Key takeaways from the world’s largest cancer conference in Chicago

Written by: The Guardian 

Summarized by: Janya Kumar

Abstract

Would you trust an AI deep-learning model to detect cancer faster and more accurately than your physician? At the largest cancer conference in Chicago, which was attended by more than 44,000 professionals, doctors, scientists, and experts shared groundbreaking research in cancer treatment. The newest discoveries emphasize advancements in immunotherapy, innovative uses of Car T-cell therapy, game-changing liquid biopsies, the effects of exercise on cancer results, significant breakthroughs in breast cancer, and hopeful artificial intelligence tools for improved diagnosis and tailored care.

Immunotherapy

The study reviews different deep learning models for identifying blood cancer: 

• Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) helped head and neck cancer patients remain disease-free for up to five years—far longer than the previous standard of care—and reduced recurrences elsewhere in the body. 

• A one-time immunotherapy, lifileucel, helped nearly 20% of advanced melanoma patients survive five years, with most seeing tumor reduction.
  

Car T-cell Therapy

• Car T-cell therapy modifies patient cells to target and destroy cancer.

•  In new solid tumor trials, patients with advanced gastric or GEJ cancer lived about 40% longer than those with standard treatments. 

• Novel Car T therapies shrank tumors in 62% of patients with recurrent glioblastoma, a major leap for this difficult-to-treat brain cancer.

Liquid Biopsies

A world-first nationwide rollout in England will offer DNA blood tests (liquid biopsies) to

cancer patients, identifying tumor DNA for faster and more personalized treatment—ushering in a new era of precision oncology

Exercise

• A landmark clinical trial showed structured exercise reduced the risk of death for cancer patients by 37% and significantly lowered recurrence or development of new tumors compared to health advice alone. 

• Physical activity also improved patient well-being, strength, and mood.

Breast Cancer Breakthroughs

• Camizestrant, a new drug, delayed progression and reduced resistance in hormone-positive, HER2-negative breast cancers by 56%, as detected by early blood tests. 

• Triple-agent therapy for aggressive breast cancer slowed disease progression and prolonged survival for advanced cases.

Artificial Intelligence in Cancer Care

• A newly developed AI test predicts which prostate cancer patients will benefit most from abiraterone hormone therapy, enabling more targeted and effective treatment allocation. 

• This innovation may help close regional treatment disparities and enhance outcomes for many.
  

Challenges and Future Directions

• Need for inclusive trials and diverse data, especially for global application. 

• Ethical use of AI and fair access to advanced therapies remain critical. 

• Continued research in exercise interventions, immunotherapies, liquid biopsies, and AI-guided drug selection is essential for further improving patient survival

Conclusion

This year's ASCO conference showcased new frontiers in cancer care—from immunotherapy and engineered cell treatments to precise diagnostics and AI-powered drug selection. These advances hold strong promise for longer survival, improved quality of life, and more personalized therapy for cancer patients worldwide

 Works Cited

Gregory, Andrew. “Key Takeaways from World’s Largest Cancer Conference in Chicago.” The Guardian, The Guardian, 6 June 2025, www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jun/06/key-takeaways-from-worlds-largest-cancer-conference-in-chicago?utm_source=. Accessed 13 Sept. 2025.