Ask Our Experts ASCO 2026 Highlights June 25, 2026 Each June, more than 40,000 oncology professionals, including physicians, researchers, patient advocates, and pharmaceutical representatives attend the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Chicago, IL. This meeting is the premier forum for the most recent progress made in cancer research. Private Health Management’s (PHM’s) research scientists and advanced practice clinicians attend ASCO each year to immerse themselves in the latest clinical data, emerging technologies, and promising treatment strategies. This helps ensure that PHM clients benefit from the latest insights that may be relevant to their care. Here, our team has assembled some of the most relevant and exciting developments from ASCO 2026. A long-awaited advance in targeting pancreatic cancer Daraxonrasib in previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancerMetastatic pancreatic cancer is one of the hardest cancers to treat, and for nearly 50 years, researchers have been trying to target one of its main drivers, which is a mutation in a gene called KRAS. But the nature of KRAS made this extremely difficult. In fact, many in the field had called it “undruggable”. But that is no longer the case. Daraxonrasib, a RAS-targeting drug, was compared with chemotherapy in patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer, and daraxonrasib delayed cancer growth and helped patients live nearly twice as long. A small group of patients without KRAS mutations also appeared to benefit, suggesting this drug may help more patients than initially expected. These results have been viewed as a breakthrough advance, with possible implications for other RAS-driven cancers as well.1 PHM has supported several clients in accessing this trial, highlighting how important it can be for patients with limited options to have advocates identifying and pursuing relevant clinical trial opportunities. Why this matters: The positive result from this study revolutionizes the treatment of pancreatic cancer as is, but it also shows that KRAS is not “undruggable”. Indeed, this may be just the first step in treating KRAS-driven cancers, which represent ~20% of all cancers. We expect many new treatments to emerge after these data. New technologies may help guide cancer care sooner Global validation of a brain cancer liquid biopsyEarly diagnosis of brain tumors can be difficult because symptoms like headaches, vision changes, or neurologic changes are vague. Liquid biopsies are blood tests that look for cancer-related signals and are commonly used after a cancer diagnosis to help guide treatment or monitor disease, but they have historically been of limited use in brain tumors due to the blood brain barrier. However, this study’s test showed strong sensitivity across several brain cancers and was especially helpful when the result was negative, correctly ruling out brain cancer 99% of the time.2 While it would not replace traditional diagnostic tools like imaging and biopsy, liquid biopsies may help patients get appropriate testing and treatment sooner. Multi-modal AI modeling to predict clinical trial outcomes in KRAS G12D-mutant pancreatic cancerThis study explored whether artificial intelligence, combined with lab models grown from patients’ tumor samples, could help researchers identify the most promising pancreatic cancer treatments earlier. The AI model was tested against published clinical trial results and correctly ranked treatment options by effectiveness in 78% of cases.3 When applied to KRAS G12D-mutant pancreatic cancer, it closely predicted response rates for daraxonrasib (discussed above). The larger goal of this strategy is to help researchers design smarter trials and prioritize treatment strategies that are most likely to help patients. Why these matter: Better diagnostic and research tools may help patients get clearer answers and help researchers focus on the most promising treatments sooner. New immune strategies to help treatments last longer ALK peptide vaccine in advanced ALK-positive lung cancerSome lung cancers are driven by a change in the ALK gene. In these cases, targeted therapies often work well, but over time the cancer may develop resistance and begin growing again despite treatment. The ARCHER trial tested ALK-Vac, an early cancer vaccine designed to help the immune system recognize common ALK-related changes linked to treatment resistance before they appear. In this early study, most patients showed signs that the vaccine helped their immune system recognize at least one target, which is an important first step for this approach.4 In addition, only one of the cancers had returned, and it carried a non-targeted mutation. This research is still early, but it represents an emerging strategy to help the immune system recognize and respond to resistance before cancer starts growing again. A newer CAR-T approach in recurrent glioblastomaGlioblastoma is an aggressive brain cancer that can be difficult to treat when it comes back. CAR-T therapy, which uses a patient’s own immune cells to find and attack cancer, has shown promise in glioblastoma, but responses have often been short-lived. This study tested a newer CAR-T approach (CARv3-TEAM-E) that can recognize glioblastoma cells in more than one way. This design may help address a key challenge in glioblastoma, where tumor cells can have different proteins on their surface and may not all respond to a single-target treatment. Early results suggested that adding rituximab before treatment appeared to help the CAR-T cells last longer by reducing the body’s immune response against the therapy, and most patients were alive at the time of follow-up.5 These early data suggest that this strategy may improve the durability of CAR-T therapy for these patients. Why this matters: One of the hardest parts of cancer care is that cancers can change over time and stop responding to treatments that were once effective. These studies highlight new immune-based strategies that aim to stay ahead of that problem, either by anticipating resistance before it appears or by helping promising treatments last longer. Metabolic health may play a role in cancer outcomes GLP-1 receptor agonists and cancer progression across seven solid tumorsGLP-1 receptor agonist medications are best known for diabetes and weight management. But in an observational study of more than 10,000 people with obesity-related, non-metastatic cancers, those taking GLP-1 medications were ~10-15% less likely to see their cancer progress to metastatic disease than those taking another type of diabetes medication.6 The findings were strongest in lung, breast, colorectal, and liver cancers. This study does not prove that GLP-1 medications slow cancer progression, but it points to the need for future studies that directly test whether these drugs can affect cancer growth, inflammation, or spread. Why this matters: Cancer outcomes are likely shaped by more than just drugs directly targeting cancer cells. Outcomes also may be influenced by metabolism, inflammation, weight, other medications, and supportive lifestyle approaches. Studying these, alongside established cancer care, is important. Targeted treatments are reaching more cancer types Abemaciclib in a rare sarcomaFor people with a rare type of sarcoma (advanced dedifferentiated liposarcoma), treatment options are often limited. This study evaluated abemaciclib, a targeted therapy that blocks CDK4/6, a growth signal that is often active in this type of sarcoma. On average, patients who received abemaciclib had more time before their cancer grew or worsened, about 9.7 months compared with 1.5 months for placebo.7 This is the first ever positive phase 3 study for this cancer type, and highlights the importance of clinical trials that match a cancer’s specific features. Mecbotamab vedotin in heavily pretreated bone sarcomasAntibody-drug conjugates are designed to deliver cancer-killing medicine more directly to cancer cells. They are established for several common cancers, but in sarcoma, it remains difficult to find good targets. Mecbotamab vedotin is a novel antibody-drug conjugate designed to target AXL which is a protein found at high levels in some sarcomas. In this early study, researchers found that treating a rare bone sarcomas with mecbotamab vedotin helped control cancer growth in some patients after other treatments had failed.8 These results suggest that AXL-targeted treatment may be a promising strategy. Why these matter: These studies demonstrate that exploring new, targeted approaches is essential for rare cancers where patients often have limited treatment options. New combinations and earlier-line targeted treatments are being explored Several studies focused on how targeted therapies might be used more strategically, such as earlier or in new combinations. Giredestrant in ER-positive/HER2-negative early breast cancer: Giredestrant is an oral hormone therapy designed to degrade estrogen and block the signal that helps some breast cancers grow. In this large study, it reduced the risk of invasive cancer recurrence or death by 24% in post-menopausal women and 42% in pre-menopausal women compared with standard hormone therapy, like aromatase inhibitors or tamoxifen.9 This stood out because these inhibitors have been the main hormone therapy options for more than 20 years. Thus, giredestrant offers a new option for patients with higher-risk disease. Selpercatinib in early-stage RET fusion-positive lung cancer: This study looked at selpercatinib, a targeted therapy that blocks a gene called RET. It showed that in patients with early-stage lung cancer whose tumors had a RET fusion, selpercatinib lowered the risk of the cancer coming back or getting worse after initial treatment.10 This reinforces that genomic testing can be helpful even when cancer is found early. Olaparib plus radium-223 in metastatic prostate cancer with bone metastases: For men with prostate cancer that has spread to the bones, managing pain and maintaining daily function are often as important as slowing the cancer. Earlier results showed that adding olaparib (a targeted treatment) to radium-223 (a bone-directed radiation treatment) delayed cancer growth compared with radium-223 alone. This follow-up analysis looked at whether adding olaparib affected patients’ pain or daily quality of life. Patients who received the combination did not report feeling worse, suggesting that the added cancer benefit did not come with a noticeable decline in overall well-being.11 Datopotamab deruxtecan in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer: Triple-negative breast cancer can be difficult to treat, especially for patients who are not candidates for immunotherapy. This study tested datopotamab deruxtecan, an antibody-drug conjugate already used in some metastatic breast cancers, as an earlier treatment option for locally recurrent or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.12 Compared with chemotherapy, datopotamab deruxtecan helped patients live longer, delayed cancer growth, and delayed the need for the next cancer treatment. Why these matter: Altering when, in the disease course, certain targeted therapies are available can mean the difference between a cure and a relapse for some patients. And the appropriate combinations can mean longer and better quality of life. These trials demonstrate both. Matching these options to appropriate clients helps ensure the best possible outcomes. How PHM connects emerging research to individualized care ASCO 2026 highlighted how quickly cancer research is advancing. Keeping pace with new, treatment advances, clinical trials, and emerging technologies is central to helping clients understand what is most relevant to their care. And at PHM, we can implement these strategies to improve outcomes. Contributors Gregg S. Britt Gregg S. Britt Co-Founder | Chief Client Officer, Individual Health Solutions Read More Leadership Gregg S. Britt Co-Founder | Chief Client Officer, Individual Health Solutions Gregg S. Britt is a Co-Founder of Private Health Management and the Chief Client Officer of Individual Health Solutions. Gregg is a successful business leader and entrepreneur in healthcare services, health innovations, and clinical drug development. He served as PHM’s President since its inception, building our distinctive integrated clinical and research capabilities. He served as Chief Executive Officer during the pandemic, becoming our Chief Product Officer in 2021 to launch PHM’s distinctive Cancer Care suite of solutions. Gregg is also the founder of Innovis, LLC, a leading provider of strategic consulting and product development services to biopharmaceutical, medical device, and diagnostics companies. Previously, Gregg served as COO & SVP for Protocare, Inc. (now Synexus), CEO of AIDS Research Alliance of America, and the SVP of Biopharmaceutical Research and Development for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Kelsey Cameron Kelsey Cameron,MS, PA-C Clinical Director | Physician Assistant Read More Clinicians Kelsey Cameron MS, PA-C, Clinical Director | Physician Assistant Kelsey Cameron is a Clinical Director at Private Health Management and a Physician Assistant with extensive expertise in oncology. She is committed to delivering personalized, evidence-based care and guiding patients through the complexities of cancer treatment. Kelsey earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Mercer University, where she was selected for a competitive hematology/oncology rotation at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. She began her career at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, providing inpatient and outpatient care for adults with multiple myeloma, lymphomas, and leukemias, with a strong focus on clinical trial integration. Her oncology background also includes work in community-based hematology and oncology, where she gained significant experience addressing the unique needs of patients in rural settings. Christina Celestino Christina Celestino,MSN, RN, FNP-BC Clinical Director | Nurse Practitioner Read More Clinicians Christina Celestino MSN, RN, FNP-BC, Clinical Director | Nurse Practitioner Christina Celestino is a Clinical Director at Private Health Management, providing comprehensive case management and clinical guidance. She specializes in pediatric and adult oncology, gynecologic oncology, medical-surgical care, and addiction medicine. With more than 12 years of nursing experience, Christina previously worked in addiction medicine at Community Medical Services and served as Lead Nurse Practitioner in the gynecologic oncology division at Arizona Center for Cancer Care. Christina earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University and her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University. Brianna Cicconi Brianna Cicconi Associate Manager, Cancer Care Read More Client Service Coordinators Brianna Cicconi Associate Manager, Cancer Care Brianna Cicconi is an Associate Manager of the Cancer Care Client Services Coordinators at Private Health Management. She excels in logistical support, including care coordination, appointment scheduling, medical records management, and follow-up on diagnostic tests and imaging studies. Known for her quick problem-solving and initiative, Brianna previously served as a Care Coordinator for the Hematologic Malignancy Service in Pediatrics at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. There, she managed patient status, acted as a liaison for families, and coordinated tests, procedures, and treatments in a fast-paced clinical setting. Brianna holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Spanish from the University of Richmond. Mary Beth Coffin Mary Beth Coffin,MSMC, PA-C Senior Clinical Director | Physician Assistant Read More Clinicians Mary Beth Coffin MSMC, PA-C, Senior Clinical Director | Physician Assistant Mary Beth Coffin is a Senior Clinical Director at Private Health Management, where she provides comprehensive case management and clinical guidance for complex cases. With more than 15 years of experience in direct patient care, Mary Beth previously worked in hematology-oncology at National Jewish Health in Denver, CO. There, she managed chemotherapy side effects, cancer surveillance, prevention, clinical trials, and benign hematology. She also brings surgical oncology experience with 21st Century Oncology in Miami, FL, handling various aspects of care, including surgery and post-operative management. Mary Beth is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is a member of the Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology. She holds Master of Clinical Medical Science and Physician Assistant degrees from Barry University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Loyola University in Chicago. Lee D. Gibbs Lee D. Gibbs,PhD Managing Research Director Read More Researchers Lee D. Gibbs PhD, Managing Research Director Lee Gibbs is a Managing Research Director at Private Health Management, where he leads cutting-edge initiatives at the intersection of cancer genomics, technology, and precision oncology. He brings over a decade of experience in cancer genomics and precision medicine, guiding a team of research scientists focused on translating emerging science into personalized diagnostics, innovative treatment strategies, and scalable solutions that support individuals navigating complex cancer journeys. His work is driven by a passion for bridging research and real-world impact to shape the future of cancer care. Eva Gordon Eva Gordon,PhD Senior Vice President, Research | Chief Scientist Read More Researchers Eva Gordon PhD, Senior Vice President, Research | Chief Scientist Eva Gordon is the Senior Vice President of Research and Chief Scientist at Private Health Management. She analyzes and implements emerging diagnostics, therapeutics, and health technologies, setting the vision for scientific advancements that enhance client care. Eva brings more than 20 years of experience in leading clinical research within biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and non-profit organizations, focusing on cancer and immunology. Previously, Eva was the Director of Clinical Research at the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, where she led studies on the causes of breast cancer, including the role of viruses and bacteria. She also developed cancer drug discovery technologies at Infinity Pharmaceuticals and researched immune evasion mechanisms as a Damon Runyon-Walter Winchell Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard Medical School. Eva holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Audra Haughton Audra Haughton,MS, PA-C Clinical Director | Physician Assistant Read More Clinicians Audra Haughton MS, PA-C, Clinical Director | Physician Assistant Audra Haughton is a Clinical Director at Private Health Management and a board-certified Physician Assistant. She began her career in inpatient medicine before specializing in oncology, with a focus on solid tumors and breast cancer. Prior to PHM, Audra practiced at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she gained extensive experience managing complex oncology patients and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive care. She earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Long Island University and her Bachelor of Science in Health and Nutrition Sciences from Brooklyn College, CUNY. She is licensed in New York State and certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Shelby Jones Shelby Jones,DNP, AG-ACNP, CCRN Clinical Director | Nurse Practitioner Read More Clinicians Shelby Jones DNP, AG-ACNP, CCRN, Clinical Director | Nurse Practitioner Shelby Jones is a Clinical Director at Private Health Management (PHM), where she leads complex cases across the continuum of care, helping clients navigate diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship while identifying opportunities beyond the standard of care. A doctorally-prepared Nurse Practitioner with more than 20 years of clinical experience, Shelby brings deep expertise in oncology, acute care, and patient advocacy. She previously led an advanced prostate cancer clinic, guiding patients through diagnosis, staging, treatment selection, and long-term management while collaborating with multidisciplinary specialists to ensure care aligned with the latest clinical evidence and emerging therapies. In addition to her clinical leadership, Shelby is passionate about advancing oncology research, mentoring future clinicians, and improving patient outcomes through evidence-based care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from the University of New Mexico and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Duke University. Ross Keller Ross Keller,PhD Senior Research Director Read More Researchers Ross Keller PhD, Senior Research Director Ross Keller is a Senior Research Director at Private Health Management, specializing in cancer biology, focusing on cancer genomics and tumor evolution. Throughout his career, he has utilized cancer models to identify vulnerabilities, aiming to enhance existing translational medicine approaches. Before joining PHM, Ross was a Research Fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. There, he studied brain cancer and developed novel treatment regimens using genetically engineered models to mimic human disease. His graduate studies focused on tumor evolution, investigating how environmental radiation exposure can lead to mutations in breast cancer. His work also assessed the impact of targeted treatment regimens on tumor regression and relapse. Ross earned his PhD in Biomedical Sciences from Pennsylvania State University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Chemistry from St. Olaf College. Amber McDonald Amber McDonald,MS, PA-C Managing Clinical Director | Physician Assistant Read More Clinicians Amber McDonald MS, PA-C, Managing Clinical Director | Physician Assistant Amber McDonald is a Managing Clinical Director at Private Health Management and a board-certified Physician Assistant with direct patient care experience. She manages complex cancer cases in collaboration with the research team, focusing on finding options beyond standard care. Amber works hard to ensure optimal outcomes for oncology clients by leveraging relationships with top experts and knowledge of novel treatment targets. Before joining PHM, Amber provided hands-on patient care at Mount Sinai Hospital in general surgery, specializing in laparoscopic, robotic, and bariatric surgery, and managing post-operative complications and advanced diagnostics. She is licensed in New York and board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from College of Charleston and earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Pace University. Gareth J. Morrison Gareth J. Morrison,PhD Vice President, Client Solutions Read More Researchers Gareth J. Morrison PhD, Vice President, Client Solutions Gareth J. Morrison is a Vice President of Client Solutions at Private Health Management with more than 15 years of experience in academic and translational research, including the past decade dedicated to advancing cancer research. Before joining PHM, Gareth served as a Specialized Research Advisor at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, where he established and managed an NCI-designated Liquid Biopsy Core to advance method development and biomarker discovery. At Roswell Park Cancer Institute, he was part of the team that launched the Center for Personalized Medicine, where he developed tumor genomic assays and validated a next-generation sequencing test approved by the New York State Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program. Earlier in his career, he conducted postdoctoral research at the University of California, investigating protein aggregation in neurological diseases. Gareth earned his PhD in Chemical Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Edinburgh, UK, and a Master of Science in Regulatory Management from the University of Southern California. Julie Nowicki Julie Nowicki,PhD Science Communications Specialist Read More Researchers Julie Nowicki PhD, Science Communications Specialist Julie is a Science Communications Specialist at Private Health Management, where she collaborates with the Research and Clinical teams to translate complex scientific concepts into clear, accessible information for clients and their families. Her work helps bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and personalized patient care. A scientific and medical writer by training, Julie has developed content for both clinical and patient audiences across a range of therapeutic areas, including oncology, hematology, dermatology, and women’s health. Before joining PHM, she served as a Senior Medical Writer, where she created clinical manuscripts, abstracts, congress materials, and educational resources for pharmaceutical clients. Julie earned her PhD in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also draws on her earlier experience as an educator, which has strengthened her ability to communicate science with clarity and empathy. David D. Parker David D. Parker,PhD Principle Research Director of Oncology and AI Read More Researchers David D. Parker PhD, Principle Research Director of Oncology and AI David D. Parker is a Principle Research Director of Oncology and AI at Private Health Management. He focuses on identifying the latest treatment options for clients with advanced or metastatic cancer, prioritizing clear communication to help clients navigate their choices and access cutting-edge healthcare. David brings more than ten years of biomedical research experience specializing in oncology, cell reprogramming, and preclinical drug testing. His graduate research on the molecular mechanisms of embryonic development and cancer progression has deepened his understanding of these complex diseases. Additionally, he has served as a Teaching Assistant for biochemistry courses, effectively communicating complex scientific concepts in an easily digestible format. He earned both his Master of Science and PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of California, Riverside and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Southeastern Louisiana University. Jennifer Peña Jennifer Peña,MSN, RN, ACNP-BC Senior Vice President, Clinical Services | Nurse Practitioner Read More Jennifer Peña MSN, RN, ACNP-BC, Senior Vice President, Clinical Services | Nurse Practitioner Jennifer Peña is the Senior Vice President of Clinical Services at Private Health Management. She leads Clinical Quality and Excellence for Health Solutions for Individuals and Families, as well as for Business. Jennifer oversees a team of advanced practice clinicians, client service coordinators, and medical record specialists to ensure optimal diagnoses and treatment paths. She brings more than 25 years of nursing and advanced practice experience, including expertise in trauma, critical care, medical-surgical, occupational health, and organ transplant. As a board-certified Nurse Practitioner, she has demonstrated that integrative collaboration across specialties enhances patient care and outcomes. Before joining PHM, she was the Lead Nurse Practitioner at Keck Medical Center of USC’s Abdominal Transplant Program, specializing in liver transplants and hepatocellular carcinoma, where she managed complex cases and contributed to clinical research. Jennifer is licensed in California and board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. She graduated magna cum laude with a Master of Science in Nursing from UCLA and was on the dean’s list at California State University, Los Angeles. Pages: 1 2 See More New Stories
