Physician-scientists from Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health are set to unveil practice-changing oncology research and innovative, highly targeted treatment data at the upcoming 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. The event, scheduled for May 29 to June 2 in Chicago and online, serves as a global stage for the latest breakthroughs in cancer care.
As New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute, alongside RWJBarnabas Health, will present a portfolio of 39 peer-reviewed scientific abstracts. Their contributions span oral and poster presentations, a clinical science symposium, and a prestigious late-breaking session.
“Advances in cancer care are increasingly defined by how effectively we can translate scientific discovery into meaningful impact for patients,” Dr. Steven Libutti, William N. Hait Director of the Rutgers Cancer Institute and Senior Vice President of Oncology Services for RWJBarnabas Health said. “From early detection to novel therapies and clinical insights, we are leveraging data, technology, and collaboration to deliver more personalized and accessible care for patients.”
Libutti added that the capabilities of the newly established Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center—New Jersey’s only freestanding cancer hospital—will expand opportunities for local patients to access these advanced clinical trials and specialized treatments closer to home.
The accepted studies reflect the healthcare system’s expansive clinical research scope, covering breast, colorectal, pancreatic, and hematologic cancers.
Key research presentations slated for ASCO 2026 include:
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High-Risk Breast Cancer Progress: On June 1, researchers will present a highly anticipated late-breaking abstract showcasing data from the I-SPY 2.2 trial. The study evaluates the combination of neoadjuvant (pre-surgery) rilvegostomig and trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) specifically for patients with high-risk, HER2-negative breast cancer.
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Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (Abstract 7009): Findings from Part 1B of the Phase 3 OLYMPIA-3 study will outline the safety and efficacy of pairing odronextamab (ODRO) with standard CHOP chemotherapy in previously untreated, high-risk patients. The data successfully identified a less frequent dosing schedule to move forward into the next Phase 3 stage.
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Aggressive Lymphoma Survival Analysis (Abstract 7093): A pooled, multivariable analysis combining data from the Phase 3 SUNMO, STARGLO, and POLARGO trials showed significant overall survival benefits. Patients receiving targeted combination therapies experienced a favorable hazard ratio of ≤0.65 compared to those on standard rituximab plus chemotherapy.
Beyond complex pharmaceutical breakthroughs, the presentation teams will also highlight data focused on supportive care and patient quality of life.
An educational session will advocate for the early integration of interdisciplinary palliative care alongside primary treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, demonstrating its ability to dramatically curb symptom burden and improve mood. Additionally, the HERO trial (Abstract 12038) will present biological data on how Tai Chi Qigong favorably regulates specific gene expressions tied to inflammation and metabolism, uncovering the scientific mechanism behind how the practice reduces cancer-related fatigue.
