WHAT: Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center will present new research findings and receive honors and distinctions at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, one of the world's leading gatherings focused on clinical cancer research and patient care.
WHEN and WHERE: May 29-–June 2, 2026, McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago, Illinois
HONORS AND DISTINCTIONS
ASCO Academy Fellows
Nilo Azad, M.D., professor of oncology, and Kristen Marrone, M.D., associate professor of oncology, will be inducted as fellows of the ASCO Academy, an honor recognizing members for extraordinary volunteer service, leadership and contributions to the ASCO and the cancer community.
Azad is associate director of clinical research, co-leader of the Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics program, and co-director of the Colorectal Cancer Research Center of Excellence. She is being recognized for leadership in gastrointestinal cancer research and clinical trials.
Marrone is director of the Hematology & Medical Oncology Fellowship Program, and director of the Thoracic Oncology Biorepository. She is being recognized for contributions to thoracic oncology research, clinical care and ASCO leadership activities.
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
First-in-the-World ALK Vaccine Trial for Lung Cancer
Vincent Lam, M.D., director of the Thoracic Oncology Clinical Research Program, is giving a rapid oral presentation on early findings from a first-in-the-world clinical trial evaluating an anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-targeted peptide vaccine for patients with advanced ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer. ALK-positive lung cancer is driven by alterations in the ALK gene. The investigational vaccine is designed to stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells while potentially preventing or delaying resistance to targeted therapies.
Advancing Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer
Julie Brahmer, M.D., director of Thoracic Oncology and co-director of the Cancer Immunology Program, and Kristen Marrone, M.D., director of the Thoracic Oncology Biorepository, are participating in presentations and discussions focused on immunotherapy and emerging treatment strategies for thoracic cancers, including lung cancer. Their work explores ways to improve responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors, better individualize treatment approaches and expand options for patients with advanced disease.
Liquid Biopsy and Molecular Residual Disease Detection
Valsamo "Elsa" Anagnostou, M.D., Ph.D., co-director of the Upper Aerodigestive Cancers Program and leader of the Molecular Tumor Board, is presenting research on circulating tumor DNA and molecular residual disease detection using liquid biopsy technologies. The work aims to improve the ability to identify residual cancer after treatment and better predict recurrence risk.
New Insights into Glioma and Brain Tumors
Neuro-oncology expert Karisa Schreck, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of neurology, is presenting research on molecular and clinical approaches to better understand and treat brain tumors, including glioma.
Immunotherapy Approaches for Gastrointestinal Cancers
Mark Yarchoan, M.D., associate professor of oncology, is presenting advances in immunotherapy strategies for gastrointestinal cancers, including efforts to expand the effectiveness of immune-based treatments for patients with difficult-to-treat tumors.
Prostate Cancer Research and Survivorship
Cathy Handy Marshall, M.D., M.P.H., co-director of the Genitourinary Cancer program, is participating in sessions focused on prostate cancer research, including treatment outcomes, genetics and cardiovascular health considerations for patients undergoing therapy.
Advances in Melanoma and Skin Cancer Treatment
Govind Warrier, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of oncology, is presenting research and clinical perspectives related to melanoma and advanced skin cancers, including immunotherapy approaches and clinical trial strategies.
A full listing of Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center presenters is available via the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting Program
