UCSF Health Cancer Experts Featured at Premier Cancer Meeting
ASCO 2023 Focuses on Clinical Cancer Research and Patient Care
Oncology specialists from around the globe will gather for the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting to discuss the latest cancer therapies, technologies, research and education.
The theme this year is Partnering With Patients: The Cornerstone of Cancer Care and Research. More than 30,000 people are expected to attend the meeting taking place in Chicago and online June 2-6, 2023.
“As the world’s leading clinical cancer meeting, ASCO is an important event for oncology professionals to share information on the latest developments and clinical advances,” said Alan Ashworth, PhD, FRS, president of the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (HDFCCC) and senior vice president for cancer services with UCSF Health.
At the meeting, Ashworth will receive a special Science of Oncology Award for his innovative, translational achievements, including his work developing PARP inhibitors for cancer treatment.
One of the world’s preeminent cancer researchers and pioneer of targeted cancer therapy, Ashworth had a central role in the discovery of the BRCA2 genetic mutation, which is linked to a higher risk of some types of cancer. Ashworth also identified ways to exploit genetic weaknesses in cancer cells, including mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, giving rise to PARP inhibition as a new “synthetic lethal” approach to cancer treatment.
“The recipients of this year’s Special Awards have made outstanding contributions to the oncology community, leading a global effort to transform cancer care and improve the lives of people living with cancer,” said Lori J. Pierce, MD, past president of ASCO and chair of the Joint Special Awards Selection Committee. “It is our honor to recognize their commitment and dedication with the highest honors that ASCO awards every year.”
In addition, Emily K. Bergsland, MD, a gastrointestinal oncologist and director of the UCSF Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, will be recognized as a Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (FASCO). The distinction is granted to ASCO members for “extraordinary volunteer service, dedication, and commitment to ASCO.” Bergsland specializes in the multidisciplinary care of patients with neuroendocrine cancers.
ASCO Global Oncology Young Investigator Awards are being given to oncologist Sarah Kutika Nyagabona, MD, MMed, and pathologist Asteria Kimambo, MD, MMed. Both are based at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences and are PhD scholars under the UCSF Global Cancer Program’s Cancer Research Training Program in Tanzania.
The Bradley Stuart Beller Endowed Merit Award is being presented to William C. Chen, MD, a UCSF radiation oncology resident. And Annual Meeting Merit Awards will be given to Jacqueline Aredo, MD, MS, resident in the UCSF School of Medicine, and Howard Lee, MD, a clinical fellow in the UCSF Division of Hematology/Oncology.
An estimated 5,500 abstracts were selected for publication or presentation at this year’s meeting, which will include research on immunotherapy, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer. Topics include optimizing care for patients, improving access to cancer care, and developing novel treatments.
Here are some featured presentations by UCSF:
Friday, June 2
1 p.m. – CDT New Partners for EGFR-Mutant Lung Cancer
Phase II trial of neoadjuvant osimertinib for surgically resectable EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer.
Presenter: Jacqueline Aredo, MD, MS
Clinical Science Symposium
Abstract 8508
2:45 p.m. – CDT Gastrointestinal Cancer – Gastroesophageal, Pancreatic, and Hepatobiliary
Targets and Triplets in Pancreaticobiliary Tumors
Discussant: Andrew H. Ko, MD, FASCO
Oral abstract session
Saturday, June 3
8 a.m. – CDT The Promise of Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy Across Solid Tumors
Biomarkers predicting response to 5 immunotherapy arms in the neoadjuvant I-SPY2 trial for early-stage breast cancer: Evaluation of immune subtyping in the response predictive subtypes.
Presenter: Denise Wolf, PhD
Clinical Science Symposium
Abstract 102
8 a.m. – CDT Genitourinary Cancer – Kidney and Bladder
Enfortumab vedotin with or without pembrolizumab in patients who are cisplatin-ineligible with previously untreated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer: Additional 3-month follow-up on cohort K data.
Presenter: Terence W. Friedlander, MD
Poster session
Abstract: 4568
Poster board: 60
8 a.m. – CDT Genitourinary Cancer – Prostate, Testicular and Penile
Depth of PSA nadir and subsequent PSA progression-free survival in patients with high-risk biochemically relapsed prostate cancer: Results from the phase 3 PRESTO study.
Presenter: Rahul Raj Aggarwal, MD
Poster session
Abstract: 5077
Poster board: 171
8 a.m. – CDT Digital histopathology-based multimodal artificial intelligence scores predict risk of progression in a randomized phase III trial in patients with nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Presenter: Felix Y. Feng, MD
Poster session
Abstract: 5035
Poster board: 129
1:15 p.m. – CDT Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Hereditary Cancer
Patient-level factors associated with the use of active surveillance: The Talking About Prostate Cancer Cohort
Presenter: Nita Mukand, PharmD, MBA, MPH
Poster session
Abstract: 10565
Poster board: 198
3 p.m. – CDT Practicing in a Polarized Society: Ethics and Social Justice in Oncology
Ending Systemic Racism in Oncology: The Role and Responsibility of the Clinician
Speaker: Ana I. Velazquez Manana, MD, MSc
Education session
Sunday, June 4
8 a.m. – CDT Professional Development and Education Advances
The cognitive load of inpatient consults involving immune-related adverse events
Presenter: Sam Brondfield, MD, MA
Poster session
Abstract: 11033
Poster board: 486
9:45 a.m. – CDT Pediatric Oncology 1
Microscopes to Molecular: Informing Treatment Approaches in Pediatric Rare Tumors
Discussant: Sabine Mueller, MD, PhD
Oral abstract session
9:45 a.m. – CDT Are Big Data Smart Enough to Answer Questions in Central Nervous System Tumors?
Clinical and analytical validation of a targeted gene expression biomarker predicting meningioma outcomes and radiotherapy responses
Presenter: William Cheng Chen, MD
Abstract: 2009
9:45 a.m. – CDT Clinical applications of large data sets to small neurons
Discussant: John Frederick de Groot, MD
Clinical Sciences Symposium
11:30 a.m. – CDT Professional Development and Education Advances
Should I stay, or should I go? Factors associated with intent to leave academic oncology
Presenter: Ana I. Velazquez Manana, MD, MDc
Poster session
Abstract: 11004
Poster board: 457
1 p.m. – CDT Plenary Session
PROSPECT: A randomized phase III trial of neoadjuvant chemoradiation versus neoadjuvant FOLFOX chemotherapy with selective use of chemoradiation, followed by total mesorectal excision for treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer
Alan P. Venook, MD, a UCSF medical oncologist with special expertise in colorectal and liver cancers, is an author of the abstract.
Abstract: LBA2
4:30 p.m. – CDT Breast cancer – local/regional/adjuvant
Correlation of HER2 low status in I-SPY2 with molecular subtype, response, and survival
Presenter: Hope S. Rugo, MD, FASCO
Poster session
Abstract: 514
Poster board: 344
Monday, June 5
8 a.m. – CDT Structural Sexism and Cancer Care: The Effects on the Patient and Oncologist
Defining Structural Sexism in Oncology
Chair: Bridget P. Keenan, MD, PhD
Education session
9:45 a.m. – CDT Science of Oncology Award and Lecture
Award Lecturer: Alan Ashworth, PhD, FRS
Tuesday, June 6
8 a.m. – CDT Highlights of Melanoma/Skin Cancers
Discussant: Katy K. Tsai, MD
Highlights of the Day Session #3
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