ASCO 2026: Top Oncology Trials to Watch

Key Takeaways

• ASCO 2026 will feature major plenary presentations including PROTEUS, SARC041, LIBRETTO-432, HARMONi-6, and RASolute 302.
• Ten lung cancer trials are expected to shape discussions, focusing on durability, sequencing, and CNS control.
• Presentations will cover prostate, pancreatic, and multiple myeloma with potential practice-changing implications.

The ASCO 2026 Annual Meeting, scheduled for May 29–June 2 in Chicago, will showcase the latest advancements in oncology, featuring key presentations and late-breaking abstracts across various cancer types. This meeting brings together leading researchers and clinicians to discuss practice-changing data and emerging therapies.

The ASCO Annual Meeting is a premier event in the oncology field, providing a platform for the presentation and discussion of cutting-edge research that shapes cancer treatment paradigms. The 2026 meeting promises to deliver significant updates with potential to transform patient care.

Lung Cancer Highlights

Ten lung cancer trials are anticipated to drive thoracic oncology discussions, focusing on durability, sequencing strategies, central nervous system (CNS) control, molecular selection, and the integration of different drug classes in first-line treatments.

Key trials to watch include CROWN, MARIPOSA, NeoADAURA, Beamion LUNG-1, SUNRAY-01, DeLLphi-312, and FLAURA2 subgroup analyses. A late-breaking abstract will feature WU-KONG28, a Phase 3 study of Dizal's ZEGFROVY® in EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Additionally, DZD6008, a 4th generation EGFR TKI, will be presented for EGFR-mutated NSCLC following prior treatment with a 3rd generation EGFR TKI.

Hematologic Malignancies

Ascentage Pharma is set to present six abstracts, including three rapid oral presentations. Notably, data on olverembatinib (HQP1351) combined with blinatumomab in lymphoid blast phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or Philadelphia chromosome-positive B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ BCP-ALL) will be presented (Abstract #6513; May 30, 1:15–2:45 p.m. CT). Presentations will also cover lisaftoclax (APG-2575), including data from the POLARIS-2 trial, and alrizomadlin (APG-115) across SDH-deficient tumors and pediatric soft-tissue sarcomas.

Gastric Cancer

Ono Pharmaceuticals will present data on nivolumab (OPDIVO®) in gastric cancer (Abstract #4006; June 1, 9:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. CT, oral presentation).

Additional Presentations

BriaCell (BCTX) will present three posters on Bria-IMT (cell-based immunotherapy) plus checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic breast cancer, focusing on survival at 12/24 months and quality of life. Corbus Pharmaceuticals (CRBP) will share updated Phase 1/2 data on CRB-701 (Nectin-4 ADC) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and cervical cancer (Abstract #6062; May 30, 4:30 PM CT). Alpha Tau will present combined results from three studies on Alpha DaRT in pancreatic cancer.

Pfizer (PFE) will present over 40 abstracts, including late-breaking ones, on various therapies such as talazoparib (TALZENNA) plus enzalutamide (XTANDI) in prostate cancer. Alphamab Oncology (9966.HK) will present a poster on JSKN016 (TROP2/HER3 bispecific ADC) in HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer (Abstract #1123; June 1, 1:30-4:30 PM CDT).

Late-Breaking Presentations

Late-breaking presentations include data on Imfinzi plus Imjudo (AstraZeneca) in the Emerald-3 trial, mezigdomide (Bristol Myers Squibb) in the Successor-2 trial, talazoparib (Pfizer) in the Talapro-3 trial, and Monjuvi (Incyte) in the Frontmind trial.

Market & Investor Implications

The data presented at ASCO 2026 is likely to have significant implications for pharmaceutical companies and investors. Positive trial results can lead to increased stock value and greater adoption of new therapies. Conversely, disappointing data may negatively impact market performance.

What to Watch Next

Following the abstract releases on May 21, further details from these trials will emerge, providing a clearer picture of their potential impact on clinical practice. Keep an eye on publications and presentations for full data sets and analyses.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When and where is ASCO 2026 taking place?

  ASCO 2026 will be held from May 29 to June 2, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.

• When will the abstracts be released?

  Abstracts will be published on May 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.

• Which lung cancer trials should I pay attention to?

  Key lung cancer trials include CROWN, MARIPOSA, NeoADAURA, Beamion LUNG-1, SUNRAY-01, DeLLphi-312, and FLAURA2 subgroup analyses.

• What hematologic malignancy data will be presented?

  Ascentage Pharma will present data on olverembatinib, lisaftoclax, and alrizomadlin.

• Will there be any presentations on gastric cancer?

  Yes, Ono Pharmaceuticals will present data on nivolumab (OPDIVO®) in gastric cancer.

References

1. ASCO 2026 Plenary Session Key Trials
2. ASCO 2026 Lung Cancer Presentations
3. Ono Pharma Announces Upcoming Presentations at the ASCO 2026 Annual Meeting
4. Ascentage Pharma to Present Data from Multiple Trials at ASCO 2026
5. ASCO 2026: First Look - What Doctors Are Watching
6. Pfizer Showcases Oncology Innovation at ASCO 2026
7. BriaCell Announces Six Clinical Data Presentations at ASCO
8. Corbus Pharmaceuticals Announces Abstracts Accepted for Presentation at ASCO 2026
9. Alpha Tau Announces Presentation of Pancreatic Cancer Data at ASCO 2026
10. Pfizer at ASCO 2026