ASCO 2024 Highlights

Picture of Robert F. Siegmund, PhD MBA
Robert F. Siegmund, PhD MBA

Managing Director Life Code GmbH

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer research at ASCO 2024 continued to show promising developments, particularly in the treatment of various stages and mutations:

– MARIPOSA Trial: A combination of amivantamab and lazertinib reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 51% in patients with specific EGFR mutations.

– ADRIATIC Trial: Durvalumab was studied for its efficacy as a new consolidation therapy in limited-stage small cell lung cancer, showing substantial improvements in survival rates and highlighting its potential to change the standard of care.

– LAURA Trial: Osimertinib indicated significant improvement in mPFS, setting a new standard for care in unresectable stage III EGFR-mutated lung cancer.

– CROWN Trial: Lorlatinib displayed a 5-year PFS benefit over crizotinib, suggesting its potential as a first-line treatment.

– Rybrevant (Amivantamab) Combo: Improved progression-free survival in refractory EGFR+ NSCLC compared to IV administration.

Breast Cancer

The congress highlighted significant breakthroughs in the treatment of breast cancer, especially focusing on HER2-low expressions:

– DESTINY-Breast-06 Trial: Enhertu (T-DXd) demonstrated significant PFS benefits, especially in low HER2 expression populations.

– Enhertu (Trastuzumab Deruxtecan): Identified as a potential new standard of care for patients with HER2 low and ultralow metastatic breast cancer following hormone therapy.

Multiple Myeloma

– Sarclisa Showed positive Phase 3 results, differentiating from Darzalex based on depth of response, with a launch planned for 2024.

– Blenrep (Belantamab Mafodotin): Demonstrated efficacy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, potentially setting up a re-entry into the US market.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

– Scemblix (Asciminib): Achieved superior molecular response rates compared to standard TKIs in newly diagnosed CML, supporting its use as a first-line treatment option.

Biosimilars and ADC Challenges

– Biosimilar Challenges for ADC Drugs: Noted difficulties in creating biosimilars for ADCs, specifically regarding achieving the correct drug-antibody ratio and maintaining linker stability.

AI in Oncology

AI continues to make strides in oncology, enhancing diagnosis, treatment personalization, and patient management:

– AI Principles by ASCO: Outlined guiding principles including transparency and equity.

– CT-Imaging-Based Biomarkers and BE-a-PAL: Utilizing AI to predict immunotherapy benefits and automate care referrals, enhancing palliative care.

– National AI-based Nutrition Support: A virtual platform providing much-needed nutritional support, showing high satisfaction and improved quality of life metrics.

© Dr. Robert F. Siegmund, Life Code GmbH, Bottmingen, Switzerland, 13.6.2024