Four biomarkers—MMR, HER2, PD-L1, and Claudin 18.2—are now validated for advanced esophageal cancer, guiding immunotherapy and targeted treatment decisions. Checkpoint inhibitors show clear benefit in MSI-H and PD-L1-positive subgroups, with long-term survival observed. NCCN guidelines recommend broad testing to personalize therapy.
A new antibody-drug conjugate targeting IL1RAP has shown potent preclinical activity against Ewing sarcoma and other fusion-driven cancers, with minimal off-target toxicity. Researchers at UBC report tumor eradication and reduced metastasis, with clinical trials being planned.
Key oncology developments include a $315 million partnership between Astellas and Vir for the prostate cancer T-cell engager VIR-5500, with updated phase 1 data showing an 82% PSA50 rate. The FDA accepted a filing for Ono Pharmaceuticals' tirabrutinib seeking accelerated approval in primary central nervous system lymphoma. Research findings also identified a new kidney cancer biomarker and showed promising results for the TRK inhibitor repotrectinib and the breast cancer triple therapy gedatolisib plus palbociclib and fulvestrant.
A real-world analysis found BRAF V600E-mutated papillary thyroid cancer had a proinflammatory molecular profile, but no significant overall survival difference versus BRAF wild-type disease. Treatment choice among BRAF/MEK inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and immunotherapy was not associated with significant survival differences.
