Roswell Park researchers will present groundbreaking findings from the pivotal KOMET-001 trial evaluating the menin inhibitor ziftomenib in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, taking place May 30-June 3, 2025, in Chicago.
Dr. Eunice Wang, Chief of Leukemia at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, will present results from the international KOMET-001 trial, which she co-led to evaluate ziftomenib's potential in patients with NPM1-mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that had recurred or was resistant to previous treatments. The findings will be shared during an oral abstract session on Monday, June 2.
"The KOMET-001 trial represents an important step forward in targeting the specific molecular drivers of AML," said Dr. Wang. "Menin inhibition offers a novel approach for patients with NPM1 mutations who have limited treatment options after relapse."
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Transplant Recipients
Another significant presentation will come from Dr. Muhammad Awidi, a Hematology/Oncology Fellow at Roswell Park, who led a systematic review examining how immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) affect the risk of transplant rejection in cancer patients who have undergone organ transplantation.
"Cancer patients who have received organ transplants represent a uniquely challenging population," explained Dr. Awidi. "While immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer treatment, their immune-activating mechanism raises concerns about triggering transplant rejection. Our meta-analysis provides critical data to help clinicians navigate these complex treatment decisions."
The study, titled "Safety and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in solid organ transplant recipients: A systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis," will be presented on Monday, June 2, in Hall D2.
Addressing Cancer Disparities
Several Roswell Park presentations will focus on racial and ethnic disparities in cancer outcomes. Dr. Zunairah Shah will present findings on disparities in clinical outcomes of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients treated with antibody-drug conjugates, using real-world evidence from the TriNetX database.
"Our analysis reveals concerning patterns in how different patient populations respond to these advanced therapies," noted Dr. Shah. "Understanding these disparities is essential for developing strategies to ensure equitable cancer care."
Dr. Pragati Gole Advani will present research on racial and ethnic disparities in the risk of second primary lung cancer among initial lung cancer survivors, highlighting the importance of tailored surveillance strategies for different patient populations.
Novel Therapeutic Approaches
The meeting will showcase Roswell Park's work on innovative treatment approaches across multiple cancer types. Dr. Anuja Vidyadhar Abhyankar will present findings on the effects of prophylactic corticosteroids on toxicities and outcomes in CAR T-cell therapy, an area of growing importance as cellular therapies become more widely used.
Dr. Yu Fujiwara's research on predictive biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitor response across cancer types will provide insights into patient selection for these therapies. His comprehensive analysis of 400 immunity biomarkers identified tumor mutational burden, PD-1 expression, and specific regulatory pathways as potential predictors of longer survival after ICI therapy.
Leadership and Recognition
Roswell Park faculty will also take leadership roles at the meeting. Dr. Pamela Sung will co-chair a session on hematologic malignancies, while Dr. Rohit Gosain will present at multiple educational events, including a session on tumor-agnostic strategies for NTRK fusion-positive cancers.
Three Hematology/Oncology Fellows from Roswell Park—Dr. Yu Fujiwara, Dr. Zunairah Shah, and Dr. Vinit Singh—will receive 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting Merit Awards for their research contributions, highlighting the institution's commitment to developing the next generation of cancer researchers.
Advancing Cancer Genetics
Dr. Vinit Singh will present research on a novel electronic health record-integrated system called ARCAGEN-ID, designed to overcome disparities in identification and testing for cancer genetic syndromes. This innovative approach aims to improve access to genetic testing for at-risk individuals across diverse populations.
"Early identification of patients with hereditary cancer syndromes can significantly impact prevention and early detection strategies," said Dr. Singh. "Our system addresses critical gaps in the current identification process that often lead to disparities in genetic testing access."
The ASCO Annual Meeting, which brings together more than 45,000 participants each year, serves as a platform for sharing the latest advances in clinical cancer research and treatment approaches. Roswell Park's strong presence at the meeting underscores its position as a leader in innovative cancer research and patient care.
