Surprising Results from ASCO 2025: What They Could Mean for the Future of Cancer Care

Each June, the latest cancer research is presented at the largest oncology conference in the world, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting. This conference brings together doctors, researchers, industry leaders, and patient advocates to share groundbreaking results that shape the future of cancer care. A team of clinicians and researchers from Private Health Management (PHM) attend each year to ensure that our Personal Care Teams can quickly translate the latest developments in cancer research into personalized, high-quality care for our clients.

Could taking regular walks help improve cancer survival outcomes? What if the time of day when a cancer treatment is given improves the chances of living longer? At this year’s ASCO annual meeting, researchers shared some surprising discoveries that showed small, practical changes in daily habits or timing of care can impact cancer outcomes. Here’s what caught the attention of PHM’s team of researchers and clinicians who attended this important conference.

Timing matters: Morning infusions may be better

One unexpected finding came from a randomized trial studying the timing of immunochemotherapy infusions in patients with lung cancer. The study showed that patients who received treatment before 3:00 p.m. had significantly better outcomes than those treated later in the day, including doubling the median time without disease progression, and improving overall survival. Previous studies suggested that our body’s circadian rhythms may influence how well immunotherapy works, but this is the first rigorous study to confirm the effect. PHM clinicians are already working with our clients to prioritize morning treatment slots whenever possible, a simple step that could make a meaningful difference.¹

Papaya leaf extract for low platelet counts

Many patients who undergo treatment with chemotherapy experience a side effect known as chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts). This condition is challenging to manage due to the lack of effective, FDA-approved treatments and shortages of platelet transfusions. In a Phase III trial, patients either took natural supplement extracted from carica papaya leaves or got a placebo. Among those who took the papaya leaf extract, 64% of patients saw a clear improvement within four days. In contrast, 48% of patients who received a placebo showed improvement over time without active treatment — a statistically significant difference. These promising results could lead to a simpler and more widely available option for managing this common side effect.²

Exercise may boost colon cancer survival

Another interesting result came from a large, randomized Phase III trial in patients with stage 3 colon cancer who had been treated with definitive therapy. Patients who followed a home-based, structured walking program had fewer recurrences (80.3% no recurrence with structured exercise versus 73.9% without it) and higher overall survival (90.3% vs. 83.2%). This study provides strong evidence that regular physical activity can significantly improve outcomes, even after intensive cancer treatment. It supports the incorporation of exercise as part of standard care in cancer survivorship plans.³

To read more about this important study, click here.

These unexpected results remind us that not all breakthroughs come from high-tech treatments. Sometimes, simple strategies like the timing of therapy, the incorporation of exercise, and the benefits of natural compounds can have a valuable impact. At PHM, we always stay informed of the latest cancer research, including surprising and actionable insights like these, to help our clients make the best decisions regarding their care.

PHM’s ASCO 2025 Attendees

Our team of clinicians and researchers are dedicated to ensuring all our clients with cancer receive the best care available. Clinicians: Jennifer Pena, Amber McDonald, Elizbeth Grevengoed, Mary Beth Coffin, Andrea Grace, and Sara Guldin. Researchers: Eva Gordon, David Parker, Nicholas Young, Lee Gibbs, Ross Keller, and Gareth Morrison.

References

1. Randomized trial of relevance of time-of-day of immunochemotherapy for progression-free and overall survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. | Journal of Clinical Oncology. https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.8516.

2. Ostwal, V. et al. Carica papaya leaf extract (CPLE) versus placebo to improve chemotherapy induced thrombocytopenia (CIT): Results of a phase III triple blinded, randomized placebo controlled trial (PACT study). JCO 43, 12008–12008 (2025).

3. Courneya, K. S. et al. Structured Exercise after Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer. N Engl J Med (2025) doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2502760.