AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY

ESMO 2024 Congress featured updates on ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers, including niraparib's long-term PFS benefit, gotistobart's potential in platinum-resistant disease, and T-DXd's tumor-agnostic approval. Checkpoint inhibitors are integrating into cervical and endometrial cancer treatments, with clinical trials showing benefits in PFS and OS. ADCs like tisotumab vedotin and TROP2-directed ADCs are emerging as therapeutic options, particularly in endometrial cancer.

William K. Oh, MD, appointed Medical Director of Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich Hospital and Director of Precision Medicine for Yale Cancer Center. He will lead oncology services and develop integrated care teams, focusing on precision medicine and expanding access to multidisciplinary cancer care. Dr. Oh brings extensive experience in genitourinary oncology and has published nearly 400 peer-reviewed works.

HOOKIPA Pharma Inc. advances HB-200 for HPV16+ head and neck cancer, with Phase 2/3 AVALON-1 trial starting Q4 2024. The company reported $77M cash to sustain operations into H2 2025, despite stock volatility. HOOKIPA's pipeline includes candidates like HB-700 and HB-500, and a partnership with Gilead Sciences validates its platform. The immunotherapy market is competitive, but HB-200's potential could offer a differentiated treatment option.

Public Citizen and five other organizations filed an amicus curiae brief in the case of American Clinical Laboratory Ass’n et al v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, supporting the FDA’s rule to harmonize oversight for laboratory developed tests with other diagnostic tests. The brief argues that FDA regulation is necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of these tests, which are critical in diagnosing and treating cancer and other conditions.

Akeso Biopharma enrolled the first patient in the HARMONi-GI-01/AK112-309 phase III study for biliary tract tumour, comparing ivonescimab with durvalumab. The study aims to improve overall survival in advanced biliary tract cancers. Previous phase II results showed ivonescimab's significant antitumor activity and safety profile.

Moleculin Biotech appoints Dr. Daniel D. Von Hoff to its Annamycin Scientific Advisory Board, recognizing his expertise in pancreatic cancer and his enthusiasm for Annamycin's potential in treating various cancers.

ASCO aims to increase pharmacist membership and involvement, highlighting their contributions to standards, guidelines, and certification programs. Pharmacists are key in ASCO's initiatives, including safety standards and quality improvement programs. ASCO is considering offering CE credits for pharmacists to enhance their participation in annual meetings.

Merus N.V. reports financial results for Q3 2024, highlighting ongoing phase III trials for pétosemtamab in head and neck cancer treatment, with interim clinical data selected for presentation at ESMO® Asia 2024. The company's cash, equivalents, and marketable securities are expected to fund operations until 2028.

Inavolisib plus fulvestrant and palbociclib significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) in HR+, HER2-, PIK3CA-mutated breast cancer patients, reducing progression risk by 57% compared to palbociclib alone (PFS 15.0 vs 7.3 months, HR 0.43). FDA approved inavolisib regimen in October 2024, supported by INAVO120 data.

2024 NSCLC highlights: osimertinib sets new standard for EGFR-mutant, unresectable stage III disease; lorlatinib offers unprecedented PFS in ALK-positive tumors; perioperative nivolumab improves EFS over neoadjuvant-only; novel agents enhance neoadjuvant durvalumab efficacy.