American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) shared a post on LinkedIn:
“In June 2026, the Asia oncology community will gather in Singapore to participate in ASCO Breakthrough, the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) global meeting focused on the Asia-Pacific region cohosted by the Singapore Society of Oncology.
In advance of the annual conference, leading cancer researchers from across the region are preparing research, encouraging participation in dialogues, and energizing the community to move clinical cancer care forward.
The Importance of Submitting Your Research
2026 ASCO Breakthrough Program Committee Chair Dr. Yun Yen, Taipei Medical University, noted the importance of submitting research to the meeting:
‘Submitting an abstract here means joining a global stage where new science is not just presented, but advanced. It’s an opportunity to showcase novel data, engage with international experts, and build collaborations that can fast-track promising research from concept to clinic. ASCO Breakthrough amplifies good science into real momentum.’
Researchers and clinicians from across the world will have the opportunity to submit abstracts via ASCO Breakthrough’s website through February 24, 2026. Accepted submissions will be presented at the annual conference from June 25-27, 2026, and published online as part of the Journal of Clinical Oncology supplement.
Dr. Melvin L.K. Chua, National Cancer Centre Singapore, and past Program Committee Chair for the 2024 Breakthrough meeting, cited the importance of Singapore as the first-time host city for the meeting,
‘I am excited that Singapore will be hosting this vibrant, growing community for the first time, and I encourage all professionals to share your research and learn about the newest clinical innovations and advances in oncology at the event.’
Across the Asia region, pre-eminent cancer researchers are preparing for the event and rallying colleagues to participate in discussions that can help to fuel the next breakthrough in cancer care.
Putting Asia Researchers on the Global Stage
Breakthrough is particularly important for researchers in Asia, according to Dr. Zhigang Li, Shanghai Chest Hospital,
‘Researchers are often doing good work, but the key question is whether their work can be showcased to interested audiences and collaborators quickly. This is where ASCO Breakthrough has a unique advantage – it has an inherent affinity for Asian researchers, making it easier to present things that are more locally relevant.’
For Dr. Takayuki Yoshino, National Cancer Center Hospital East, advancing new fields of research and provoking new discussions among colleagues on the front line of medical advances poses a great opportunity for researchers from Japan, and beyond. He noted,
‘International conferences like ASCO Breakthrough are not simply a forum for presenting research results; they play an important role as a platform to discuss the direction of next-generation healthcare, spanning clinical, basic, and industrial fields. In particular, new technological fields such as AI applications, multi-omics and personalized immunotherapy pose many challenges for clinical application, making it essential to share ethical, regulatory, and implementation issues from an international perspective.’
Representing Diverse Markets to Facilitate the Next Breakthrough in Cancer Care
The Breakthrough meeting will give clinicians the opportunity to shed light on real needs in their markets and start dialogue with the global community. Dr. Vanita Noronha, Tata Medical Hospital, discussed how vital presenting research at ASCO Breakthrough is for Asian researchers in markets like India, noting:
‘Researchers must address real needs in patient population with scientific rigor, persistence, and clarity of purpose. ASCO-level recognition goes beyond geography; it’s about integrity, relevance, and impact, which are core to Indian oncology.’
The global conference also provides a unique lens into Asian populations, ensuring representation and diversity. Dr. Park Joon-oh, Samsung Medical Center, noted the importance of promoting research among Asian populations, adding,
‘Asia has a very large population, and historically, research and drug development has been led by the United States and Europe, with Asia in a more reactive role. However, countries such as Korea, Japan, China, and Singapore have reached near-global standards in research capability. Diversity is particularly important because neither studies limited to Western populations nor solely Asian-only cohorts are sufficient. Asia is a region of tremendous genetic and cultural diversity, which is a strategic advantage.’
Keep up to date with the meeting via its website breakthrough.asco.org and its hashtag, ASCOBT26.”
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