The 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting concluded with numerous presentations and discussions showcasing groundbreaking research and advancements in cancer treatment.
Held May 31 to June 4 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL (and online), this year’s meeting highlighted more than 250 oral abstract presentations, more than 2,500 poster presentations, and numerous educational sessions designed to foster learning and collaboration among oncology professionals.
Plenary Sessions and Key Abstracts
The meeting commenced with the highly anticipated Plenary Session featuring top clinical abstracts of the year. Dr. Angela DeMichele, Chair of the Scientific Program Committee, emphasized the importance of these sessions for engaging with the global oncology community and disseminating impactful scientific advances.
These sessions are particularly beneficial for the next generation of investigators, providing them a platform to expand their reach and influence in the field.
Special Clinical Science Symposia
The Special Clinical Science Symposia was a focal point, offering in-depth presentations on hot topics in oncology. These sessions included discussions on adjuvant cancer vaccines, optimizing immune checkpoint blockade, and new frontiers in lung cancer treatment.
Dr. Thomas LeBlanc, Chair of the Education Program Committee, underscored the importance of these sessions in providing state-of-the-art advancements and fostering discussions on innovative treatment strategies.
Rapid Oral Abstract Sessions
New to this year’s program were the Rapid Oral Abstract Sessions, which provided additional opportunities for authors to present research. This format was designed to maximize the dissemination of significant findings and encourage dynamic discussions among attendees. More than 24 such sessions (MARIPOSA trial, IMPT vs IMRT for OPC study, etc.) were held, highlighting key developments across various oncology disciplines.
Educational and Professional Development
The meeting also featured more than 120 educational sessions, including the ASCO Plenary Series and state-of-the-art updates on topics like cancer vaccines and biomarkers.
Notable sessions included discussions on expanding diagnostic options in breast cancer, regulatory authority collaboration to improve global access to cancer therapies, and advances in melanoma treatment.
Dr. Lynn Schuchter, the 2023–2024 ASCO President, emphasized the theme of the meeting, “The Art and Science of Cancer Care: From Comfort to Cure,” highlighting the importance of compassionate, personalized care in oncology.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer was a significant focus of the ASCO 2024 meeting, with sessions covering various aspects of the disease. The session on Advancements in Breast Cancer Care (postMONARCH trial, EV-202, etc.) explored the current state of locoregional therapy and future directions.
The session on Enhancing Early-Stage Breast Cancer Survivorship discussed evidence-based strategies for surveillance testing and imaging guidelines. Additionally, the Breast Cancer—Metastatic session featured oral abstract presentations on the latest research and advancements in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
Gastrointestinal Cancer
Sessions on gastrointestinal cancer included the State of the Art Management of Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults, which highlighted tailored treatment advances and innovations. The Evolving Treatment Options for Patients with Pancreas Cancer session explored the latest developments in pancreas cancer treatment.
Another significant session covered Gastrointestinal Cancer—Gastroesophageal, Pancreatic, and Hepatobiliary, discussing recent research and advancements.
Genitourinary Cancer
Genitourinary cancer was also a focus, with sessions such as Advancements in Urothelial Cancer Care, optimizing treatment approaches for urothelial cancer. The Genitourinary Cancer—Prostate, Testicular, and Penile session featured oral abstract presentations on the latest research in these areas.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies in Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) discussed current advances and future frontiers in renal cell carcinoma.
Hematologic Malignancies
Sessions on hematologic malignancies included Germline Predisposition in Hematologic Malignancies, exploring testing, management, and implications. The session on Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation highlighted the latest advances in this area. The Follicular Lymphoma: A Case-Based Exploration of Treatment Choices and Management session featured a panel discussion on treatment management.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer sessions included New Frontiers in Lung Cancer Treatment exploring options beyond chemoimmunotherapy. The session on Advanced Lung Cancer: State-of-the-Art Approaches and Insights highlighted the latest research in advanced lung cancer treatment.
The educational session on Integrating Immunotherapy Into Early-Stage Lung Cancer discussed clinical trials and immunotherapy integration.
Melanoma/Skin Cancers
Sessions on melanoma and skin cancers included Navigating Melanoma Management From Early Stages to Post-Adjuvant Therapy, featuring a case-based panel discussion. Breaking the Mold: Trailblazing Melanoma Therapy Beyond Checkpoint Through Innovative Approaches explored innovative melanoma therapy.
Pediatric Oncology
Pediatric oncology sessions included Genomics 101 for Oncologists, an in-person workshop on genomics. Navigating Treatment Options and Communication in Relapsed Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) discussed treatment options and communication strategies for relapsed cases.
Symptom Science and Palliative Care
Symptom science and palliative care sessions included Integrating Patient-Reported Outcomes and Tolerability Assessment, which explored patient-reported outcomes in cancer care. Tackling the Tough Stuff: Managing Challenging Symptoms and Patient Conversations Around Goals of Care discussed strategies for managing symptoms and patient conversations.
Special Sessions
Special sessions included the ASCO/AACR Joint Session: Drugging the “Undruggable” Target: Successes, Challenges and the Road Ahead, and a joint presentation on targeting undruggable targets.
The Lancet Commission on Women, Power, and Cancer: North American Launch launched the commission in North America, chaired by Dr. Carolyn Taylor. How and Where Will Public Investment Accelerate Progress in Oncology? A Discussion with the NIH and NCI Directors featured a discussion led by Dr. Angela DeMichele, Dr. Monica M.Bertagnolli, and Dr.W. Kimryn Rathmell on public investment in oncology research.
Education Sessions
- New Drugs in Oncology: Incorporation Into Practice: This session focused on geriatric oncology, covering developmental therapeutics, molecularly targeted agents, and tumor biology.
- New Frontiers in Lung Cancer Treatment: Expanding Options Beyond Chemoimmunotherapy: This session covered lung cancer and immunotherapy.
- Integrating Immunotherapy Into Early-Stage Lung Cancer: Discussed lung cancer, clinical trials, and immunotherapy.
- Systemic Therapy in Breast Cancer: Current State of the Art and Future Horizons: This session covered breast cancer and clinical trials.
The ASCO 2024 Annual Meeting was a comprehensive conference that brought together experts in oncology to share the latest research, advancements, and best practices in cancer care.
The meeting featured a diverse range of sessions, including educational programs, scientific presentations, and special events covering various aspects of cancer care, from breast cancer to pediatric oncology. Dr. Angela DeMichele, Dr. Dustin LeBlanc, Dr. Lynn M. Schuchter, Dr. Patricia Ganz, and other leading experts played a crucial role in guiding the program, ensuring that the event remained at the forefront of cancer research and education.
