Cancer touches everyone in some way. When it touches your life — whether as a patient, loved one, advocate, or caregiver — it helps to know dedicated researchers are working to push the boundaries of what’s possible, translating scientific discoveries into real hope for treatment and quality of life.

With over two million new cancer cases estimated to be diagnosed in the United States this year, the need for continued progress has never been greater. Thankfully, as we recently saw at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the medical research and oncology community is actively reshaping cancer care.

In this collection of research summaries for patients, we highlight some of the studies and breakthroughs shared during ASCO 2026 that represent a meaningful step forward. From targeted therapies for hard-to-treat cancers to innovative approaches for lifestyle oncology, this research is at the forefront of cancer care and introduces you to some of the world’s leading cancer research innovators.

#1 | Pancreatic Cancer

Oral targeted therapy slows pancreatic cancer growth, improves overall survival

Overview: A daily pill helps some people with advanced pancreatic cancer live longer.
The Details: A major clinical trial (the RASolute 302 study) showed that a targeted drug called daraxonrasib can slow tumor growth and extend life for some patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. It performed better than the current standard treatment.

This breakthrough was led by Dr. Brian Wolpin, whose early career was supported by a Conquer Cancer award in 2009.

#2 | Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma (DDLPS)

Targeted therapy pauses growth of an aggressive soft-tissue cancer

Overview: Targeted treatment pauses growth and shrinks tumors in a rare, aggressive cancer.
The Details: A study (SARC041) looked at a drug called abemaciclib for an aggressive soft-tissue cancer called dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS). The drug successfully paused tumor growth and even shrank tumors for some patients.

Dr. Mark Dickson led this research, built on a foundation of two early-career awards from Conquer Cancer in 2009 and 2011.

#3 | Prostate Cancer

New drug prevents the return of high-risk prostate cancer after surgery

Overview: A new drug combination keeps high-risk prostate cancer from returning after surgery.
The Details: For people with high-risk prostate cancer, a clinical trial (the PROTEUS trial) showed that adding a hormone-blocking drug called apalutamide to standard hormone therapy makes surgery to remove the prostate much more successful at keeping the cancer from spreading or coming back.

#4 | Lung Cancer (RET-positive NSCLC)

Targeted therapy drug can reduce risk of recurrence for RET-positive non-small cell lung cancer  

Overview: Targeted drug lowers the risk that lung cancer will return after treatment.
The Details: Patients with a specific genetic change in their lung cancer (called RET-positive non-small cell lung cancer) have a new option. A study (LIBRETTO-432) found that taking the drug selpercatinib after standard treatment reduces the chance the cancer will come back, grow, or worsen.

#5 | Advanced Lung Cancer (Squamous NSCLC)

New 2-in-1 drug helps some squamous non-small cell lung cancer patients live longer

Overview: A clever "2-in-1" drug helps patients with a specific lung cancer live longer.
The Details: A clinical trial (HARMONi-6) tested a new kind of medicine called ivonescimab. It acts like a two-in-one smart weapon to attack tumors from two angles at once. The study found that this drug helped people with advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer live longer compared to standard therapies.

#6 | Breast Cancer & Lifestyle

Weight loss program improves quality of life for breast cancer patients with excess body weight

Overview: Phone-based weight loss support boosts daily energy and well-being for breast cancer patients.
The Details: Living with excess weight can make cancer treatment and recovery harder. The BWEL study found that a weight loss program delivered entirely over the phone helped breast cancer patients improve their physical health, daily functioning, and overall quality of life.

This lifestyle study was led by Dr. Jennifer Ligibel, a 2004 recipient of a Conquer Cancer award.

#7 | Early Cancer Detection

Galleri blood test may be able to find cancers earlier than traditional screening

Overview: A simple annual blood test may catch some cancers before they become advanced.
The Details: A massive trial tested the Galleri blood test, which looks for multiple types of cancer at once. When patients took this test once a year alongside their regular checkups, it successfully helped catch some early-stage cancers before they progressed to an advanced stage (stage IV).

#8 | Ovarian Cancer Support

Fasting before and after chemo for advanced ovarian cancer may improve treatment response

Overview: Short-term fasting around chemotherapy sessions may help treatment work better.
The Details: A new study found that briefly fasting right before and right after chemotherapy lowered insulin levels in some patients with advanced ovarian cancer. This drop in insulin seems to make the cancer cells more vulnerable, potentially helping the chemotherapy to work better.

#9 | Weight Loss Drugs & Cancer

GLP-1s may help prevent the spread of lung, breast, colorectal, and liver cancers  

Overview: Popular weight loss drugs (GLP-1s) might help stop certain cancers from spreading.
The Details: Early research suggests that GLP-1 drugs—a class of medication used for diabetes and weight loss—may also have a protective effect against cancer. The study found these drugs might help prevent lung, breast, colon, and liver cancers from spreading and becoming advanced (stage IV).

#10 | Survivorship & Yoga

Regular gentle yoga can improve mood problems, anxiety, and fatigue for cancer survivors  

Overview: Gentle yoga relieves anxiety, fatigue, and sleep struggles for cancer survivors.
The Details: Recovery doesn’t end when treatment stops. The YOCAS study found that practicing gentle yoga regularly (such as Hatha or restorative yoga) significantly reduces anxiety, mood swings, and the deep fatigue that many survivors face. Easing these symptoms through yoga also helped reduce insomnia for some survivors.