The OJC ASCO 2026 Special Part 1
The Oncology Journal Club podcast delivers a gripping, emotionally charged review of the most transformative cancer research from ASCO 2026, led by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr. Kate Clark, and Professor Christopher Jackson. The standout moment is the Resolute 302 trial, which delivered a historic doubling of median overall survival in previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer—from 6.6 to 13.2 months—using a novel RAS inhibitor. This breakthrough, described as 'one of the most impressive positive studies in pancreas cancer in any of our lifetimes,' has sparked tears and standing ovations, with clinicians envisioning real-world impact for patients who once had only months to live. The trial’s success is underscored by a favorable toxicity profile, with lower fatigue and fewer treatment discontinuations compared to chemotherapy, though concerns remain about accessibility, cost, and applicability to sicker patients. The episode also unpacks the Proteus trial in prostate cancer, which showed a 3-year improvement in treatment-free interval but raised questions about surrogate endpoints and quality of life trade-offs. Meanwhile, a CDK4 inhibitor trial in rare de-differentiated liposarcoma demonstrated a 9.7-month progression-free survival gain, highlighting the power of precision medicine in rare cancers.
Resolute 302 doubled median overall survival in metastatic pancreatic cancer (6.6 to 13.2 months) with a RAS inhibitor, marking the most significant advance in the disease in decades.
The RAS inhibitor's toxicity profile is EGFR-driven (rash, stomatitis) but significantly lower in fatigue and treatment discontinuation compared to chemotherapy.
Crossover was not permitted in Resolute 302—scientifically rigorous and essential for validating survival benefit in a first-line setting.
The Proteus trial showed a 3-year improvement in treatment-free interval in high-risk prostate cancer but lacks survival data and raises concerns about over-reliance on pathological complete response as a surrogate endpoint.
A CDK4 inhibitor achieved a 9.7-month progression-free survival in de-differentiated liposarcoma—proof that precision medicine can succeed even in rare, heterogeneous cancers.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
ASCO 2026: A New Era of Hope
The hosts open with reflections on the atmosphere at ASCO 2026—marked by lower attendance, travel barriers, and a palpable sense of global strain—but also by profound scientific momentum and emotional resonance.
Eric Small’s Heartfelt Presidential Address
“He lost his wife who was a medical oncologist to cancer about six months ago and he shared that with the entire audience.”
Proteus Trial: A 3-Year Gain with Uncertain Value
The Proteus trial showed a 3-year improvement in treatment-free interval in high-risk prostate cancer with apalutamide and ADT, but the pathological complete response rate was low (1% vs 9%), raising questions about surrogate endpoints.
CDK4 Inhibitor Breakthrough in Rare Sarcoma
“Mediated overall survival not reached in the treatment arm as yet, but just over two years in the placebo arm.”
RET Fusion-Positive Lung Cancer: A Rare Mutation, Big Impact
The Libretto 432 trial achieved a 94% two-year event-free survival in early-stage RET fusion-positive NSCLC with selpercatinib—proof that rare mutations can yield transformative outcomes with targeted therapy.
“But that's where my hope comes from because what was making me emotional was I could name them. bless them. The young people that I've lost this year, and by young, I mean people in their early 30s who for six months good quality time is all they wanted.”
“He lost his wife who was a medical oncologist to cancer about six months ago and he shared that with the entire audience.”
“So the FDA will not approve drugs that haven't got Americans in the trial. That has filtered through to the discussants who will say this trial is only relevant to Chinese people, for example.”
Host
Guests
Kate Clark
person
Christopher Jackson
person
Craig Underhill
person
Resolute 302
other
ASCO
other
Proteus study
other
Harmony 6
other
Oncology Network
organization
New England Journal of Medicine
other
Libretto 432
other
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