COLUMBUS, Ohio — Researchers from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center — Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) will present new findings at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, including a program that helps patients get donated oral drugs faster, new insights into colon and breast cancer, and ongoing accessibility gaps across communities in clinical trials.
"ASCO is where the field comes together to share what's next. For our communities, 'what's next' has to be timely and reachable. These studies reflect our focus on speeding access to treatment, expanding clinical trial participation, and building care models that meet patients where they are," said W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD , CEO/Director of the OSUCCC – James.
The ASCO annual meeting is a large-scale international conference where doctors, scientists, patient advocates and industry leaders showcase and discuss the latest research and clinical trials in cancer. Highlights from the OSUCCC – James include:
Oral cancer drug repository aims to reduce drug delays
Abstract # 1506 | First Author: Allyson Waller, PharmD , and Senior Author: Justin Tossey, PharmD , OSUCCC - James pharmacists
This OSUCCC - James study looks at a hospital program led by pharmacists that redistributes unused oral cancer drugs donated by patients for other cancer patients who need them right away. The program is designed to help patients avoid treatment delays caused by insurance issues, shipping problems or cost.
Unlike national donation programs, the OSUCCC – James oral cancer drug repository program lets pharmacists provide medication in the clinic or at the bedside, helping patients stay on schedule when delays occur.
"We found that these delays affect patients across many types of cancer," said Justin Tossey, PharmD, hematology/oncology specialty practice pharmacist at OSUCCC – James and senior author of the ASCO abstract. "It's not only a financial issue. It's also an access issue — and in many cases, a supply issue. Our findings show this is not limited to one disease or one drug; it's a challenge across cancer care."
Researchers report that patients received drugs through the repository in about six days, compared with more than two weeks through standard insurance and specialty pharmacy channels. The model is used both in outpatient clinics and at the bedside for hospitalized patients who otherwise would have no supply.
Additionally, researchers note that more than $4 million worth of oral medications were returned to patient care between February 2021 through September 2025. About half of this drug access helped patients stay on treatment, while the other half helped patients start treatment or fill gaps caused by insurance changes or delivery delays.
"For many patients, this repository helps bridge a critical gap in care," said Allyson Waller, PharmD, hematology/oncology specialty practice pharmacist at OSUCCC – James and presenting author of the ASCO abstract. "When treatment decisions are made, patients sometimes need therapy right away — not after days or weeks of insurance approvals, pharmacy delays, or other barriers. This program helps us get medication to patients faster while we work on a long-term access plan."
Clues to why colon cancer may act differently in younger adults
Abstract 3582 | Presenting Author: Ning Jin, MD , gastrointestinal medical oncologist at the OSUCCC – James
This study suggests that colorectal cancer in younger adults is a biologically unique disease rather than just an early appearance of typical late-onset cancer. It may interact with the nervous system in ways that increase inflammation and disrupt how the body processes certain fats. Researchers also report the discovery of an "aging clock" made up of 11 genes that appears to speed up aging in colon tissue due to environmental factors. This distinct genetic signature opens the door to developing a simple, routine blood test that could screen and protect younger adults long before they would ever qualify for a traditional colonoscopy.
Combination therapy shows early promise for EGFR-mutant lung cancer
Abstract: 8648 | First author: Regan Memmott, MD, PhD , thoracic medical oncologist, OSUCCC – James
An early-phase clinical trial developed and led by researchers at the OSUCCC - James found that combining the targeted therapy osimertinib with the experimental drug tegavivint was safe and tolerable as a first treatment for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer driven by an EGFR mutation. Many patients eventually develop resistance to osimertinib and their cancer progresses; this study was designed to address that common challenge. Among 15 patients in the phase Ib trial, 73% responded to the combination, including two with no detectable cancer on imaging, and the median progression-free survival was 20.6 months. Researchers reported no dose-limiting toxicities or unexpected safety concerns, with side effects that are similar to what occurs with osimertinib alone. The findings suggest the combination may improve the depth and duration of response without significantly increasing side effects, though larger studies are needed to confirm the benefit.
Cancer trials grew more global but gaps in diversity remain
Abstract 11079 | First author: Rahman Adesoji Olusoji, MD , hematology fellow, OSUCCC – James | ASCO 2026 Conquer Cancer Merit Award Winner | Senior author: Jiasheng Wang, MD , hematologist, OSUCCC - James
A review of 1,385 cancer clinical trials published from 1995 to 2025 found that trials became more international over time, with more sites in Asia and more studies spanning multiple countries. Reporting on race and ethnicity also improved. But Black and Hispanic patients remained underrepresented, and in some cases their representation declined. Researchers said the findings show that expanding trials globally does not by itself improve representation across patient groups. They called for better recruitment, more consistent reporting, and tools to better track diversity in medical research.
Chemo benefit for lobular cancer linked to risk score
Abstract 540 | First author: Arya Mariam Roy, MD , breast medical oncologist, OSUCCC – James
A large study suggests chemotherapy after surgery may not help all patients with invasive lobular breast cancer, a common type of breast cancer that has been less studied than others. Researchers reviewed records from nearly 142,000 patients.They found the clearest survival benefit in patients with high Oncotype DX recurrence scores, especially those who were postmenopausal. Patients with low scores did not appear to gain a survival benefit, and younger premenopausal patients saw only limited benefit in one intermediate-risk group. The findings may help doctors better identify which patients are most likely to benefit from chemotherapy and which may be able to avoid it. Experts say more biomarkers are needed to identify patients who will benefit from chemotherapy in early-stage lobular breast cancer as the existing recurrence risk prediction scores are not accurately predicting the benefit.
Study backs broader Lynch Syndrome testing for cancer prevention
Abstract 10613 | First author: Casey Cosgrove, MD , gynecologic oncologist at the OSUCCC – James
A study of nearly 250,000 cancer patients found that some cases of Lynch syndrome may be missed when testing looks only for tumors with a feature called microsatellite instability. Among patients with Lynch-related gene changes, 25% of colorectal cancers and 44% of endometrial cancers did not show that feature. That means narrower screening may miss some patients and families at risk. The findings support broader inherited-risk testing for all patients with colorectal or endometrial cancer.
Some Younger Breast Cancer Patients Get Chemo Despite Low-Risk Scores
Abstract 544 | First author: Mitali Shah, MD , internal medicine resident, OSUCCC – James
Senior Author: Nerea Lopetegui-Lia, MD , breast medical oncologist, OSUCCC – James
A new study of more than 6,000 women under age 50 with a common type of breast cancer found that some patients still receive chemotherapy even when a widely used test shows a low risk of the cancer returning, especially if the disease has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Researchers found that doctors are more likely to recommend chemotherapy based on a combination of factors—including larger tumors, more lymph node involvement and more aggressive-looking cancer cells—showing that treatment decisions go beyond a single test score. The findings also highlight ongoing uncertainty about why chemotherapy benefits some younger women and point to the need for more research to better identify who truly needs the treatment and who may be able to safely avoid it, helping guide more personalized care in the future.
Aspirin linked to better survival in endometrial cancer
Abstract 562 | First author: Zachary L. Gentry, MD , gynecologic oncology fellow, OSUCCC – James | Senior Author: Laura Chambers, MD , gynecologic oncologist, OSUCCC – James
In a study of 765 people with endometrial cancer, those who were taking aspirin when they were diagnosed were less likely to die from their cancer than those who were not taking aspirin. The link remained after researchers adjusted for age, cancer stage, tumor type and treatment. Because the study reviewed past medical records from one hospital, it does not prove aspirin caused the better outcomes, but the findings suggest aspirin may deserve further study.
New trial targets rare lung cancer mutation (trial in progress)
Abstract TPS8680 | Senior Author: Christian Rolfo, MD, PhD , Director Division of Medical Oncology & Associate Director for Early Clinical Trials, OSUCCC-James
In this ongoing trial , researchers are studying a rare genetic change called MET amplification as primary alteration (or driver) in people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. This change occurs in about 3 to 4% of cases and can help cancers grow. The clinical trial is testing a targeted treatment called amivantamab hyaluronidase, which blocks two cancer-driving signals, EGFR and MET. The study focuses on patients whose cancer has already been treated but continues to grow. Researchers want to see if targeting this genetic change can shrink tumors and help patients live longer without their cancer worsening. The trial is also looking at how long responses last and whether blood tests can detect MET amplification as well as tumor tissue tests. The study is now enrolling patients and aims to expand treatment options for this small group.
Awards and Honors
Pollock inducted into OncLive Giants of Cancer Care
Raphael E. Pollock, MD, PhD , director emeritus of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC), is among 14 scientists worldwide to be named as inductees into the Giants of Cancer Care® recognition program by OncLive, the nation's leading multimedia resource for oncology professionals. A selection committee of over 120 eminent oncologists chooses honorees from several different tumor types and specialty categories. Pollock was inducted as a giant in surgical oncology. The award celebration is held concurrent with the ASCO annual meeting.
Meng, Trinconi Cunnha receive Conquer Cancer Foundation Awards
Lingbin Meng, MD, PhD , medical oncologist with the OSUCCC – James, has received a 2026 Career Development Award from Conquer Cancer, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Foundation. This $200,000, three-year grant that funds clinical investigators in the first to fourth year of their faculty appointment to help them establish an independent clinical cancer research program.
Mateus Trinconi Cunha, MD , a medical oncologist with the OSUCCC – James has received a 2026 Conquer Cancer Young Investigator Award from Conquer Cancer. This award provides $50,000 for one year to support promising early-career investigators during their transition from fellowship to a faculty appointment. Recipients conduct their research under the guidance of a scientific mentor.
Learn more about the OSUCCC – James at ASCO
To learn more about the OSUCCC – James's presence at ASCO, visit cancer.osu.edu/asco or visit booth #11031 in the exhibit hall.
