 is a randomized phase 3 trial investigating abemaciclib in patients with advanced dedifferentiated liposarcoma, a rare and aggressive sarcoma subtype with limited treatment options. The study builds on the biological rationale that CDK4 amplification is a key driver in this disease, making it a promising therapeutic target .
By selectively inhibiting CDK4, abemaciclib aims to disrupt tumor cell proliferation and provide a more effective treatment strategy compared with existing systemic therapies. The trial represents an important effort to translate molecular insights into clinically meaningful advances in sarcoma care.
This presentation will address whether targeted cell cycle inhibition can improve outcomes in patients with advanced dedifferentiated liposarcoma.
LIBRETTO-432: Adjuvant Selpercatinib in RET Fusion–Positive NSCLC
Title: Event-free survival with adjuvant selpercatinib in stage IB-IIIA RET fusion-positive NSCLC: Primary results of the phase 3 LIBRETTO-432 trial.
Speaker :Jonathan W. Goldman
Abstract number: LBA3
LIBRETTO-432 is a phase 3 study evaluating selpercatinib as adjuvant therapy in patients with resected RET fusion–positive non–small cell lung cancer. The trial focuses on extending the benefits of targeted therapy into earlier-stage disease following surgery.
The study investigates whether suppressing oncogenic RET signaling after resection can reduce recurrence risk and improve long-term outcomes. It reflects the growing role of molecularly guided treatment strategies in the curative-intent setting of lung cancer.
This presentation addresses whether adjuvant targeted therapy can establish a new standard of care for RET-altered early-stage NSCLC.
HARMONi-6 Trial at ASCO 2026 Plenary Session: Novel Immunotherapy Strategy in Squamous NSCLC
Title: Ivonescimab plus chemotherapy versus tislelizumab plus chemotherapy in previously untreated advanced squamous non–small cell lung cancer: Overall survival results of the phase 3 HARMONi-6 trial.
Speaker: Chen Zhiwei
Abstract Number: LBA4
HARMONi-6 is a phase 3 randomized trial comparing ivonescimab plus chemotherapy with tislelizumab plus chemotherapy in previously untreated advanced squamous non–small cell lung cancer. The study evaluates a novel bispecific antibody designed to simultaneously target immune checkpoint pathways and angiogenesis.
This dual mechanism approach aims to enhance anti-tumor immune responses while modifying the tumor microenvironment. The trial reflects ongoing efforts to improve first-line treatment strategies in squamous NSCLC, where therapeutic progress has been more limited compared to other lung cancer subtypes .
This presentation will addresthe question whether this next-generation immunotherapy approach can outperform established checkpoint inhibitor–based regimens.
Read more about this trial on OncoDaily
RASolute 302: Targeting RAS in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Title: Daraxonrasib, a RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitor vs chemotherapy in previously treated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPDAC): Primary and final analysis from the phase 3 RASolute 302 study.
Speaker: Brian M. Wolpin
Abstract Number: LBA5
RASolute 302 is a global phase 3 trial evaluating daraxonrasib, a RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitor, in patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer. The study focuses on directly targeting the RAS pathway, which is a central driver of pancreatic tumor biology .
By inhibiting active RAS signaling, daraxonrasib represents a novel therapeutic strategy in a disease historically resistant to targeted approaches. The trial reflects a significant step toward overcoming one of the most challenging molecular targets in oncology.
This presentation addresses whether direct RAS inhibition can offer a meaningful new treatment option in metastatic pancreatic cancer.
