ESMO 2026 — End-of-Day Summary
An abstract digest clustered by tumour group and ranked by clinical priority. Numerical results (HR, PFS, OS, ORR) are preserved verbatim; reliability caveats are embedded within each study's card.
How this digest is organized
- Primary axis — disease group: Each item was clustered by tumour group / official ESMO track (🎀 Breast Cancer, 🫁 Thoracic / Lung Cancer, ⚕ Gastrointestinal Cancers, 🔷 Genitourinary Cancers, 🌸 Gynaecological Cancers, ☀ Melanoma & Skin Cancers, 🧠 Sarcoma, CNS & Rare Tumours, 🧪 Developmental Therapeutics & Early Phase, 🧬 Translational Research & Biomarkers, 🤝 Supportive, Palliative & Survivorship).
- Secondary axis — clinical priority: Cards and sections were ranked into three tiers (key below).
- Reliability inside the card: Hedging present in the source (interim, immature, small n, retrospective, non-ESMO data) is placed as a caveat strip inside the relevant card.
- Embargoed titles separated: Late-breaking Plenary / Presidential Symposium abstracts whose results are embargoed until presentation are collected in a dedicated section at the end.
Highlights of the Day
practice-changing findings, ranked🎀 Breast Cancer
15 studiesHORIZON-Breast06 — trastuzumab rezetecan vs chemotherapy (HER2-low advanced BC)
LBA13Indication: HER2-low advanced BC with ≤1 prior chemo for metastatic disease
Key finding: Chemo-naïve mPFS 16.6 vs 6.8 mo; HR 0.25 (0.19–0.33); p<0.0001. Overall mPFS 16.4 vs 6.8 mo; HR 0.27 (0.21–0.34); p<0.0001. ORR 75.5% vs 41.2%. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 84.1% vs 67.9%; ILD 2.5%.
Clinical relevance: Pivotal win for a new HER2 ADC in HER2-low advanced BC
OS immature
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA13 · Y. Fan
APEX-Breast01 — TQB2102 vs TPC (HER2-low r/m BC)
LBA27Indication: HER2-low r/m BC, no prior advanced chemo
Key finding: HR+/HER2-low mPFS 16.4 vs 5.5 mo; HR 0.29 (0.22–0.39); p<0.0001. All HER2-low mPFS 16.4 vs 5.5 mo; HR 0.29 (0.22–0.38); p<0.0001. OS HR 0.44 (HER2-low). ILD 2.2%.
Clinical relevance: Positive pivotal data for biparatopic HER2 ADC
OS immature
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA27 · S. Wang
NATALEE — adjuvant ribociclib + NSAI vs NSAI (HR+/HER2− EBC, 6-y)
LBA25Indication: High-risk stage II/III HR+/HER2− EBC
Key finding: 6-y OS: RIB+NSAI vs NSAI HR 0.809 (0.661–0.989); nominal 1-sided P=.019; 6-y OS 91.86% vs 89.73%. iDFS HR 0.741 (0.646–0.849); 6-y iDFS 83.23% vs 77.92%. BCSS HR 0.706.
Clinical relevance: Sustained OS/iDFS benefit at 6 y supports adjuvant RIB+NSAI
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA25 · D.J. Slamon
PANKU-Breast01 — izalontamab brengitecan vs TPC (pretreated HR+/HER2− LA/M BC)
LBA50Indication: Pretreated HR+/HER2− LA/M BC after CDK4/6i and taxane
Key finding: mPFS 8.18 (6.93–8.58) vs 4.01 mo (2.92–4.30); HR 0.41 (0.33–0.53); p<0.0001. cORR 40.5% vs 20.2%; mDOR 6.93 vs 4.21 mo. Discontinuation for TRAEs 1.6%; ILD 1.1%.
Clinical relevance: First-in-class EGFR/HER3 BsADC meets primary PFS endpoint
OS immature; China-only
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA50 · B. Lan
NSABP B-42 — extended letrozole vs placebo (15-y final, HR+ postmenopausal)
LBA24Indication: Postmenopausal HR+ BC after 5 y AI/sequential ET
Key finding: 15-y DFS HR 0.85 (0.77–0.94); DFS P=61.6% L vs 56.5%. BCFI HR 0.78 (0.67–0.92). DR HR 0.72 (0.57–0.91). OS HR 0.92 (0.82–1.05); 15-y OS 74.0% vs 72.3%.
Clinical relevance: Sustained DFS/DR benefit with extended letrozole; no OS gain
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA24 · E.P. Mamounas
GIM3 FATA — upfront vs switch and A vs E vs L (postmenopausal HR+ EBC)
544ROIndication: Postmenopausal HR+ EBC
Key finding: Upfront vs switch DFS HR 0.95 (0.82–1.09); OS HR 0.88 (0.74–1.06). 10-y DFS A 79.1%, E 74.2%, L 76.6% (global p=0.028); E vs A HR 1.23 (1.04–1.46). OS not different.
Clinical relevance: No schedule advantage; exemestane inferior for DFS
Source: ESMO 2026 544RO · P. De Placido
DESTINY-Breast11 — T-DXd-THP vs ddAC-THP MRI responses (HER2+ eBC)
543ROIndication: High-risk HER2+ eBC neoadjuvant
Key finding: Mid-NAT ORR 77.3% vs 50.8% (ΔORR 26.5%); CR 13.3% vs 2.6%. Median best % change −59% vs −35% (mid-NAT); −81% vs −74% (EOT). PPV of mid-NAT CR for pCR 90.2% vs 87.5%.
Clinical relevance: Deep MRI responses with T-DXd-THP support full regimen
Source: ESMO 2026 543RO · J. Boileau
neoHIP — THP ± pembrolizumab biomarker enrichment (HER2+ EBC)
541ROIndication: Stage II/III HER2+ EBC
Key finding: HR− or PDL1+ or sTILs+ (67% positive) enriches pembro benefit: THP+pembro pCR 67% vs THP 31% (+Δ36%); OR 4.7 (1.2–23.0). Unselected pCR 67% vs 48%; +Δ19%.
Clinical relevance: 3-biomarker rule may select HER2+ EBC pts for pembro+THP
Exploratory; needs phase 3 validation
Source: ESMO 2026 541RO · D. Page
TALENT — neoadjuvant T-DXd ± anastrozole or sequence with chemo (HER2-low, HR+ eBC)
LBA23Indication: HR+/HER2-low early BC, neoadjuvant
Key finding: RCB0: Arm A 3/42 (7%); Arm B 1/29 (3%); Arm C 5/55 (9%). ORR 67%/66%/65%. HER2 higher in RCB0 (2691/1221 amol/mm²) vs RCB1/2/3; ILD rare.
Clinical relevance: Low pCR with neoadjuvant T-DXd regimens in HR+/HER2-low
Low pCR rates
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA23 · S.A. Hurvitz
lidERA BC — giredestrant vs SOC ET PROs (ER+/HER2− eBC)
538ROIndication: Adjuvant ER+/HER2− eBC
Key finding: No clinically meaningful HRQoL deterioration either arm; key symptom severity similar (joint pain 43% vs 43%; hot flashes 32% vs 31%). 2–8% more giredestrant pts 'not at all' bothered by side effects.
Clinical relevance: Giredestrant preserves HRQoL vs SOC ET
Source: ESMO 2026 538RO · G. Werutsky
DESTINY-Breast05 PROs — T-DXd vs T-DM1 (high-risk HER2+ eBC)
539ROIndication: Post-neoadjuvant HER2+ eBC with residual disease
Key finding: TDD HR vs T-DM1: GHS 1.15; pain 0.77; arm symptoms 0.82; social 1.29. EQ-5D VAS HR 1.05. HRQoL preserved overall.
Clinical relevance: HRQoL maintained with T-DXd vs T-DM1
Source: ESMO 2026 539RO · C.H. Barrios
JCOG1204A1 — postoperative ctDNA surveillance (high-risk BC)
542ROIndication: High-risk BC under structured follow-up
Key finding: ctDNA+ in 28/210 (13.3%). 5-y RFS 99.5% (ctDNA−) vs 53.6% (ctDNA+); HR 60.3 (20.5–177.5); time-dependent HR 27.7. ER+/HER2− 7-y RFS 94.1% vs 15.9%. Median lead time 6.9 mo.
Clinical relevance: Supports ctDNA surveillance; ∼7-mo molecular lead time
Source: ESMO 2026 542RO · Y. Ozaki
B-STRONGER-I — ultrasensitive ctDNA during NAT (early TNBC)
540ROIndication: Stage I–III TNBC on NAT
Key finding: ctDNA+ at baseline 96% (137/142); median LOD 2.19 PPM. 82.1% clearance at T1; stage I 100% clearance vs stage III 50%. Early clearance associated with pCR.
Clinical relevance: Ultrasensitive ctDNA tracks early NAT response
Pre-interim
Source: ESMO 2026 540RO · C.H. Barcenas
AIUR — surgical-glove compression for paclitaxel neuropathy (BC)
LBA28Indication: Stage II–III BC on paclitaxel
Key finding: Poor outcome 74.5% vs 82.6% (P=0.45; primary not met). Upper-extremity FACT-NTX −3.20 (−4.93 to −1.48; p<0.001); CTCAE ≥G2 sensory neuropathy 58.7% vs 82.2% (P=0.02).
Clinical relevance: Hand-specific signal; feet unprotected
Primary PRO endpoint not met
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA28 · Y.-J. Kang
TOP-1 — RT omission after BCS without ET (older ER+ BC)
545ROIndication: Age ≥70 low-risk ER+ BC without ET after BCS
Key finding: 5-y LR risk 14.8% (12.3–17.5); contralateral BC 4.0%; BC-related death 2/81 (2.5%). LR surgical in 92.7%; 56.7% received RT and 35.0% ET for LR.
Clinical relevance: RT omission feasible for selected older ER+ pts
LR risk higher than historical with RT
Source: ESMO 2026 545RO · L. Bouwman
🫁 Thoracic / Lung Cancer
1 studyLMD immune checkpoint blockade — advanced NSCLC (multicenter case series)
702ROIndication: NSCLC leptomeningeal disease
Key finding: Non-AGA (n=79): mLMOS 15.6 mo; PD-1/PD-L1 improved LMOS HR 0.27 (0.18–0.39); p<0.001. AGA+ (n=172): mLMOS 10.6 mo; benefit only in high PD-L1 with combo HR 0.53 (0.23–1.2); p=0.03.
Clinical relevance: Supports selective IO use in LMD
Retrospective
Source: ESMO 2026 702RO · X. Le
⚕ Gastrointestinal Cancers
15 studiesG-HOPE-001 — arcotatug tavatecan vs TPC (CLDN18.2+ G/GEJA, 3L+)
LBA77Indication: CLDN18.2 IHC ≥2+ in ≥75% cells G/GEJA, 3L+
Key finding: mPFS 5.5 vs 2.9 mo; HR 0.47 (0.34–0.65); p<0.0001. mOS 9.9 vs 7.4 mo; HR 0.63 (0.45–0.89). ORR 23.6% vs 5.3%. Grade ≥3 TEAEs 45.8% vs 57.9%; no ILD.
Clinical relevance: Positive pivotal PFS for CLDN18.2 ADC in 3L+
OS pending IA2
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA77 · K. Shitara
HERIZON-GEA-01 IA2 — zanidatamab + chemo ± tislelizumab vs tras + chemo (1L HER2+ mGEA)
LBA79Indication: 1L HER2+ advanced/metastatic GEA
Key finding: zani+CT vs tras+CT: mOS 22.9 vs 19.6 mo; HR 0.76 (0.62–0.93); p=0.0088. zani+CT+TIS vs tras+CT: HR 0.65 (0.52–0.80); mOS 27.0 mo. zani+CT+TIS vs zani+CT HR 0.81; P=0.0502.
Clinical relevance: Confirms zani-based regimens as new HER2+ 1L SoC
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA79 · K. Shitara
KC-WISE — anbenitamab + chemo vs SoC (HER2+ GC/GEJC post-trastuzumab)
LBA80Indication: HER2+ GC/GEJC after trastuzumab failure
Key finding: mOS 19.6 vs 9.6 mo; HR 0.39 (0.28–0.54); p<0.0001. mPFS 7.1 vs 2.7 mo; HR 0.35 (0.26–0.48); p<0.0001. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 69.4% vs 47.9%; 0 vs 5 treatment-related deaths.
Clinical relevance: Dramatic OS win in post-trastuzumab HER2+ GC
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA80 · R. Zhang
LOMAC — 4 vs 6 mo adjuvant XELOX (stage II–IIIB gastric cancer)
LBA81Indication: Stage II–IIIB GC after D2 resection
Key finding: 3-y DFS 69.2% vs 70.8%; HR 1.01 (0.82–1.25); 1-sided P=0.006 for non-inferiority. Grade ≥3 AEs 8.4% vs 15.0%; grade ≥3 neuropathy 0.4% vs 5.9%. Completion 83.6% vs 60.4%.
Clinical relevance: 4 mo XELOX non-inferior with less toxicity
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA81 · D. Xu
KEYNOTE-975 — pembro + dCRT vs placebo + dCRT (locally advanced EC/GEJ)
2875OIndication: Unresectable locally advanced EC/GEJ, dCRT
Key finding: PD-L1 CPS ≥10 EFS mPFS 15.2 vs 14.7 mo; HR 0.97 (0.77–1.23); P=0.3994 (not met). mOS 32.2 vs 35.0 mo; HR 1.00 (0.77–1.30). Grade ≥3 AEs 100% both arms.
Clinical relevance: Negative pivotal; pembro+dCRT no benefit
Primary EFS endpoint not met; study stopped
Source: ESMO 2026 2875O · M.A. Shah
SANO 5-y — active surveillance vs surgery after nCRT (oesophageal cancer)
LBA78Indication: Oesophageal cancer with cCR after nCRT
Key finding: 5-y OS 50% (95%CI 34-57) vs 54% (46-64); HR 1.17 (0.77–1.77). DFS HR 1.39 (0.94–2.06). Distant metastases 46% vs 29% (P<0.01). 43% spared non-beneficial oesophagectomy.
Clinical relevance: Active surveillance feasible with similar OS
Higher distant metastases
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA78 · S.S. Gangaram-Panday
RASolute 302 subgroups — daraxonrasib vs chemo (previously treated mPDAC)
LBA82Indication: Previously treated mPDAC
Key finding: Overall mOS 13.2 vs 6.7 mo; HR 0.40. By mut: G12D HR 0.49; G12V HR 0.32; G12R HR 0.61; Q61 HR 0.37; no RAS mut HR 0.43. Across chemo subgroups HR 0.32–0.46.
Clinical relevance: OS benefit consistent across RAS mutation subgroups
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA82 · Z.A. Wainberg
DEWI (GERCOR-GONO) — dostarlimab W&W in dMMR/MSI-H localized GEA
2877ROIndication: Localized dMMR/MSI-H GEA, cT2–T4
Key finding: First interim (24 pts): 1y-cCR 62.5% (15/24). No events in cCR pts (mFU 16.20 mo). 9/24 operated, all R0; 3 anastomotic fistulas. G3-4 dostarlimab-related AEs 21%.
Clinical relevance: Chemo/surgery-free strategy feasible in dMMR GEA
Interim; small n
Source: ESMO 2026 2877RO · T. André
TQB2102 + bemotrizumab ± capecitabine 1L (HER2+ G/GEJC)
2876ROIndication: 1L HER2+ advanced G/GEJC
Key finding: ORR: A 69.6%, B 80%, C 94.7%; DCR: A 95.7%, B/C 100%; 6-mo PFS: A 71.4%, B 70%, C 92.3%. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 41.67% (C) vs 72.97% (B). TQB2102 6 mg/kg selected RP3D.
Clinical relevance: Deep responses with triple combo in HER2+ GC
Phase 2
Source: ESMO 2026 2876RO · M. Qiu
AMPLIFY-7P — camupepimut 7-valent mKRAS amphiphile vs observation (resected PDAC)
LBA83Indication: Resected stage I–III KRAS-mut PDAC
Key finding: Primary DFS not met: HR 0.85, p=0.539. 6-mo DFS 75.7% vs 61.7%; HR 0.55; p=0.0557. ctDNA(−) subgroup HR 0.51 (0.0280). mKRAS T-cell response 99%.
Clinical relevance: Signal in subgroups; phase 3 planned
Primary endpoint not met
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA83 · E.M. O'Reilly
MASTERPLAN — mFOLFIRINOX ± SBRT (high-risk/BRPC/LAPC)
3136ROIndication: High-risk operable, BRPC or LAPC
Key finding: 12-mo LRR 20.2% vs 52.0% (p=0.022). mPFS 11.9 vs 6.3 mo (p=0.002). mOS 22.0 vs 14.0 mo (p=0.006). Grade 3+ toxicity 70.2% vs 64.0%.
Clinical relevance: SBRT improves LRR, PFS and OS without added toxicity
Source: ESMO 2026 3136RO · A. Oar
EMT2 — perioperative EPA 4 g vs placebo (CRC liver metastasis surgery)
Indication: Patients undergoing CRLM resection
Key finding: 5-y OS 62.0% vs 45.1%; HR 0.68 (0.48–0.96); p=0.03. Median OS NR vs 59.0 mo. mPFS 13.5 vs 12.9 mo; HR 0.89 (0.70–1.13); p=0.33. Well tolerated.
Clinical relevance: OS gain in a nutritional intervention trial
PFS not significant
Source: ESMO press — EMT2 · M.A. Hull
RAMIRIS phase III — FOLFIRI+ramucirumab vs paclitaxel+ramucirumab (taxane-pretreated GEA)
2878ROIndication: Taxane-pretreated advanced GEA
Key finding: mOS 8.7 vs 7.5 mo; HR 0.95; p=0.33. ORR 25.3% vs 22.6%; p=0.29. mPFS 5.5 vs 3.7 mo; HR 0.7; p=0.003. Grade 3-5 AEs 70% vs 68%.
Clinical relevance: PFS gain; co-primary endpoints not met
Primary endpoints not met
Source: ESMO 2026 2878RO · M.K. Scheck
ARION PRODIGE 67 — durvalumab + dCRT vs dCRT (locally advanced EC)
2879ROIndication: Locally advanced non-metastatic EC (SCC/ADK)
Key finding: 12-mo cPFS 48.6% vs 48.9%; HR 0.91; p=0.351. 12-mo PFS 50.1% vs 48.1%. 12-mo OS 75.1% vs 67.9%; HR 0.99; p=0.489.
Clinical relevance: Durvalumab added to CRT no PFS benefit
No benefit
Source: ESMO 2026 2879RO · M.-A. Modesto
FORTITUDE-101/102 biomarker — bemarituzumab by FGFR2 amp (FGFR2b+ GC/GEJ)
2883ROIndication: FGFR2b-overexpressing GC/GEJ
Key finding: FGFR2 amp 18.9% (F101) / 15.9% (F102). F101 OS amp: 19.3 vs 8.0 mo; HR 0.50. F102 amp: 16.6 vs 8.0 mo; HR 0.67. Non-amp HR 0.94 and 0.84.
Clinical relevance: FGFR2 amp may enrich bemarituzumab benefit
Exploratory
Source: ESMO 2026 2883RO · Z.A. Wainberg
🔷 Genitourinary Cancers
14 studiesKEYNOTE-866 — peri-op pembro + cis/gem vs placebo (cis-eligible MIBC)
4735OIndication: cT2-T4a or T1-T4a N1 MIBC, cis-eligible
Key finding: mEFS 74.1 vs NR mo; HR 0.88 (0.71–1.10); P=0.1366 (not met). pCR 44.4% vs 35.8% (Δ 8.9%). mOS NR both; HR 1.00. Grade ≥3 AEs 80.2% vs 75.1%.
Clinical relevance: No EFS benefit from pembro added to cis chemo
Primary EFS endpoint not met
Source: ESMO 2026 4735O · J. Bedke
CA017-078 — neoadj NIVO+GC and adj NIVO vs GC (MIBC)
4736OIndication: Previously untreated cT2-T4aN0M0 MIBC
Key finding: EFS HR 0.94 (0.71–1.25); P=0.67; mEFS NR vs 67.6 mo. pCR 39.1% vs 29.6%; OR 1.54 (99.91% CI 0.88–2.69). OS HR 0.88 (0.64–1.21). Grade ≥3 TRAEs 45.9% vs 49.5%.
Clinical relevance: No EFS/pCR benefit for peri-op NIVO + GC
Primary endpoints not met
Source: ESMO 2026 4736O · A. Necchi
CAPItello-281 updated OS — capivasertib + abiraterone vs placebo (PTEN-def mHSPC)
LBA56Indication: De novo PTEN-deficient mHSPC
Key finding: OS HR 0.82 (0.68–0.99); median 57.4 vs 46.5 mo; P=0.044 (descriptive). rPFS HR 0.83 (0.70–0.99); 35.5 vs 26.0 mo. OS HRs at ≥95%–100% cutoffs 0.76–0.74.
Clinical relevance: Deepening OS trend with capi+abi
Descriptive; alpha not met
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA56 · K. Fizazi
TROPHY-U-01 Cohort 7 — SG + EV + zimberelimab (1L mUC)
4742OIndication: Treatment-naive mUC
Key finding: n=21; ORR 83% (confirmed 72%), 3 CR. Grade ≥3 TEAEs 62%. SG 7.5 mg/kg selected for expansion.
Clinical relevance: Promising triple combo in 1L mUC
Phase 1b, small n
Source: ESMO 2026 4742O · R. Sweis
KEYNOTE-905/EV-303 ad hoc — pembro or EV+pembro vs cystectomy (cis-ineligible MIBC)
4733OIndication: MIBC cis-ineligible/declining
Key finding: Prior data: EV+pembro significantly improved EFS, OS, pCR vs control in 344 pts. Pembro vs control arm results to be reported.
Clinical relevance: Expands evidence for peri-op EV+pembro
Ad hoc
Source: ESMO 2026 4733O · A. Ullén
KEYNOTE-B15/EV-304 ctDNA — EV+pembro vs cis/gem (MIBC)
4734OIndication: cT2-T4aN0M0 or T1-T4aN1M0 MIBC
Key finding: Pre-neo ctDNA+ 52.4% vs 56.8%; pre-surg 13.0% vs 19.7%; post-surg 4.8% vs 13.5%. EV+pembro EFS HR 0.54 (ctDNA+) and 0.68 (ctDNA−). Clearance 82.1% vs 66.7%.
Clinical relevance: Supports ctDNA-guided decisions in MIBC
Exploratory
Source: ESMO 2026 4734O · J.A. Chatzkel
TALAPRO-3 ctDNA TF — talazoparib + enza vs placebo + enza (HRR+ mCSPC)
2219ROIndication: HRR-deficient mCSPC
Key finding: BL ctDNA+ 36% (TALA+ENZA) / 33% (PBO+ENZA). +ve vs −ve rPFS HR 1.59 (TALA) / 2.15 (PBO, p=0.0002). +ve→−ve conversion 82% vs 68%. Persistent −ve HR 0.23 and 0.23.
Clinical relevance: ctDNA TF prognostic in mCSPC
Source: ESMO 2026 2219RO · A.A. Azad
CCTG PR21 QoL — docetaxel vs 177Lu-PSMA (mCRPC)
2221ROIndication: mCRPC after prior ARPI
Key finding: TOI worse with doc at wk 24 (−4.1 vs +0.5; p=0.041) and wk 30 (−7.1 vs +2.8; p<0.001). FACT-P worse with doc. GP5 high score 40.7% vs 15.4%.
Clinical relevance: 177Lu-PSMA better tolerated than docetaxel
Source: ESMO 2026 2221RO · D.J. Khalaf
TALAPRO-3 PROs — TALA + ENZA vs ENZA (HRR+ mCSPC)
2222ROIndication: HRR-deficient mCSPC
Key finding: No clinically meaningful HRQoL difference (≥5 pts) except appetite loss (+5.2). TTDD GHS/QoL HR 1.16; TTD worst pain HR 0.82 (0.61–1.11).
Clinical relevance: TALA+ENZA preserves PROs
Source: ESMO 2026 2222RO · A.A. Azad
Neoadj toripalimab + TIP in La-PSCC
1209ROIndication: T4/N2-3M0 penile SCC
Key finding: ORR 84.0% (2 CR, 19 PR); pCR 48.0%. 12-mo EFS 72.0% (56.4–91.9); 12-mo OS 88.0% (76.1–100). Grade 3-4 TRAEs 84.0%.
Clinical relevance: Deep responses in rare penile SCC
Small n
Source: ESMO 2026 1209RO · H. Han
TORL-1-23 (ixotatug vedotin) in CLDN6+ germ cell tumours
1210ROIndication: Pretreated advanced GCT
Key finding: n=12; 11 CLDN6+. ORR 50% (95%CI 18.7–81.3); DCR 80%. mDOR 4.5 mo; 1 response 47.4 mo. 3/6 post-SCT had responses.
Clinical relevance: Signal in refractory GCT
Phase 1, small n
Source: ESMO 2026 1210RO · D. Feldman
KEYNOTE-365 Cohort I — pembro + CBDCA/VP-16 vs chemo (NEPC)
2217ROIndication: Metastatic NEPC
Key finding: n=70. ORR 28% vs 15%; mrPFS 5.1 vs 4.0 mo; HR 0.66. mOS 10.2 vs 7.1 mo; HR 0.33 (0.17–0.63). Benefit greatest in CPS ≥1 (OS HR 0.16).
Clinical relevance: Promising addition of pembro to EP in NEPC
No formal testing
Source: ESMO 2026 2217RO · G. von Amsberg
CH vs tumour HRR in liquid biopsy — PARPi outcomes (mCRPC)
2218ROIndication: mCRPC on PARPi monotherapy
Key finding: 13% of 1368 HRR mutations CH-only. CH-only HRR TTNT HR 3.24 (p=0.022), rwOS HR 3.52 (p=0.036) vs tumour HRR. Post-PARPi enriched for TP53, PTPN11, ASXL1 CH.
Clinical relevance: CH alters PARPi decisions
Retrospective
Source: ESMO 2026 2218RO · E.S. Antonarakis
PROMPT — ctDNA vs tissue genotyping (mCRPC)
2220ROIndication: mCRPC genotyping at progression
Key finding: BRCA1/2+HRR: OPA 95%, PPV 92%, NPV 95%. ctDNA standalone sensitivity 81%; adjunct +7% yield. PI3K/AKT OPA 80%, PPV 63%; biallelic loss sensitivity 32/81.
Clinical relevance: ctDNA viable for HRR; tissue needed for PI3K/AKT
Source: ESMO 2026 2220RO · N. Mehra
🌸 Gynaecological Cancers
5 studiesENGOT-OV56/DOVACC — olaparib ± durva ± UV1 (BRCAwt ROC)
LBA39Indication: BRCAwt recurrent ovarian cancer, maintenance
Key finding: n=188. Arm C vs A mPFS 8.7 vs 5.9 mo; HR 0.83 (0.68–1.01); p=0.066. HRD− HR 0.73; HRD+ HR 1.19. 22-mo RMST +2.5 mo (p=0.043 exploratory).
Clinical relevance: UV1 added to PARPi±IO: PFS signal only
Primary endpoint not met at 0.05
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA39 · T.J. Nøttrup
JSKN033 — SC HER2 BsADC + envafolimab (pretreated cervical cancer)
1243ROIndication: Pretreated cervical cancer
Key finding: n=64. 8.4 mg/kg: ORR 52.9% (18/34); DCR 88.2%; mPFS 7.2 mo. 6.7 mg/kg: ORR 17.9%. ILD 1 pt. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 26.6%.
Clinical relevance: Novel SC co-formulation active in CC
Phase 1/2
Source: ESMO 2026 1243RO · X. Wu
SHR-A2102 — nectin-4 ADC (recurrent/metastatic cervical cancer)
1244ROIndication: Recurrent/metastatic cervical cancer
Key finding: n=50; 6 mg/kg confirmed ORR 47.2%; overall 40.0%. mPFS 5.9 mo (6 mg/kg 7.0 mo); mDOR 7.1 mo. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 58.0%.
Clinical relevance: Phase 3 ongoing
Phase 2
Source: ESMO 2026 1244RO · J. Chen
INCB123667 + bevacizumab (recurrent EOC)
1241ROIndication: Cyclin E1-high recurrent EOC
Key finding: n=23 EOC. ORR 48% (95%CI 26.8–69.4); DCR 91%; mDOR 5.6 mo. Grade 3-4 TEAEs 52%; no discontinuations.
Clinical relevance: Promising CDK2 inhibitor combo
Phase 1
Source: ESMO 2026 1241RO · D. Lorusso
DENALI — azenosertib OS by Cyclin E1 (PROC)
1242ROIndication: Platinum-resistant ovarian cancer
Key finding: n=102. mOS Cyclin E1+ 15.8 mo (8.7–17.8) vs Cyclin E1− 7.5 mo; overall 12.3 mo. Prior ORR 35% in Cyclin E1+.
Clinical relevance: Cyclin E1 as predictive biomarker
Single-arm
Source: ESMO 2026 1242RO · F. Simpkins
☀ Melanoma & Skin Cancers
4 studiesSTARBOARD — enco + bini + pembro vs pbo + pembro (1L BRAF V600 melanoma)
2071OIndication: 1L unresectable/metastatic BRAF V600 melanoma
Key finding: Confirmed ORR 70.0% vs 32.7%; p<0.0001. mPFS 33.0 vs 3.4 mo; HR 0.33 (0.24–0.46); p<0.0001. 24-mo PFS 55% vs 26%. OS HR 0.71 (0.48–1.05).
Clinical relevance: Triplet dramatically improves PFS/ORR
OS immature
Source: ESMO 2026 2071O · D. Schadendorf
HBI-8000-303 — HBI-8000 + nivo vs placebo + nivo (advanced melanoma)
LBA54Indication: Anti-PD-(L)1 naive advanced melanoma
Key finding: mPFS 11.7 vs 7.4 mo; HR 0.73 (0.56–0.95); P=0.0141. Confirmed ORR 41.4% vs 32.3%. Grade >3 TRAEs 55% vs 18%; discontinuations 14% vs 5%.
Clinical relevance: HDACi+IO improves PFS
Toxicity increased
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA54 · N.I. Khushalani
MIZAR-003 — GC101 TIL vs ICC (anti-PD-1 refractory melanoma)
LBA55Indication: Anti-PD-1 resistant advanced melanoma
Key finding: mPFS 4.37 vs 1.61 mo; HR 0.44 (0.28–0.70); P=0.0004. ORR 44.0% vs 8.2%; DCR 68.0% vs 40.8%. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 42.0% vs 30.6%.
Clinical relevance: TIL benefit across mucosal/acral
OS immature
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA55 · L. Si
IOV-COM-202 — lifileucel + pembro (ICI-naïve advanced melanoma)
2072OIndication: Front-line advanced melanoma
Key finding: n=24 at ≥5.6×10^9 cells: ORR 62%; CR 29.2%; PR 33.3%. mPFS 19.8 mo; mDOR not reached (mFU 26.9 mo).
Clinical relevance: Supports phase 3 TILVANCE-301
Small n
Source: ESMO 2026 2072O · A.J. Furness
🧠 Sarcoma, CNS & Rare Tumours
17 studiesVorasidenib early-response predictors (IDHm grade 2 glioma)
695ROIndication: IDH-mut grade 2 glioma post-surgery
Key finding: n=54. 18-mo MRI −55.5%; RANO ORR 27.0%. PET ORR 46%. Plasma D2HG −57.6% at C3. 9/12 pts durable seizure control. 3 hepatotoxicity discontinuations.
Clinical relevance: Early PET/D2HG predict benefit
Single-centre
Source: ESMO 2026 695RO · F. Bruno
HSK42360 — brain-penetrant BRAF inhibitor (BRAF V600 glioma)
701ROIndication: BRAF V600-mutant glioma
Key finding: n=28; ORR 40.7% (HGG 40%, LGG 42.9%); 4 CR; DCR 85.2%. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 14.3%; no SAEs in glioma population.
Clinical relevance: Durable CRs in glioma
Phase 1
Source: ESMO 2026 701RO · W. Li
iCer IPI+NIVO ± myDC in resectable rHGG (5-y)
700ROIndication: Recurrent high-grade glioma
Key finding: ICB only (n=69) vs ICB+myDC (n=19): 3-y PFS 2.9% vs 10%; log-rank p=0.008 (PFS) and p=0.018 (OS).
Clinical relevance: Local ICB+DC improves survival
Non-randomised
Source: ESMO 2026 700RO · C. Bertels
Debio 0123 + TMZ (recurrent GBM)
699ROIndication: Recurrent/progressive GBM
Key finding: MTD 720 mg. Among 22 evaluable at 400–720 mg: 3 PR, 2 uPR, 8 SD (36.4%); 8/22 ≥5 cycles. 520 and 720 mg selected for expansion.
Clinical relevance: Promising activity in rGBM
Phase 1
Source: ESMO 2026 699RO · M. Vieito
ACCOMPLISH — pembrolizumab + lenvatinib (advanced ACC)
1202ROIndication: Progressive advanced adrenocortical carcinoma
Key finding: n=30. ORR 30.0% (9 PR); DCR 93.3%; mDOR 9.4 mo. mPFS 10.4 mo; mOS 19.1 mo. Grade ≥3 AEs: hypertension 26.7%.
Clinical relevance: VEGFR-TKI+IO option post-chemo
Single-arm
Source: ESMO 2026 1202RO · I. Park
CLERAD-PROBE — I-124 PET-guided risk-adapted RIT (DTC)
4210ROIndication: DTC after thyroidectomy
Key finding: n=324. Blood dose 275 vs 521 mGy (p<0.001); activity 2.5 vs 5.7 GBq. Recurrence HR 0.38 (0.14–1.05); p=0.06. 5-y EFS 96.6% vs 91.5%.
Clinical relevance: Supports PET-guided RIT de-escalation
Few events
Source: ESMO 2026 4210RO · K. Michalski
Becotatug vedotin + pucotenlimab (EGFR+ ATC/PDTC)
4211ROIndication: EGFR+ unresectable ATC/PDTC
Key finding: n=30 (25 evaluable). ORR 44.0%; DCR 84%; 2 pCR after surgery. mTTR 43 days. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 26.7%.
Clinical relevance: Signal in aggressive thyroid cancer
Phase 2, small n
Source: ESMO 2026 4211RO · Y. Wang
GETNE-CABOTHYROID — cabozantinib (RAIR DTC)
4212ROIndication: RAIR DTC after lenvatinib/sorafenib
Key finding: n=41; confirmed ORR 25.6%. mTTR 2.7 mo; mDOR 18.4 mo; mPFS 16.1 mo. Grade 3-4 PPE 7%.
Clinical relevance: Confirms activity; methylation biomarkers
Single-arm
Source: ESMO 2026 4212RO · J. Hernando
French ENDOCAN-TUTHYREF — BRAFi/MEKi vs standard (BRAF V600 ATC)
4213ROIndication: BRAF V600E-mutant anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
Key finding: n=150. After MSM-IPTW: BRAFi/MEKi OS HR 0.46 (0.26–0.82); p=0.009. Stage IVc HR 0.57 (0.28–1.16); p=0.10; OS at 437d 26.9% vs 10.1%.
Clinical relevance: Supports early molecular testing
Retrospective
Source: ESMO 2026 4213RO · C. Do Cao
Surufatinib + EP + serplulimab (1L advanced extrapulmonary NEC)
2394ROIndication: 1L advanced extrapulmonary NEC
Key finding: n=43. mPFS 9.4 mo (6.5–13.9); ORR 69.8%; DCR 95.3%. CR/PR had PFS 11.5 vs 6.6 mo; p=0.0041. 1 R0 conversion.
Clinical relevance: High ORR in NEC
Phase 2
Source: ESMO 2026 2394RO · Z.Y. Lin
RetroSAUNA — SSA continuation with 2L PRRT/TT (GEP-NET)
2395ROIndication: Grade 1-2 non-functioning GEP-NET
Key finding: n=394. SSA continuation PFS: PRRT 34.8 vs 27.1 mo (p=0.02); TT 13.3 vs 8.8 mo (p=0.02). Adjusted HR 0.69, 0.66; pooled HR 0.67 (0.53–0.86); p=0.001. OS trend in TT.
Clinical relevance: Supports SSA continuation
Retrospective
Source: ESMO 2026 2395RO · S. Chhajlani
[212Pb]VMT-α-NET in SSTR2+ NETs
2396ROIndication: SSTR2-expressing NETs
Key finding: n=67. No DLTs/Grade 4-5 events. Prior Cohort 2 ORR 43.4%. Cohort 3 (6 mCi): 2 PRs after 1-2 cycles.
Clinical relevance: Favourable safety for alpha RLT
Phase 1/2
Source: ESMO 2026 2396RO · T.R. Halfdanarson
DAREON-7 — obrixtamig + SoC (1L DLL3+ NEC)
2397ROIndication: 1L advanced DLL3+ NEC
Key finding: n=44. Confirmed ORR 77% (DLL3-high 88%, DLL3-low 65%). mPFS 7.7 mo. CRS G1/G2 59/14%; no G≥3.
Clinical relevance: Supports DAREON-NEC-1 phase 3
Phase 1b
Source: ESMO 2026 2397RO · J. Capdevila
Finger sweat vorasidenib/D-2HG monitoring (IDHm glioma)
696ROIndication: IDHm glioma on vorasidenib
Key finding: Vorasidenib detectable in 13 pts; higher levels with measurable disease (p<0.05). D-2HG decreased in most pts after initiation.
Clinical relevance: Non-invasive monitoring feasible
Exploratory
Source: ESMO 2026 696RO · V. Sunder-Plassmann
Dxcover brain cancer liquid biopsy — EMBRACE validation
697ROIndication: Symptomatic brain cancer triage
Key finding: 2324 eligible pts; 697 brain tumours, 395 malignant. Sensitivity 86%, specificity 44%, NPV 99%. GBM detection 86%; CNS lymphoma 94%; brain mets 90%.
Clinical relevance: Triage tool with high NPV
Low specificity
Source: ESMO 2026 697RO · P. Brennan
NEO-GLITIPNI — neoadj IV + iCer/iCav IPI+NIVO (resectable rGBM)
698ROIndication: Resectable recurrent GBM
Key finding: 18 initiated NADJ; 14 operated; mFU 24w. mPFS 11w (9–13); mOS 39w (29–49). G3/4 TRAEs reversible; no G5.
Clinical relevance: Feasible NADJ+local IO combo
Phase 1b
Source: ESMO 2026 698RO · I. Dirven
Progressive BM post-radiotherapy — immune/epigenetic signatures
703ROIndication: Progressive brain metastases
Key finding: n=153. Post-RT BM: reduced CD3+ (71 vs 494 cells/mm²), CD8+ (44 vs 187), CD45RO+ (104 vs 302); FOXP3+ increased (215 vs 41). Hypermethylation in immunomodulation pathways.
Clinical relevance: Immunosuppressive TME post-RT
Observational
Source: ESMO 2026 703RO · A. Steindl
🧪 Developmental Therapeutics & Early Phase
4 studiesIMA203CD8 — PRAME-directed TCR T-cell therapy
1946OIndication: PRAME+ R/R solid tumours
Key finding: n=89 treated; confirmed ORR 38% (31/81). Gynaecologic cohort DL4c: ORR 50% (9/18), 89% ongoing. CRS 97% (mostly G1-2).
Clinical relevance: Signal across diverse tumour types
Phase 1
Source: ESMO 2026 1946O · A. Busse
START-001 — invikafusp alfa (ICB-resistant TMB-H tumours)
1948OIndication: ICB-resistant TMB-H solid tumours
Key finding: n=97. ORR 17% (11 PR, 1 pCR); DCR 58%. Excluding NSCLC/melanoma: ORR 22%; DCR 65%. CRS mostly low grade; ~8% G3.
Clinical relevance: Novel IO backbone post-ICB
Phase 2
Source: ESMO 2026 1948O · E. Garralda
QLP2117 (anti-CCR8) + QL2107 (anti-PD-1) in solid tumours
1949OIndication: Advanced solid tumours
Key finding: n=149. Overall ORR 23.0%. At 500 mg: ORR 27.1%; CCR8+ pts ORR 37.8% (SQCC 83.3%). G≥3 TRAEs 51.0%; TRAE deaths 3.4%.
Clinical relevance: Anti-CCR8+PD-1 feasible
Phase 1b/2
Source: ESMO 2026 1949O · F. Wang
PREDICT-IO — early immunotherapy KM analysis
1947OIndication: Immunotherapy KM analytics
Key finding: 104 longitudinal pairs. HR regresses to mean; 47% of early fixed-point differences unconfirmed; 46% false positive cure fraction. RMST most stable (r=0.68–0.79). Mature OS OR 1.50 (1.38–1.64).
Clinical relevance: RMST most robust early metric
Analytical
Source: ESMO 2026 1947O · D. Montero Morenete
🧬 Translational Research & Biomarkers
1 studyPan-cancer BsADC/BsAb+ADC strategies — ESMO Day 1 roundup
Indication: Multiple solid tumours
Key finding: Elfe-D + pumitamig phase 2 (n=142): ORRs HNC 38.5%, HCC 42.9%, cervical 50.0%, PROC 80.6% (abs 999O). HS-20122 EGFR/cMET BsADC NSCLC ORR 55.7% (6 mg/kg 61.3%; abs 1000O). IBI3001 EGFR/B7H3 BsADC NSCLC ORR 31.3%, SCLC 62.5% (abs 1001O).
Clinical relevance: Early BsADC/BsAb+ADC signal across tumours
Early phase
Source: ESMO 2026 news — Abstracts 999O, 1000O, 1001O
🤝 Supportive, Palliative & Survivorship
1 studyMultispecific agents — CRC/ccRCC early-phase signals
Indication: Advanced CRC and ccRCC
Key finding: INCA33890 (TGFβR2×PD-1)+SoC (abs 1954RO): 1L+FOLFOX/bev ORR 71.4% (82.8% in liver mets); 3L+bev ORR 28.2%. XmAb819 (ENPP3 TCE) ccRCC ORR 30–45.5% across doses (abs 3588O). CS2009 (PD-1/VEGF/CTLA-4) 1L mCRC+XELOX ORR 59.1% (abs 1953RO).
Clinical relevance: Multispecifics expand options
Early phase, small n
Source: ESMO 2026 news — Abstracts 1953RO, 1954RO, 3588O
📋 Program Sessions — Invited Talks
no abstractsThis report was generated automatically and is not medical advice. Clinical decisions must be verified against official abstract/presentation full texts and current guidelines.