Annie Yu, Principal Scientist at Bristol Myers Squibb, shared on LinkedIn:
“Busy ESMO26 weekend: back-to-back publications and presentations!
Thrilled to share two back-to-back journal papers—on advanced melanoma and NSCLC—plus our ESMO posters!
Across all three studies, our work focuses on advancing dual checkpoint inhibition, overcoming mechanisms of resistance, and mapping novel tumor microenvironment vulnerabilities:
1. Published in Nature Medicine and Poster Presented at ESMO26
Why it matters: With >57 months of follow-up, dual LAG-3/PD-1 inhibition demonstrated sustained, clinically significant improvements in PFS, OS, and melanoma-specific survival (MSS). Translational analyses also revealed that adding relatlimab may overcome LAG-3–mediated primary resistance.
2. Published in Annals of Oncology
Why it matters: Evaluating first-line dual checkpoint inhibition in advanced NSCLC—highlighting a clear clinical signal (ORR, PFS, and OS) in the PD-L1 ≥1% nonsquamous subgroup that directly supports the ongoing phase III RELATIVITY-1093 trial.
3. ESMO26 Poster Presentation — MTAP Deletion and TME Dynamics
Study: Prevalence, Prognosis, and Impact on Tumor Microenvironment of Homozygous MTAP Deletion in Advanced Solid Tumors
Why it matters: Homozygous MTAP deletion occurs in 10%–15% of all solid tumors and represents a high-priority biological target. Our work characterizes how MTAP loss alters the tumor microenvironment and prognosis, laying groundwork for next-generation targeted modalities.
Poster Details: Poster N4445P
A huge thank you to all co-authors, clinical investigators, laboratory teams, and—most importantly—the patients and their families whose participation makes this research possible. Science is truly a team sport!
Amazing leadership and collaboration from Sonia Dolfi, Charlie Garnett-Benson, Jaclyn Neely, Amy (Yu-Han) Hung, Ming Lei and many more!”
You can also read: 20 Posts Not to Miss from ESMO Congress 2026: Day 1
