Cancerwise

Cancer treatment is increasingly tailored to the unique genetic makeup of each patient’s tumor. At the 2026 American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, UT MD Anderson clinicians and researchers are showcasing breakthrough therapies targeting specific mutations and/or rare subsets of cancer, offering new hope for patients with historically hard-to-treat cancers.

Sharing our researchers’ findings and ideas at conferences like ASCO helps spark ideas for the next clinical trials that will move the needle for our patients. Here are five significant studies that are powering new breakthroughs in personalized medicine.

1. Overcoming treatment resistance with OMNI-EGFR inhibitors

Targeting specific molecular pathways in non-small cell lung cancer has led to huge treatment advances, especially for certain genetic mutations, like epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). However, these mutations also can show resistance to current treatment options, even targeted therapies, such as those for EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer.

Xiuning Le, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, is presenting results from the Phase 1 SOLARA trial, which is studying a new mutant-selective OMNI-EGFR inhibitor. This novel therapy precisely targets tumor-driving EGFR mutations while sparing healthy cells. Early results show promise, potentially reducing side effects and improving outcomes, showing new hope in an area of previous resistance.

2. Antibody-drug conjugates to treat small cell lung cancer

Small cell lung cancer is a less common and very aggressive disease that often has a poor prognosis and limited sustained responses to conventional chemotherapy. A newer treatment strategy for small cell lung cancer is targeting proteins like SEZ6 that are commonly overexpressed on the surface of the small cell lung cancer cells.

Lauren Byers, M.D., professor of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, is sharing results from a clinical trial testing ABBV-706, a novel antibody drug conjugate that targets SEZ6. This antibody drug conjugate shows promising overall survival benefits as a monotherapy, in combination with immunotherapy and in patients beyond the first line of therapy. ABBV-706 will continue to be developed in the next phases of trials to better evaluate survival benefits and toxicity.