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 (🫁 Thoracic / Lung Cancer, ⚕ Gastrointestinal Cancers, 🔷 Genitourinary Cancers, 🗣 Head & Neck Cancers, ☀ Melanoma & Skin Cancers, 🧠 Sarcoma, CNS & Rare Tumours, 🧪 Developmental Therapeutics & Early Phase, 🔍 Prevention, Screening & Early Detection, 🧬 Translational Research & Biomarkers, 🤝 Supportive, Palliative & Survivorship, 🌍 Public Policy, Access & Health Services).
- 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🫁 Thoracic / Lung Cancer
15 studiesSAFFRON — osimertinib + savolitinib vs platinum–pemetrexed (EGFRm MET-OE/AMP NSCLC post-osi)
LBA6Indication: EGFRm, MET-OE and/or -AMP advanced NSCLC after 1/2L osimertinib
Key finding: mPFS 7.6 vs 5.4 mo; HR 0.55 (0.42–0.72); p<0.001. mOS 17.8 vs 12.9 mo; HR 0.68 (0.50–0.91); p=0.010. mDoR 9.7 vs 5.7 mo. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 40% vs 52%; discontinuation 14% vs 8%.
Clinical relevance: First phase 3 to show both PFS and OS benefit targeting MET resistance after osimertinib.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA6 · S. Lu
Krascendo 1 — divarasib vs sotorasib/adagrasib (previously treated KRAS G12C mNSCLC)
LBA5Indication: Previously treated locally advanced/metastatic KRAS G12C-mutated NSCLC
Key finding: mPFS 9.8 vs 5.7 mo; HR 0.58 (0.44–0.76); p<0.0001. mOS 17.7 vs 12.0 mo; HR 0.56 (0.41–0.78); p=0.0005. cORR 58.4% vs 32.3%. Grade 3–4 TRAEs 24.6% vs 34.5%; discontinuation 4.8% vs 11.7%.
Clinical relevance: Establishes divarasib as new SoC for 2L+ KRAS G12C NSCLC, outperforming approved inhibitors.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA5 · F. Skoulidis
OptiTROP-Lung06 — sac-TMT + pembrolizumab vs chemo + pembrolizumab (1L PD-L1-neg nsq NSCLC)
LBA66Indication: 1L PD-L1 TPS <1% advanced non-squamous NSCLC without EGFR/ALK
Key finding: mPFS by BICR 15.0 vs 5.7 mo; HR 0.49 (0.36–0.65); p<0.0001. OS trend HR 0.58 (0.38–0.88). ORR 50.2% vs 47.3%; mDoR 13.6 vs 6.8 mo. Grade ≥3 TEAEs 47.6% vs 60.6%.
Clinical relevance: First randomized phase 3 showing TROP2 ADC + PD-1 superiority over chemo-IO SoC in NSCLC.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA66 · C. Zhou
OptiTROP-Lung04 — sac-TMT vs platinum chemo (EGFRm NSCLC post-TKI, final OS)
LBA67Indication: Locally advanced/metastatic EGFRm NSCLC after EGFR-TKI progression
Key finding: Final mOS 25.9 vs 17.4 mo; HR 0.69 (0.54–0.89); p=0.0021. 24-mo OS 54.1% vs 37.2%; 30-mo OS 40.5% vs 28.4%. RPSFT-adjusted mOS 25.9 vs 16.6 mo; HR 0.57 (0.42–0.75).
Clinical relevance: Confirms sustained OS benefit of sac-TMT in EGFRm NSCLC post-TKI at median 32.3 mo FU.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA67 · W. Fang
PERSEE — pembrolizumab + platinum chemo vs pembrolizumab (1L PD-L1 ≥50% NSCLC)
2614OIndication: Untreated stage IV/III PD-L1 ≥50% NSCLC without EGFR/ALK
Key finding: mPFS by BCR 16.1 vs 6.9 mo; HR 0.56 (0.43–0.74); p<0.001. mOS 50.2 vs 29.9 mo; HR 0.77 (0.57–1.05). ORR 77.5% vs 50.3%; mDoR 30.0 vs 15.6 mo. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 53.8% vs 19.3%.
Clinical relevance: Supports adding chemo to pembro in high-PD-L1 NSCLC, especially for symptomatic/high-burden disease.
OS not powered; monotherapy arm underperformed historical benchmarks.
Source: ESMO 2026 2614O · C. Decroisette
NeoCOAST-2 — durva + chemo + novel agents, perioperative resectable NSCLC
4244ROIndication: Resectable NSCLC, perioperative durva ± oleclumab/monalizumab/Dato-DXd + chemo
Key finding: 24-mo EFS: Arm 1 70.5%, Arm 2 75.7%, Arm 4 (Dato-DXd combo) 77.9%. C3D1 ctDNA clearance: 50.9%/54.5%/72.5%. Clearance vs no clearance EFS HR 0.22 (0.11–0.45); p<0.0001.
Clinical relevance: ctDNA clearance predicts long EFS; Dato-DXd combo supports further study.
Source: ESMO 2026 4244RO · T. Cascone
SARON — SACT ± consolidation radiotherapy (synchronous oligometastatic AGA-neg NSCLC)
2613OIndication: Oligometastatic (1–5 mets, ≤3 organs) AGA-negative NSCLC
Key finding: mOS 31.0 vs 28.0 mo; HR 0.99 (0.63–1.55); p=0.95. mPFS 13.9 vs 8.9 mo; HR 0.64 (0.43–0.95); p=0.03. 12-mo local failure 13.0% vs 39.5% (p<0.01). Grade ≥3 AEs 28.6% both arms.
Clinical relevance: Consolidation RT improves local control and PFS without OS benefit in oligometastatic NSCLC.
No OS benefit despite PFS and local control gain.
Source: ESMO 2026 2613O · F. McDonald
SigVie-002 — sigvotatug vedotin vs docetaxel (previously treated nonsquamous NSCLC)
LBA68Indication: Previously treated nonsquamous NSCLC after platinum chemo and PD-(L)1
Key finding: mOS 11.9 vs 11.5 mo; HR 0.929 (0.767–1.126); one-sided p=0.226 (not met). mPFS 4.7 vs 4.2 mo; HR 0.844. 2L subgroup mOS 13.6 vs 11.1 mo; HR 0.831. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 33% vs 36%.
Clinical relevance: Primary OS endpoint not met; 2L subgroup signal supports further development in combinations.
Primary OS endpoint missed in overall population.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA68 · S. Peters
Pumitamig + docetaxel post-chemoimmunotherapy (ROSETTA Lung-107, mNSCLC)
LBA76Indication: Stage IV NSCLC after 1L chemoimmunotherapy
Key finding: Confirmed ORR 36.7% (overall), 42.9% (PD-L1 <1%), 33.3% (1–49%), 40.0% (≥50%); DCR 90.0%; mPFS 6.9 mo (4.2–NR). Grade ≥3 pumitamig-related TRAEs 18.0%; discontinuation 8.0%.
Clinical relevance: PD-L1/VEGF-A bispecific + docetaxel shows activity post-chemo-IO across PD-L1 strata.
Phase 2 single-arm, short follow-up (median 12.2 wk).
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA76 · B.C. Cho
CS2009 + chemo (PD-1/VEGF/CTLA-4 trispecific, advanced NSCLC)
2616ROIndication: Advanced NSCLC, 1L mono/combo and 2/3L + docetaxel
Key finding: 1L mono (PD-L1 TPS ≥50%) ORR 81.3%, DCR 100% (n=16). 1L SQ combo (PD-L1 <50%) ORR 75.0%, DCR 100% (n=8). Mono grade ≥3 TRAEs 6.5%; combo grade ≥3 TRAEs 30.0%.
Clinical relevance: First-in-class PD-1/VEGF/CTLA-4 trispecific shows promising 1L activity.
Small cohorts; phase 3 planned.
Source: ESMO 2026 2616RO · A. Xiong
IFCT-2103 DIAL — pembro continuation to 2y vs observation (6-mo DC mNSCLC)
2618ROIndication: mNSCLC with disease control at 6 mo after chemo-IO induction
Key finding: 18-mo OS 83.3% (continuation) vs 88.1% (de-escalation). Grade 3–4 irAEs from randomisation 14.9% vs 6.5%; all-grade irAEs 85.1% vs 47.8%.
Clinical relevance: Similar OS with de-escalation and fewer irAEs supports stopping pembro at 6 mo for responders.
Phase 2 part; phase 3 accrual ongoing.
Source: ESMO 2026 2618RO · A.C. Toffart
OSE2101 + docetaxel or + nivolumab vs docetaxel (2L mNSCLC post chemo-IO)
2661ROIndication: HLA-A2+ mNSCLC after 1L chemo-IO
Key finding: 1-y OS 44% (O+D), 44% (O+N) vs 26% (D). p=0.001 (O+D), p=0.002 (O+N). Drug-related SAEs 17% vs 24% vs 17%.
Clinical relevance: Neoepitope vaccine combos show improved 1-y OS vs docetaxel in post-chemo-IO 2L NSCLC.
Phase 2; final results expected Sep 2026.
Source: ESMO 2026 2661RO · F. Cappuzzo
Olomorasib + chemo-IO 1L (KRAS G12C mNSCLC, LOXO-RAS-20001 / SUNRAY-01)
2652ROIndication: 1L advanced KRAS G12C-mutant NSCLC, PD-L1 0–100%
Key finding: ORR 61% (47/77); mDOR 14.5 mo; mPFS 11.8 mo. By PD-L1: ORR 50% (<1%), 68% (1–49%), 67% (≥50%); mPFS 9.7 / 12.1 / NR mo. Grade ≥3 TRAEs: anemia 16%, neutropenia 12%, ALT↑ 12%.
Clinical relevance: Supports phase 3 SUNRAY-01 adding olomorasib to 1L chemo-IO in KRAS G12C NSCLC.
Single-arm; cross-trial comparison.
Source: ESMO 2026 2652RO · M. Negrao
Calderasib (MK-1084) ± pembro ± chemo (KRAS G12C mNSCLC, KANDLELIT-001)
2680ROIndication: KRAS G12C-mutant mNSCLC, mono/pembro/chemo combos
Key finding: Mono: ORR 27%, mPFS 8.3 mo. +Pembro (TPS ≥1%): ORR 72%, mPFS 28.9 mo; TPS ≥50% ORR 87%. +Pembro+chemo: ORR 65%, mPFS 15.1 mo. Grade 3–4 DRAEs 32% (arm 2), 63% (arm 4). 2 DRAE deaths.
Clinical relevance: Supports phase 3 KANDLELIT-004/007 of 1L calderasib + pembro in KRAS G12C mNSCLC.
Phase 1; 2 treatment-related deaths reported.
Source: ESMO 2026 2680RO · M. Sendur
TIL therapy + chemo ± pembro (≥2L advanced NSCLC)
2617ROIndication: NSCLC progressing after 1L (chemo)immunotherapy, ≥2L
Key finding: ORR 23% (3/13); DCR 69%; mPFS 3.4 mo; mOS 8.0 mo. TIL successfully produced in 85% (17/20). No TIL infusion toxicity; no grade 5 events.
Clinical relevance: Feasibility of TIL with less intense preconditioning in older NSCLC pts.
Phase 1, n=13.
Source: ESMO 2026 2617RO · L. Steinbusch
⚕ Gastrointestinal Cancers
7 studiesHARMONi-GI1 — ivonescimab + chemo vs durvalumab + chemo (1L advanced BTC)
LBA8Indication: Unresectable locally advanced/metastatic 1L biliary tract cancer
Key finding: mOS 14.9 vs 12.1 mo; HR 0.75 (95% CI 0.61–0.92); p=0.0031. mPFS 8.4 vs 5.8 mo; HR 0.61 (0.51–0.72); p<0.0001. ORR 53.8% vs 32.5%; p<0.0001. Manageable safety.
Clinical relevance: Potential new 1L SoC for advanced BTC with bispecific PD-1/VEGF antibody.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA8 · J. Zhou
CLARITY-Gastric01 — sonesitatug vedotin vs investigator's choice (2L+ CLDN18.2+ GEC)
LBA7Indication: 2L+ advanced CLDN18.2-positive gastroesophageal carcinoma
Key finding: 3L+ mOS 10.0 vs 5.0 mo; HR 0.47 (0.36–0.62); p<0.001. ITT 2L+ mOS 10.6 vs 6.4 mo; HR 0.58 (0.47–0.73); p<0.001. ITT PFS 4.2 vs 3.8 mo; HR 0.77; p=0.05 (not sig). Grade ≥3 TRAEs 36.4% vs 44.8%.
Clinical relevance: First phase 3 of CLDN18.2 ADC; strong OS gain in later lines of GEC.
PFS primary endpoint in ITT not statistically significant.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA7 · R-H. Xu
AZUR-1 — dostarlimab monotherapy (dMMR/MSI-H locally advanced rectal cancer)
LBA87Indication: dMMR/MSI-H locally advanced rectal cancer, neoadjuvant
Key finding: 68% (144 pts ≥12 mo FU) achieved cCR12 by INV; 76% cCR12+pCR composite. 12/15 (80%) surgical pts had pCR. 98% remained in cCR ≥12 mo; 93% in surveillance with no PD. Grade ≥3 immune AEs in 4 pts.
Clinical relevance: Durable responses may eliminate chemo/RT/surgery need in dMMR/MSI-H LARC.
Single-arm interim analysis.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA87 · A. Cercek
UNION — SCRT + camrelizumab + chemo vs long-course CRT + chemo (LARC)
3530OIndication: cT3-4 or N+ rectal adenocarcinoma ≤10 cm from anal verge
Key finding: 3-y EFS 91.3% (83.9–95.4) vs 77.4% (67.9–84.4); HR 0.33 (0.15–0.71); p=0.0029. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 51.3% vs 48.2%.
Clinical relevance: First phase 3 showing EFS gain with immunotherapy-based regimen in LARC.
Source: ESMO 2026 3530O · Z.Y. Lin
MONSTAR-SCREEN-3 — ultrasensitive ctDNA MRD in resectable CRC
4236OIndication: Post-surgical MRD assessment in resectable CRC (n=251)
Key finding: ctDNA detectable in 21% at 1 mo post-surgery; 53% at ultrasensitive levels (<100 ppm). DFS HR 51.3 (12.0–219.1); p<0.0001. Ultrasensitive detection HR 23.1 (4.7–114.7); p<0.001. 100% pre-recurrence detection, median 4.0 mo lead.
Clinical relevance: WGS-based ultrasensitive ctDNA validated for post-surgical CRC surveillance.
Observational; median FU 8.7 mo.
Source: ESMO 2026 4236O · Y. Tsukada
IROCAS — adjuvant mFOLFIRINOX vs mFOLFOX6 (high-risk stage III colon cancer)
LBA29Indication: R0-resected pT4 and/or N2 colon adenocarcinoma
Key finding: 3-y DFS 65.6% vs 66.3%; HR 1.07 (0.84–1.36); p=0.61. 3-y OS 91.2% vs 86.7%; HR 0.85 (0.61–1.21); p=0.37. Grade ≥3 AEs 62.2% vs 62.1%; grade ≥3 diarrhea 15.6% vs 3.8%.
Clinical relevance: Empirical adjuvant intensification by TNM alone does not improve outcomes.
Primary DFS endpoint not met.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA29 · J. Bennouna
EMT2 — EPA (omega-3) vs placebo after CRC liver metastasis resection
LBA30Indication: Post-resection CRC liver metastases, EPA 4 g/day ≥2y
Key finding: Median PFS 12.9 vs 13.5 mo; HR 0.89 (0.70–1.13); p=0.33 (not met). 5-y OS 62.0% vs 45.1%; HR 0.68 (0.48–0.96); p=0.030. No excess bleeding/AF.
Clinical relevance: EPA may reduce death risk ~30% after CRLM resection despite no PFS gain.
Primary PFS endpoint missed; survival benefit hypothesis-generating.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA30 · M. Hull
🔷 Genitourinary Cancers
9 studiesKEYNOTE-564 — adjuvant pembrolizumab vs placebo (high-risk ccRCC, final analysis)
3589ROIndication: High-risk ccRCC post-nephrectomy ± metastasectomy
Key finding: Median FU 85.9 mo. mDFS NR vs 68.3 mo; HR 0.68 (0.56–0.82); 7-y DFS 57.2% vs 44.6%. mOS NR both arms; HR 0.70 (0.53–0.92); 7-y OS 82.3% vs 76.6%. No new safety signals.
Clinical relevance: Confirms durable DFS/OS benefit for adjuvant pembro in high-risk ccRCC.
Source: ESMO 2026 3589RO · T. Choueiri
LITESPARK-012 — pembro+len+belzutifan or MK-1308A+len vs pembro+len (1L advanced RCC)
3586OIndication: 1L advanced clear cell RCC
Key finding: mPFS 20.8 (A), 20.7 (B) vs 23.7 mo (SoC); PFS HR 1.08/1.07. Median OS 52.0 / NR / 76.3 mo; OS HR 1.04/1.12. ORR 69.1% / 69.0% / 76.3%. Discontinuation 51.6%/51.4% vs 36.2%.
Clinical relevance: Triplets did NOT improve efficacy; pembro+len remains 1L SoC.
Primary endpoint not met; higher discontinuation with triplets.
Source: ESMO 2026 3586O · T. Choueiri
LITESPARK-011 — belzutifan + lenvatinib vs cabozantinib (ccRCC post-PD-(L)1, final)
3587OIndication: Advanced ccRCC after anti-PD-(L)1 therapy
Key finding: Final analysis: mPFS 14.8 vs 10.8 mo; HR 0.74 (0.62–0.88). mOS 33.7 vs 28.6 mo; HR 0.85 (0.70–1.03); one-sided p=0.04689 (boundary 0.0223, not met). ORR 53.1% vs 40.2%. mDoR 22.0 vs 11.9 mo. Grade ≥3 TEAEs 85.4% vs 83.0%.
Clinical relevance: PFS/ORR benefit maintained; OS trend favorable but not statistically significant.
OS endpoint not met statistically.
Source: ESMO 2026 3587O · D. Heng
PE-PE — perioperative pembrolizumab + MDT vs MDT alone (oligometastatic RCC)
LBA88Indication: Oligometastatic RCC candidates for MDT (SABR or surgery)
Key finding: mRFS 25.4 vs 11.0 mo; HR 0.47 (95% CI 0.24–0.92); p=0.024. P-related any-G AEs 59% (hypothyroidism 23%, fatigue 18%, diarrhea 16%). G3 AEs 7% vs 3%.
Clinical relevance: 1-year perioperative pembro adds significant RFS benefit in omRCC.
Phase 2, n=85.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA88 · R. Iacovelli
XmAb819 — ENPP3 × CD3 bispecific (advanced ccRCC)
3588OIndication: Advanced ccRCC after ≥1 ICI and ≥1 VEGFR-TKI
Key finding: At target dose (n=60): ORR 27%; DCR 68%; median time to response 12 wk. ≥2 prior TKIs: ORR 30%, DCR 73%. Prior HIF2α (n=23): ORR 26%, DCR 70%. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 61%; discontinuation 7%.
Clinical relevance: Durable activity in heavily pretreated ccRCC including prior HIF2α.
Phase 1, median FU 21 wk.
Source: ESMO 2026 3588O · S. Pal
AK112 (ivonescimab) monotherapy (1L IMDC favorable-risk aRCC)
3592OIndication: Treatment-naïve IMDC favorable-risk advanced ccRCC
Key finding: ORR 57.1% (n=21 evaluable); DCR 95.2%; mPFS not reached; 12/18-mo PFS 87.9%. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 26.9%. Most common: proteinuria 42.3%, rhinitis 38.5%.
Clinical relevance: Monotherapy activity in favorable-risk aRCC, where benefit from standard TKIs is limited.
Small single-arm phase Ib/II.
Source: ESMO 2026 3592O · J. Guo
UCL70802 — anti-CD70 CAR-T + LACO-Stim (metastatic ccRCC)
3615ROIndication: CD70+ metastatic ccRCC after standard therapies
Key finding: ORR 33.3% (3/9); DCR 88.9%. At DL3 (2×10^6/kg): 50% confirmed PR (2/4), ≥85% and 34.6% shrinkage. All CRS manageable; no DLTs. Grade 3 CRS resolved to G2 within 1 day.
Clinical relevance: First-in-human CD70 CAR-T shows durable responses in refractory ccRCC.
Phase 1, n=9.
Source: ESMO 2026 3615RO · X. Gan
SWOG S2200 — cabozantinib ± atezolizumab (metastatic papillary RCC)
3591ROIndication: Metastatic papillary RCC, ≤1 prior line
Key finding: mPFS HR 0.46 (90% CI 0.22–0.97); one-sided p=0.043 (favors combo). mOS HR 1.67 (0.59–4.7); p=0.79. Grade 3/4 AEs 65% vs 75%.
Clinical relevance: Combo signal in PRCC; study closed early due to accrual.
Terminated early; n=33.
Source: ESMO 2026 3591RO · B. Maughan
REPRINT (MeetURO 4/25) — EV + pembrolizumab (CDC/RMC)
3612ROIndication: Collecting duct carcinoma and renal medullary carcinoma
Key finding: ORR 22% (2/9 RCCU-MP responders); DCR 55%; mPFS 5.2 mo (3.4–NR). No G3-4 AEs. 7 CDC pts: no objective responses.
Clinical relevance: Signal of activity in rare renal cancers; proceeds to stage 2.
Phase 2 first stage; small n.
Source: ESMO 2026 3612RO · G. Procopio
🗣 Head & Neck Cancers
12 studiesHexAgon-HN — ordastobart (INBRX-106) + pembrolizumab vs pembrolizumab (1L R/M HNSCC CPS≥20)
LBA42Indication: 1L R/M HNSCC with PD-L1 CPS ≥20
Key finding: ORR 48.3% (29.4–67.5) vs 26.5% (12.9–44.4); ΔORR 21.8%. HPV+ subgroup ORR 80.0% vs 33.3%; ΔORR 46.7%. Grade ≥3 AEs 58.1% vs 47.1%. IRRs 22.6% (3.2% grade ≥3).
Clinical relevance: Clinical proof-of-concept for OX40 agonism in cancer IO; HPV+ signal notable.
Phase 2 primary; PFS preliminary.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA42 · J.C. Park
TAISHAN-301 — Tam-Peli vs TPC (heavily pretreated R/M NPC)
LBA43Indication: R/M NPC after PD-(L)1 and ≥2 chemo lines
Key finding: cORR 50.8% vs 25.8%; OR 2.9 (1.7–5.0); p<0.0001. DCR 93.7% vs 75.8%. mDoR 7.9 vs 6.4 mo. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 49.3% vs 51.7%. No ILD observed. 1 treatment-related death per arm.
Clinical relevance: First phase 3 B7-H3 ADC with potential new SoC in later-line R/M NPC.
OS/PFS data immature.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA43 · S.D. Hong
LBA44 — PCm vs TPF (neoadjuvant technically unresectable oral cancers)
LBA44Indication: Technically unresectable oral cancers, neoadjuvant
Key finding: mOS 13.99 vs 13.31 mo; HR 0.826 (one-sided 95% CI 0.668–1.021); non-inferiority p=0.0002. Grade >3 toxicity 86.4% vs 43.2%; p<0.001. ORR 23.4% vs 45.6%; p<0.001. Surgery 26% vs 45.6%; p<0.001.
Clinical relevance: Weekly PCm non-inferior to DCF with less toxicity in unresectable oral cancer.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA44 · V. Noronha
RADIAN (TTCC-2022-01) — niraparib + dostarlimab + RT ± cisplatin (LA-HNSCC)
LBA46Indication: PD-L1 CPS>1 LA-HNSCC with CRT (cohort A) or RT alone (cohort B)
Key finding: Cohort A: 1y-DFS 88.2% vs 65% historical; HR 0.19; p=0.01. Cohort B: 1y-DFS 61% vs 55% historical; HR 0.72; p=0.19. 2 toxic deaths in cohort A; 5 deaths in cohort B.
Clinical relevance: Primary endpoint met in CRT cohort; RT-alone arm showed toxicity concerns.
Niraparib prolonged RT toxicity in cohort B.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA46 · M. Oliva
QoLATI/DAHANCA34 — TORS vs (C)RT (early-stage OPSCC)
LBA45Indication: T1–2, N0–1, M0 OPSCC
Key finding: Adjusted difference MDADI at 12 mo: 5.1 points (95% CI 0.3–9.9); p=0.04 favouring TORS. Objective swallowing, late toxicity, survival, disease control similar. Motor nerve impairment 10%.
Clinical relevance: TORS and (C)RT both options; patient preference should guide.
Did not reach prespecified clinical relevance threshold.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA45 · H. Channir
EORTC 1420 'Best-of' — TOS vs DO-IMRT (early-stage OPSCC/SGSCC/HPSCC)
1535OIndication: T1/T2 N0-1 OPSCC/SGSCC or T1 N0 HPSCC
Key finding: MDADI at 12 mo: adjusted diff +3.9 (90% CI -2.7 to +10.5); p=0.326. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 21% each. Mucositis 10% vs 39%; dry mouth 14% vs 49%. 16% of DO-IMRT allocated declined.
Clinical relevance: Comparable swallowing function; distinct toxicity profiles.
Primary swallowing endpoint not significantly different.
Source: ESMO 2026 1535O · C. Simon
SMART-KEY (LACOG 0720) — cisplatin-free pembro-based larynx preservation
1537ROIndication: Stage III–IVB glottic/supraglottic SCC
Key finding: 2y LFS 65.1% (80% CI 54.9–73.5). 2y larynx preservation 86%. 2y OS 74.4%. Cumulative LR/distant recurrence 18.8%/7.4%. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 41.9%; 1 G5.
Clinical relevance: Short-term outcomes comparable to RTOG-9111 without cisplatin.
Single-arm; long-term data awaited.
Source: ESMO 2026 1537RO · T.B. Oliveira
OrigAMI-4 — amivantamab + pembro + carboplatin (1L R/M HNSCC)
1539ROIndication: PD-L1 CPS ≥1 1L R/M HNSCC
Key finding: HPV-unrelated (n=22): ORR 77% (55–92); 11/17 responses ongoing. HPV+ OPSCC (n=7): ORR 29%. Safety consistent with components; IRR 13% (no grade ≥3).
Clinical relevance: Supports phase 3 OrigAMI-5 in HPV-unrelated 1L R/M HNSCC.
Single-arm, median FU 7.7 mo.
Source: ESMO 2026 1539RO · P. Swiecicki
Izalontamab brengitecan + pembrolizumab (1L R/M HNSCC)
1542ROIndication: 1L R/M HNSCC, 2.5 or 2.75 mg/kg + pembro
Key finding: At 2.5 mg/kg (n=38): ORR 55.3%, cORR 47.4%, mDOR 13.6 mo, mPFS 8.2 mo. Overall ORR 59.0%; DCR 83.3%. Grade ≥3 TRAEs predominantly hematologic; no ILD.
Clinical relevance: EGFR×HER3 ADC + pembro shows promising activity in 1L R/M HNSCC.
Phase 2; 2.5 mg/kg selected RP2D.
Source: ESMO 2026 1542RO · D. Ji
OPTIMAL — perioperative tislelizumab + chemo (resectable LA-OSCC)
LBA47Indication: Resectable LA-OSCC, stage III–IVa
Key finding: ORR 81.03%; MPR 65.45%; pCR 45.45%. In experimental arm: 9 EFS events (3 PD, 5 relapses, 1 RT death, 3 deaths) in neoadj+RT subgroup; 2 EFS events in RT-free subgroup. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 25.9% vs 36.2%.
Clinical relevance: Potential model to omit RT in MPR responders without high-risk features.
Interim read; follow-up ongoing.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA47 · Y. He
Neoadjuvant NivoDP (nivolumab + docetaxel + cisplatin, resectable high-grade SGC)
1540ROIndication: Node-positive resectable high-grade salivary gland carcinoma
Key finding: ORR 52.0%; R0 93.5%; MPR 60.9%; pCR 32.6%. 12/24-mo DFS 89.0%/76.0%; 24-mo OS 91.2%. MPR vs non-MPR DFS HR 0.19 (0.05–0.71); p=0.013.
Clinical relevance: Promising neoadjuvant chemo-IO strategy in resectable high-grade SGC.
Single-centre single-arm phase 2.
Source: ESMO 2026 1540RO · S. Park
Perioperative cetuximab + toripalimab (locally recurrent resectable HNSCC)
1541ROIndication: Locally recurrent resectable HNSCC
Key finding: 1-y EFS 73.1% (38/52); mEFS/mOS not reached. ORR 61.5%; DCR 92.3%. MPR 42.9%; pCR 20.4%. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 11.5%; no grade 4/5.
Clinical relevance: Favorable efficacy and tolerability in a high-unmet-need setting.
Single-arm, median FU 21 mo.
Source: ESMO 2026 1541RO · J. Houyu
☀ Melanoma & Skin Cancers
8 studiesNADINA — neoadjuvant IPI+NIVO vs adjuvant NIVO (resectable stage III cutaneous melanoma, 3y)
2076ROIndication: Macroscopic stage III cutaneous melanoma
Key finding: 3-y EFS 72.9% vs 50.0%; HR 0.42 (0.31–0.59); p<0.0001. 3-y DMFS 75.3% vs 57.4%; HR 0.46 (0.32–0.66); p<0.0001. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 31.6% vs 15.9%.
Clinical relevance: Confirms sustained EFS/DMFS superiority of neoadjuvant IPI+NIVO at 3 years.
Source: ESMO 2026 2076RO · S. Witteveen
C-POST — adjuvant cemiplimab vs placebo (high-risk CSCC, updated OS/ctDNA)
LBA59Indication: High-risk CSCC post surgery/RT
Key finding: Median FU 43.8 mo. OS HR 0.63 (0.36–1.11); 21 vs 30 deaths. DFS HR 0.46 (0.31–0.67). DFS benefit regardless of baseline ctDNA MRD status (MRD+ HR 0.24; MRD− HR 0.45). Grade ≥3 TEAEs 25.4% vs 17.2%.
Clinical relevance: Confirms adjuvant cemiplimab SoC; ctDNA MRD not required for benefit.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA59 · D. Rischin
ADMEC-O — adjuvant nivolumab vs observation (resected Merkel cell carcinoma, mature)
LBA60Indication: Stage I–IV resected Merkel cell carcinoma
Key finding: DFS HR 0.70 (95% CI 0.38–1.26); OS HR 0.98 (0.43–2.27). Grade 3–4 TRAEs 40%. Mature TLS emerged as predictive biomarker.
Clinical relevance: Adjuvant nivolumab did not significantly improve OS; TLS as predictive biomarker.
OS not improved despite numerical DFS gain.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA60 · J.C. Becker
MATISSE 2 — ultra-short neoadjuvant NIVO/IPI, organ preservation in CSCC
2486ROIndication: CSCC with indication for extensive curative surgery
Key finding: 71% (22/31) clinical response and did not undergo SOC; 48% (15/31) CCR; 23% PCR. 29% received SOC; 1 pCR. Grade 3-4 irAEs 19%; no delay in surgery.
Clinical relevance: High organ preservation rate possible with brief neoadjuvant IO.
Phase 2, median FU 8 mo; durability pending.
Source: ESMO 2026 2486RO · S. van Dijk
HERTHENA-PanTumor01 — HER3-DXd (previously treated advanced melanoma)
2073ROIndication: Unresectable/metastatic melanoma post anti-PD-(L)1 (± BRAF/MEKi)
Key finding: cORR 21% (10–37); DCR 76%; mPFS 5.3 mo; mOS 13.0 mo. 2L (n=10) ORR 20%; 3L+ (n=30) 23%. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 57%; no treatment-related ILD.
Clinical relevance: Meaningful activity in advanced melanoma supports further study.
Single-arm, small n.
Source: ESMO 2026 2073RO · M. McKean
PLUG-IN GEM 2301 — EV + pembro (refractory advanced melanoma)
2074ROIndication: Advanced melanoma after IC ± targeted therapy
Key finding: Confirmed ORR 17%; BOR 28% (2 CR, 13 PR). BOR 20% (BRAF-native) and 40% (BRAF-mut). Grade 3-4 toxicities 23.3%.
Clinical relevance: EV + pembro shows signal in refractory melanoma; correlative work ongoing.
Preliminary; response confirmation ongoing.
Source: ESMO 2026 2074RO · G. de Velasco
FS222 — PD-L1/CD137 bispecific (PD-1 refractory melanoma expansion)
2075ROIndication: Unresectable/metastatic cutaneous melanoma post PD-1
Key finding: ORR 36% (15/42); DCR 52%. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 38%; HLH-like events 14%; TAI grade ≥3 19%. 10/15 responses ongoing (range 8–28 wk).
Clinical relevance: Encouraging activity post immunotherapy; manageable with corticosteroids.
HLH-like signal requires monitoring.
Source: ESMO 2026 2075RO · M. Khattak
Formula-10 — disitamab vedotin (la/m extramammary Paget's disease, HER2 high)
LBA61Indication: Unresectable la/m EMPD with HER2 IHC 2/3+
Key finding: cORR 88.0%; DCR 100% (25 evaluable: 4 CR, 18 PR, 3 SD). mPFS 14.23 mo (95% CI 9.87–20.37); mDoR 10.90 mo. Grade ≥3 TRAEs 29.6%; no treatment-related deaths.
Clinical relevance: Promising individualized therapy for HER2-high EMPD, a rare malignancy.
Single-arm, n=27.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA61 · X. Tan
🧠 Sarcoma, CNS & Rare Tumours
5 studiesTUXEDO-3 — HER3-DXd (active brain mets / leptomeningeal disease, final OS)
690OIndication: Breast BMs, NSCLC BMs, LMD from any solid malignancy
Key finding: Median OS: 7.9 mo (BC BM), 6.7 mo (NSCLC BM), 10.5 mo (LMD). 12-mo OS rate LMD cohort 33.1% (12.8–55.2).
Clinical relevance: Supports therapeutic value of ADCs in secondary CNS disease.
Phase 2, cohort n=20–21.
Source: ESMO 2026 690O · M. Preusser
Trotabresib + RT/temozolomide (newly diagnosed IDH wild-type GBM)
692OIndication: Newly diagnosed IDH wild-type GBM, add-on to SOC
Key finding: mPFS 7.9 vs 8.2 mo; 12-mo PFS 22.2% vs 38.9%; p=0.048 (worse with trotabresib). mOS 16.9 vs 16.7 mo; p=0.898. Grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia 37% vs 15.3%; dose reductions OR 3.39.
Clinical relevance: Trotabresib did not improve PFS; tolerability key for ndGBM drug development.
PFS worse with experimental arm; dose reductions more frequent.
Source: ESMO 2026 692O · A. Dipasquale
IMPRESS-Norway — matched targeted therapy in CNS tumors (n=349)
694OIndication: Precision medicine basket in CNS tumours
Key finding: Actionable alterations with matching drug: 97/349 (28%; 63 GB). NF1 (n=24), FGFR3 (n=22), TMB≥16 (n=18) most common. 44 treated; clinical benefit in 10, including CR >4 yrs (BRAF mutant GB).
Clinical relevance: Supports ESCAT refinement for CNS tumours and actionable biomarker-matched therapy.
Non-randomized basket.
Source: ESMO 2026 694O · P. Niehusmann
Intrathecal peptide-pulsed cDC1 vaccine (HER2+/TNBC leptomeningeal disease)
691OIndication: Breast cancer LMD, intrathecal cDC1 weekly 12 weeks
Key finding: RP2D 1×10^7 cDC1. mPFS 2.83 mo; mOS 16.24 mo (first 13 pts). 100% developed headaches. Grade 3 DLTs at 5×10^7. Significant CSF pleocytosis in all pts.
Clinical relevance: Safe cellular immunotherapy for LMD; proceeds to phase 2.
Phase 1 n=15.
Source: ESMO 2026 691O · P. Forsyth
TERT-targeting nanoaggregate vaccine (newly diagnosed GBM)
693OIndication: Newly diagnosed GBM post-radiochemo, s.c. vaccination
Key finding: Grade 1 brown skin discoloration most common AE. TERT-specific CD4+ T-cell responses in 5/9 phase I pts. Both reoperated pts had TERT-specific TILs.
Clinical relevance: First-in-class melanin-peptide nanoaggregate vaccine shows feasibility.
Phase 1/2a; preliminary immunologic data.
Source: ESMO 2026 693O · A. Carpentier
🧪 Developmental Therapeutics & Early Phase
8 studiesFMC-376 — KRAS G12C ON+OFF inhibitor (KRAS G12C solid tumors)
1006ROIndication: Advanced KRAS G12C solid tumors (62 pts; 42 NSCLC)
Key finding: ORR 52% at 500 mg BID (11/22 NSCLC, 1/1 PDAC); 42% of responders were G12Ci pre-treated. DCR 87%. CPK↑ (any) 39%; no DLTs reported; MTD 500 mg BID.
Clinical relevance: Potential best-in-class ON+OFF KRAS G12Ci with activity in resistant NSCLC.
Phase 1, early data.
Source: ESMO 2026 1006RO · M. Negrao
GFH276 — pan-RAS (ON) inhibitor (RAS-mutated solid tumors)
LBA33Indication: Previously treated RAS-mutated solid tumors (n=98, 73 PC)
Key finding: ORR 36% (29/80) in 40–160 mg cohorts; DCR 94%. PC: ORR 38%, DCR 93%. NSCLC: ORR 38%, DCR 81%. No DLTs. Grade 3 TRAEs 27.5%; rash 83.8%, anemia 63.8%.
Clinical relevance: Broad activity across RAS mutations including after KRAS G12C/D inhibitors.
Short median FU 9 wks.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA33 · Y. Ma
INCB161734 ± cetuximab — KRAS G12D inhibitor (advanced CRC)
1007ROIndication: Advanced/metastatic KRAS G12D CRC
Key finding: ORR mono 1200 mg qd: 8.3% (DCR 79.2%); + cetux: ORR 36.8%, DCR 100%. Grade ≥3 TRAEs mono 8%, combo 24%; no fatal TRAEs.
Clinical relevance: Supports further development of KRAS G12Di + EGFR inhibitor in CRC.
Phase 1 preliminary.
Source: ESMO 2026 1007RO · J. Desai
ISM6331 — AI-designed pan-TEAD inhibitor (mesothelioma/solid tumors)
1004ROIndication: Mesothelioma or advanced solid tumors with Hippo dysregulation
Key finding: 2 confirmed PRs in mesothelioma (75% and 42% shrinkage). ORR mesothelioma 28.5% (2/7); DCR 57.1%. No DLTs; no treatment-related dose interruption/reduction/discontinuation. G1 proteinuria 15% (AESI).
Clinical relevance: Encouraging activity in refractory mesothelioma; manageable safety.
n=20; early phase 1.
Source: ESMO 2026 1004RO · M. Marmarelis
Pralsetinib — RET fusion-positive non-NSCLC/non-thyroid solid tumors
1005ROIndication: RET fusion-positive solid tumors (ARROW + TAPISTRY pooled)
Key finding: ORR 53% (38.3–67.5); 7 CR, 19 PR. mDOR 12.2 mo; mPFS 7.3 mo; mOS 14.4 mo. Highest ORRs in pancreatic 88%, sarcoma 80%, H&N 80%.
Clinical relevance: Supports tumor-agnostic use of pralsetinib in RET fusion-positive solid tumors.
Small subgroups.
Source: ESMO 2026 1005RO · V. Subbiah
IBI363 (TAK-928) + XELOX (1L advanced G/GEJA)
1008ROIndication: HER2-negative advanced G/GEJA, 1L
Key finding: At 1.5 mg/kg: cORR 60.0% (ORR 80.0%); DCR 100%. cORR 61.5% (PD-L1 CPS<5) and 65.0% (CPS≥5). Grade ≥3 TEAEs 39.1%; no treatment-related deaths.
Clinical relevance: Promising first-in-class PD-1/IL-2α-bias fusion protein + chemo in G/GEJA.
Early phase; biomarker-independent activity.
Source: ESMO 2026 1008RO · P. Yu
JMT108 — anti-PD-1/IL-15 bifunctional (HCC and CRC)
1009ROIndication: Advanced HCC or CRC after standard therapy
Key finding: HCC ORR 40% (4/10); prior IO HCC ORR 33% (3/9). CRC ORR 21.1% (4/19); liver mets CRC ORR 23.5%. Grade ≥3 TRAEs HCC 30.8%, CRC 13.2%; no treatment-related deaths.
Clinical relevance: Signal of activity in HCC post-IO and liver-met CRC.
Phase 1 small cohorts.
Source: ESMO 2026 1009RO · R. Lin
MRG007 (ARR-217) — CDH17-directed exatecan ADC (solid tumors incl. CRC)
LBA34Indication: Advanced/metastatic CRC and GI tumors
Key finding: At 6 mg/kg CRC: ORR 44.8% (13/29; 95% CI 26.4–64.3); DCR 93.1%. Responses in RAS-WT (50%) and RAS-mut (42.1%). ORR 34.2% at ≥4 mg/kg (73 pts). No ILD; 0.8% discontinuation.
Clinical relevance: Promising first-in-class CDH17 ADC supports dose optimization in CRC.
Phase 1 dose escalation data.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA34 · J. Li
🔍 Prevention, Screening & Early Detection
6 studiesiDx-Lung — serum autoantibodies/oncoproteins for lung cancer screening
1148OIndication: High-risk individuals attending LDCT screening in England
Key finding: Lung cancer in 2.1% (132/6350). AUCs: LLP+PLCO 0.65; EarlyCDT-Lung 0.50; 8TM 0.611; combined 0.66. For 100% sensitivity, combined specificity only 2.94%.
Clinical relevance: Adding blood biomarkers did not improve LDCT screening yield.
Negative; test accuracy below needed thresholds.
Source: ESMO 2026 1148O · D. Muller
Nous-209 revaccination (Lynch syndrome)
3438OIndication: Lynch syndrome revaccination 1 year after initial Nous-209
Key finding: 164 TRAEs reported, no grade 3. Immunogenicity: 93% (Arm B) and 64% (Arm A) with enhanced T-cell immunity. No advanced adenomas or CRC at end-of-study colonoscopy (n=28, FU n=17).
Clinical relevance: Safe revaccination enhances T-cell immunity for cancer interception.
Small cohort; interception endpoints exploratory.
Source: ESMO 2026 3438O · E. Vilar
LBA35 — Tumor-extrinsic cfDNA/proteomic signals for early lung cancer detection
LBA35Indication: Lung cancer detection in LUCAS and MICA cohorts
Key finding: Integrated cfDNA fragmentomic-proteomic classifier AUC 0.91 (95% CI 0.86–0.96), validated in prospective MICA cohort.
Clinical relevance: Framework integrating tumor and host signals for multi-analyte detection.
Validation ongoing.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA35 · V. Velculescu
Immune-organ removal and cancer risk (Danish registry)
3439OIndication: Tonsillectomy, splenectomy, thymectomy vs matched controls
Key finding: Thymectomy men HR 2.67 (1.52–4.72); p<0.001. Splenectomy men HR 1.13 (1.04–1.22); women HR 1.14 (1.01–1.29). Tonsillectomy women HR 1.12 (1.10–1.14); p<0.001.
Clinical relevance: Immune-organ integrity influences long-term cancer susceptibility.
Observational.
Source: ESMO 2026 3439O · I. Eriksen
CT radiation exposure and clonal haematopoiesis
3440OIndication: UK Biobank (n=3,009) and All of Us (n=48,539)
Key finding: ≥2 CTs vs 1: UKB OR 1.71 (1.11–2.48); AoU OR 1.14 (1.03–1.27). OR per 10 mSv: UKB 1.28 (1.03–1.60); AoU 1.02 (1.00–1.04). PPM1D-CH OR per 10 mSv 1.07 (1.02–1.11).
Clinical relevance: CT radiation may contribute to CH and long-term oncology risk.
Observational.
Source: ESMO 2026 3440O · B. Lau
BOADICEA + PGS for endocrine prevention eligibility
3441OIndication: Women 35–59 with FH of BC incl. ATM/CHEK2 carriers (n=982)
Key finding: PGS reclassified 14% non-carriers and 24% carriers across 5% threshold. CIG rose from 18% to 24% in non-carriers; 50% to 51% in ATM; 58% in CHEK2 unchanged.
Clinical relevance: PGS refines BC risk estimation; ~50% ATM/CHEK2 carriers below 5% threshold.
Mostly European ancestry.
Source: ESMO 2026 3441O · M. Rezqallah Aron
🧬 Translational Research & Biomarkers
9 studiesTRACERx — error-corrected plasma WGS for MRD (NSCLC, CRC)
LBA94Indication: Early-stage NSCLC (n=73) and CRC (n=50)
Key finding: NSCLC MRD detection RFS HR 9.81; p=3.2e-9; OS HR 5.04; p=9.6e-6; adjusted RFS HR 8.53. ctDNA detection down to 2.1 ppm. CRC: RFS HR 5.45; p=5.29e-5; 72% recurrence detected; ppmSeq AUC 0.93 vs ddPCR 0.70; p=0.03.
Clinical relevance: Unified tumour-informed/agnostic plasma WGS for MRD detection.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA94 · J. Wan
Metastatic growth kinetics in NSCLC and ctDNA correlates
4237OIndication: Relapsed NSCLC (TRACERx/PEACE, 151 patients, 2043 scans)
Key finding: Extrathoracic relapse OS HR 1.87; p=0.003. Fast-growing vs slow-growing metastasis HR 5.11/5.23 (highest vs lowest tertile); p<0.001. Reduced chemo (p=0.00035) and IO response (p=0.002) for extrathoracic mets.
Clinical relevance: Growth kinetics and ctDNA shedding patterns reveal metastatic biology.
Observational.
Source: ESMO 2026 4237O · W. Liu
Early- vs late-onset CRC immune landscapes
4238OIndication: EOCRC (n=57) vs LOCRC (n=31), blood immunophenotyping
Key finding: EOCRC: higher CD3+PD-1+ (p=0.0091), KLRG1+ (p=0.0009), exhausted NK TIGIT+ (p=0.0023). HLA-B15 (p=0.01) and HLA-B57 (p=0.0003) more frequent in EOCRC.
Clinical relevance: EOCRC shows accelerated immune failure vs LOCRC with distinct HLA signatures.
Small translational cohort.
Source: ESMO 2026 4238O · J. Perea García
CMV-induced adaptive NK cells and bladder cancer outcomes
4239OIndication: NMIBC treated with BCG (n=106); urothelial carcinoma + EV+P
Key finding: CMV+ pts had significantly lower recurrence vs CMV−. Adaptive NK cells could be induced in all pts via NKG2C agonism, including CMV− pts.
Clinical relevance: New immunotherapy axis via adaptive NK cells for bladder cancer.
Translational; needs clinical validation.
Source: ESMO 2026 4239O · B. Salomé
Microbiome TOPOSCORE dynamics and FMT in immuno-oncology
4246ROIndication: Melanoma, lung, kidney cancers on ICIs (n=949)
Key finding: Baseline SIG significantly associated with ORR, 12/24-mo PFS/OS. FMT shifted distribution to favorable: SIG1 8% vs 23%, SIG2 33% vs 22% (χ2=9.153; p=0.010).
Clinical relevance: TOPOSCORE enables biomarker-guided microbiota strategies.
Clinical outcomes with FMT need validation.
Source: ESMO 2026 4246RO · L. Derosa
Immunogenomic signature for ICI pneumonitis in NSCLC
4247ROIndication: NSCLC (n=4,084), 78 with ICI-pneumonitis
Key finding: TCR diversity, IGHM richness, IGHD clonality robustly associated with pneumonitis (EFP<1). Classification sensitivity 0.7, specificity 0.74.
Clinical relevance: Pretreatment tumor immunogenomic features may predict ICI-pneumonitis.
Needs validation.
Source: ESMO 2026 4247RO · J. Naidoo
cfDNA deconvolution for ICI response in melanoma
4514ROIndication: Advanced melanoma on anti-PD1 ± anti-CTLA-4 (n=51)
Key finding: Baseline ICImeth distinguishes NR/R (p<0.001); PFS HR 4.47 (1.92–10.38); OS HR 5.59 (2.01–15.54). >3% melanoma cfDNA baseline predicts OS (HR 3.616).
Clinical relevance: Both tumor and immune cfDNA features associated with ICI outcomes.
Discovery cohort; MANIFEST validation ongoing.
Source: ESMO 2026 4514RO · A. Tivey
L. reuteri-CLA axis potentiates anti-PD1 in NSCLC
384ROIndication: NSCLC murine models and multi-omics patient cohorts
Key finding: Oral L. reuteri improved anti-PD-1 efficacy across NSCLC models via CLA-mediated Cbl-b suppression and PLCγ1/MAPK activation.
Clinical relevance: Microbe-metabolite-immune axis as adjunct to anti-PD-1 therapy in NSCLC.
Translational/preclinical.
Source: ESMO 2026 384RO · Q. Song
Liquid biopsy complements imaging for metastatic burden
4245ROIndication: Metastatic cancer (n=1020) with paired ctDNA and CT
Key finding: 29% undetectable ctDNA. Lower TTV (OR 1.59), fewer lesions (OR 1.48), lower metastatic sites (OR 1.31) associated with undetectable ctDNA. Model AUC 0.73.
Clinical relevance: Supports complementary interpretation of imaging and ctDNA for metastatic burden.
Retrospective.
Source: ESMO 2026 4245RO · S. Mouawad
🤝 Supportive, Palliative & Survivorship
10 studiesFORX — 30-plant/week diet during ICI treatment
LBA93Indication: ICI-treated solid tumour patients (n=54 evaluable)
Key finding: 74.5% achieved ≥25 g/day fiber. 51.9% had any irAE; grade ≥3 only 3.7% (95% CI 1.0–12.5); 11.1% required systemic immunosuppression.
Clinical relevance: Feasible dietary intervention with low rate of grade ≥3 irAEs.
Single-arm.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA93 · M. Verhaert
Common Sense Oncology — top 'questions to ask your oncologist'
3469ROIndication: PWLE and oncologists (1109 respondents, 56 countries)
Key finding: Top ranked questions: type/stage, curable/incurable, how long to live with/without treatment, how to know treatment works, options.
Clinical relevance: Validated priority questions for empowering treatment decisions.
Source: ESMO 2026 3469RO · C. Booth
Potentially inappropriate end-of-life care and relatives' QoL (eQuiPe)
3085ROIndication: 842 deceased advanced cancer pts and 158 relatives
Key finding: 26% received inappropriate EoL care. Inappropriate care associated with lower emotional functioning in relatives (B=-6.58).
Clinical relevance: Supports advance care planning and early palliative care.
Observational.
Source: ESMO 2026 3085RO · H. Fransen
Compassionate Mind Training vs mindfulness vs standard care
3895ROIndication: Oncology pts and caregivers (n=503)
Key finding: CMT improved HADS-A (p<0.0001; d=0.56), HADS-D (p<0.0001; d=0.46), GHQ-12 (p=0.0001; d=0.71), SCS (p=0.0036), EQ-D (p<0.0001; d=0.98) vs MT and control.
Clinical relevance: CMT reduces emotional distress effectively in routine care.
Preference-based allocation.
Source: ESMO 2026 3895RO · B. Mellado
Pharmacologic therapy for cancer cachexia — meta-analysis
3086ROIndication: 27 RCTs, 4,213 patients
Key finding: Weight +1.38 kg (0.95–1.80; p<.001); appetite SMD 1.38 (0.66–2.09; p=.002). No improvement in QoL, physical function, or OS (OR 0.85; p=.36). Higher AE risk (OR 1.51; p=.02).
Clinical relevance: Pharmacologic cachexia therapy improves surrogates but not patient-centric outcomes.
Negative for QoL/function/OS.
Source: ESMO 2026 3086RO · J. Yazji
Dronabinol vs placebo for QoL in advanced pancreatic cancer
3896ROIndication: Advanced pancreatic cancer on 1L chemo (n=109)
Key finding: EORTC QLQ-C30 sAUC 69.1 (dronabinol) vs 73.6 (placebo); LS mean diff -4.5 (-11.4 to 2.4); p=0.196 (not met). mOS 307 vs 260 days; p=0.531.
Clinical relevance: Adjunctive dronabinol did not improve QoL or outcomes in advanced PC.
Negative phase 3.
Source: ESMO 2026 3896RO · F. Keil
Sublingual ODT olanzapine vs IV metoclopramide for breakthrough CINV
3897ROIndication: Breakthrough CINV during moderately/highly emetogenic chemo
Key finding: At 1 hr complete nausea control: 54.88% vs 35.37% (p=0.012). At 4 hr: 74.39% vs 48.78% (p<0.001). Absence of emesis at 1 hr: 97.56% vs 89% (p=0.029).
Clinical relevance: ODT olanzapine superior for early breakthrough CINV control.
Single-centre open-label.
Source: ESMO 2026 3897RO · S. Srithongchai
PALEM — palliative arterial embolisation for painful bone metastases
3087ROIndication: RT-ineligible painful bone metastases
Key finding: Pain relief rate 52.5% (95% CI 43.1–61.8); exceeded 26% threshold. No embolisation-related adverse events (0.0–3.1%).
Clinical relevance: Effective fast-acting option for painful bone metastases.
Single-arm.
Source: ESMO 2026 3087RO · Y. Arai
Indwelling tunnelled vs pigtail catheter for malignant ascites
3088ROIndication: Adults with ECOG ≤3 requiring frequent ascitic tapping
Key finding: Infection 6.7% ITC vs 26.7% pigtail (p=0.038). Ease of drainage 4.17 vs 2.40 (p<0.001); satisfaction 4.40 vs 2.27 (p<0.001). Event-free survival 188.7 vs 44.49 days (p=0.01).
Clinical relevance: ITCs superior for ascites palliation and home-based use.
Single-centre; n=60.
Source: ESMO 2026 3088RO · A. Hinduja
LYSA — digital symptom monitoring in cancer survivorship
3898ROIndication: Breast and gynaecologic cancer survivors (n=200)
Key finding: At 12 mo high-severity symptom counts decreased in experimental arm (Δ-128) vs control (Δ+5). Weight gain concern decreased 58.8%→46.7% (exp) vs 62.7%→68.7% (control); p=0.01.
Clinical relevance: Digitally-enabled monitoring facilitates longitudinal symptom management.
Feasibility trial.
Source: ESMO 2026 3898RO · J. Hegarty
🌍 Public Policy, Access & Health Services
5 studiesOPTIMA — 50-gene assay-directed chemotherapy for high-risk early breast cancer
LBA86Indication: ER+ HER2− 0–9 node breast cancer, 2y UK NHS perspective
Key finding: 32% test-directed received chemo. Mean 2y costs £16,460 vs £17,111 (diff −£654). QALYs 1.47 vs 1.42 (diff 0.05). 100% probability of cost-effectiveness at £20k and £30k/QALY.
Clinical relevance: Test-directed chemo dominated SoC at 2 years; supports adoption.
Short horizon; lifetime model in progress.
Source: ESMO 2026 LBA86 · P. Hall
Off-label vs on-label oncology drug use in Netherlands
3312OIndication: Dutch Vektis claims 2024, 151 oncology drugs
Key finding: 24% (41,304) off-label use. 11 drugs had >50% off-label use incl. alpelisib (92%), fludarabine (83%), bendamustine (66%), mitomycin (66%).
Clinical relevance: Highlights need for regulatory reform aligned with real-world practice.
Observational claims data.
Source: ESMO 2026 3312O · A. Huisman
FDA vs EMA alignment for drugs approved on phase 2 evidence
3313OIndication: 114 FDA phase-2 only approvals 2006–2025
Key finding: 63.2% accelerated/conditional; 52.6% biomarker-selected. Median sample 86 pts; 62.3% ≤100. ORR primary endpoint in 96.5%; median ORR 41.0%. EMA matches 56.1% at median 308 days post-FDA.
Clinical relevance: Shows FDA/EMA divergence for phase 2-based approvals.
Observational.
Source: ESMO 2026 3313O · B. Gyawali
ESMO-MCBS, HTA decisions, and prices across Europe
3314OIndication: 80 EMA-approved drug-indication pairs 2014–2023
Key finding: 46% substantial benefit. Reimbursed drugs more often had substantial benefit (56.3% vs 22.4%; p<0.001). Shorter time to HTA decision for substantial benefit (1.16 vs 2.17 y; p<0.001). No link between price and MCBS.
Clinical relevance: ESMO-MCBS linked to HTA outcomes but not pricing.
Country variability.
Source: ESMO 2026 3314O · A. Tibau
When OS is not enough — context-sensitive endpoint frameworks
3315OIndication: Multidisciplinary review across EMA/NICE/HAS/G-BA
Key finding: NM-CRPC apalutamide MFS HR 0.28 (0.23–0.35); OS HR 0.70 (immature). Adjuvant oesophageal nivolumab DFS HR 0.69 (median 22.4 vs 11.0 mo).
Clinical relevance: Supports context-sensitive endpoint frameworks beyond OS.
Framework proposal.
Source: ESMO 2026 3315O · A. Cardone
📋 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.