\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHighlights Several Roswell Park teams invited to share work April 17-22 in San Diego Late-breaking work outlines new combination for triple-negative breast cancer Two teams share insights on treatment of aggressive gastrointestinal cancers <\/p>\n
BUFFALO, N.Y. and SAN DIEGO \u2014 The work of researchers at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center will be featured at the 2026 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) in San Diego, California, April 17-22. The event brings together more than 21,000 professionals from the oncology field, as well as patients, survivors and advocates, to share and learn about recent discoveries.<\/p>\n
Among the highlights of the meeting are an invited talk comparing patient outcomes on targeted therapy or standard chemotherapy as treatment for an aggressive subtype of metastatic colorectal cancer; work from a Roswell Park team that is assessing a new strategy to treat p53-mutated solid tumors; and a late-breaking abstract detailing promising translational findings on a prospective new combination therapy for metastatic breast cancer.<\/p>\n
How Does Targeted Therapy Stack Up Against Standard Chemo in HER2-Amplified Metastatic Colorectal Cancer?<\/p>\n
A retrospective study led by Roswell Park investigators reports that trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd\/Enhertu), a targeted therapy, enhances five-year overall survival in patients with HER2-positive, microsatellite-stable metastatic colorectal cancer, an aggressive subtype with limited response to chemotherapy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
While clinical trials previously showed promising activity in trastuzumab deruxtecan, several variables \u2014 including\u00a0patients\u2019 general functioning and other existing medical conditions, prior treatments and the order in which the treatments were given \u2014 have\u00a0made it difficult to assess the treatment\u2019s true effectiveness outside the context of a clinical trial. This real-world study fills the knowledge gap by tracking overall survival in patients treated with trastuzumab deruxtecan versus standard chemotherapy.<\/p>\n
The study\u2019s co-first author,\u00a0Zunairah Shah, MBBS<\/a>, Fellow in Hematology and Medical Oncology, will present\u00a0her team\u2019s findings in\u00a0abstract 1303<\/a>, \u201cReal-world overall survival with trastuzumab deruxtecan versus standard chemotherapy in HER2-amplified MSS metastatic colorectal cancer\u201d during a minisymposium on Sunday, April 19, from 3:35-3:50 p.m., Room 17, Mezzanine Level of the Convention Center.\u00a0Sheheryar Kabraji, BMBCh<\/a>, Chief of Breast Medicine, and\u00a0Kannan Thanikachalam, MD<\/a>, Assistant Professor of Oncology, Department of Medicine, are co-senior authors.<\/p>\n Novel Therapy Targets DNA Damage Response in p53-Mutant Cancers<\/p>\n The tumor-suppressor gene TP53 is frequently mutated in most solid-tumor cancers, including colorectal and pancreatic cancers, driving tumor progression and metastasis. Research by a Roswell Park-led team of investigators shows that a triple-drug regimen they developed achieves strong tumor suppression without detectable toxicity in p53-mutant, patient-derived xenograft models of colorectal cancer.\u00a0Andrei Bakin, PhD<\/a>, Associate Professor of Oncology in Cancer Genetics and Genomics, is senior author of\u00a0abstract 6762<\/a>, \u201cA novel therapeutic approach for targeting p53-mutant cancers by leveraging DNA damage response vulnerabilities.\u201d The regimen combines the chemotherapy trifluridine\/tipiracil (TAS102\/Lonsurf) with talazoparib (Talzenna), a targeted therapy called a PARP inhibitor, and a G2-checkpoint kinase inhibitor, which together result in uncontrolled DNA damage to and cell death of p53-mutant cancer cells.<\/p>\n First author Mohammed Alruwaili, PhD, ASCP, who previously trained at Roswell Park and now is with Northern Border University in Arar, Saudi Arabia, will present the findings during a\u00a0minisymposium on Targeted Therapy: Data Driven Approaches and Novel Drugs, Tuesday, April 21, 3:35-3:50 p.m. in Room 31, Upper Level of the Convention Center.\u00a0<\/p>\n Late-Breaking Abstract Describes Promising Combination Therapy for Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer<\/p>\n Preclinical research by\u00a0Gokul Das, PhD<\/a>, Professor of Oncology and Co-Director of the Breast Translational Research Group, and colleagues has revealed a novel combination therapy with the potential to make inroads against metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC), an aggressive and hard-to-treat subtype. Dr. Das, first and presenting author, will share the findings in the late-breaking abstract\u00a0LB058\/11<\/a>, \u201cClinically actionable drug synergy drives transcriptomic and metabolic reprogramming to induce ferroptosis and apoptosis in triple negative breast cancer\u201d Sunday, April 19, 2-5 p.m., in Section 52 of the Convention Center.<\/p>\n Special Roles and Recognition<\/p>\n Kenan\u00a0Onel, MD, PhD<\/a>,\u00a0Chief of Clinical Genomics, will serve as a chair and give a presentation during session\u00a0AHM02<\/a>, Population Sciences for Hematological Malignancies, Monday, April 20, 12:30-2 p.m. in Room 17, Mezzanine Level of the Convention Center. \u00a0Elizabeth\u00a0Repasky, PhD<\/a>, Professor of Oncology and Distinguished Member in Immunology,\u00a0is\u00a0co-chair of minisymposium\u00a0session \u00a0MS.TB10.01<\/a>, Microenvironmental Determinants of Tumor Evolution and Immune Escape, Monday, April 20, 2:30-4:30 p.m. in Ballroom 6 CF, Upper Level of the Convention Center. Song\u00a0Yao, MD, PhD<\/a>, Vice Chair of Clinical Research, Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, will co-chair \u00a0minisymposium session\u00a0MS.PS01.02<\/a>, Population Sciences at the Forefront 2: Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology of Cancer Risk and Outcomes, Tuesday,\u00a0April 21, 2:30-4:30\u00a0p.m., in Room 15, Mezzanine Level of the Convention Center.Yu Fujiwara, MD<\/a>, Hematology\/Oncology Fellow will be recognized during the AACR Annual Grantee Recognition ad Poster Reception Tuesday, April 21, beginning at 5:30 p.m. PDT at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. Dr. Fujiwara is concluding an AACR-Johnson & Johnson Clinical Oncology Research (CORE) Training Fellowship, providing specialized training in clinical drug development with Johnson & Johnson.<\/p>\n Featured Posters Highlight Additional Critical Discoveries From Roswell Park<\/p>\n Other Roswell Park experts will share their findings during poster presentations that offer new insights into key areas of oncology.\u00a0<\/p>\n SUNDAY, APRIL 19<\/p>\n Abstract 483\/26<\/a> \u2013 First author Shan Wu, PhD, postdoctoral researcher in Pharmacology & Therapeutics, will present \u201cOrganoids-based high-throughput drug screening identifies selective vulnerability of AR-\/lo\u00a0CRPC to inhibitors of neurotransmission signaling\u201d Sunday, April 19, 2-5 p.m. PDT, in Section 19.\u00a0Dean Tang, PhD<\/a>, Chair of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, is senior author. Abstract 829\/8<\/a> \u2013 First author Masanori Oshi, MD, Research Scholar in Breast Surgery, will present \u201cInfiltration of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) is associated inversely with cell proliferation, with better patient survival, and its reduction by neoadjuvant chemotherapy relates with poor survival in breast cancer\u201d\u00a0Sunday, April 19, 2-5 p.m. PDT, in Section 33,\u00a0Kazuaki Takabe, MD, PhD, FACS, FSSO,<\/a> Chief of Breast Surgery, is senior author.Abstract 895\/8<\/a> \u2013 First author Alfredo Chua, MD, predoctoral trainee in Cancer Prevention & Control,\u00a0will present \u201cImpact of immigration and acculturation on mortality in Asian American women with breast cancer\u201d Sunday, April 19, 2-5 p.m. PDT, in Section 35.\u00a0Song Yao, MD, PhD<\/a>, Professor of Oncology and Vice Chair of Clinical Research, Department of Cancer Prevention & Control, is senior author.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n MONDAY, APRIL 20<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Abstract 2215\/1<\/a> \u2013 Kei Kawashima, MD, Postdoctoral Research Affiliate in Breast Surgery, will present \u201cTertiary lymphoid structure score associates with unique immune profile and therapeutic response in triple negative breast cancer\u201d\u00a0Monday, April 20, 9 a.m. to noon PDT, in Section 31.\u00a0Kazuaki Takabe, MD, PhD, FACS, FSSO,<\/a> Chief of Breast Surgery, is senior author.Abstract 2618\/9<\/a> \u2013 First author Kayleigh Erickson, predoctoral trainee in Cancer Prevention & Control, will present \u201cThoracic\u00a0CT-derived muscle indices improve prediction of respiratory function beyond standard L3 sarcopenia measures in lung cancer patients\u201d Monday, April 20, 9 a.m.-noon PDT, in Section 47.\u00a0Andrew Ray, PT, PhD<\/a>, Associate Professor of Oncology and Rehabilitation Specialist, Department of Cancer Prevention & Control, is senior author. Abstract 2684\/9<\/a> \u2013 First author Jun Arima, who previously trained at Roswell Park, will present \u201cAndrogen receptor expression negatively correlates with immune infiltration and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in ER-positive\/HER2-negative breast cancer\u201d Monday, April 20, 2-5 p.m. PDT, in Section 1.\u00a0Kazuaki Takabe, MD, PhD, FACS, FSSO<\/a>, Chief of Breast Surgery,\u00a0is senior author.Abstract 3583<\/a> \u2013\u00a0Chi-Chen Hong, PhD<\/a>, Associate Professor of Oncology, Department of Cancer Prevention & Control, is senior author of \u201cDistinct breast cancer gene signatures by estrogen receptor status associated with psychological distress,\u201d to be presented by first author Shipra Gandhi, MD, MS, Monday, April 20, 2-5 p.m. PDT, in Section 35. Abstract 3797\/12<\/a> \u2013 First author Brian Morreale, predoctoral trainee in Immunology, will present \u201cA novel\u00a0tritherapy\u00a0overcoming the immune suppressive tumor microenvironment elicits robust antitumor activity,\u201d Monday, April 20, 2-5 p.m. PDT, in Section 43.\u00a0Scott Abrams, PhD<\/a>, Chair of Immunology, is senior author.\u00a0<\/p>\n Abstract CT129\/21<\/a> \u2013\u00a0Igor Puzanov, MD, MSci, FACP<\/a>, Senior Vice President of Clinical Investigation, is senior author of \u201cPreliminary results from a Phase 1a\/b dose-escalation and expansion trial of the pan-RAF-MEK molecular glue NST-628 in patients (pts) with advanced or refractory RAF, KRAS, and NRAS-mutant solid tumors,\u201d to be presented by first author Ahmad Tarhini, MD, PhD, Monday, April 20, 2-5 p.m. PDT, in Section 51.\u00a0<\/p>\n TUESDAY, APRIL 21<\/p>\n Abstract 4741\/14<\/a> \u2013 First author Xiaochen\u00a0Hillson Yu, PhD,\u00a0postdoctoral researcher in Cell Stress Biology, will present \u201cLoss of SIRT3 promotes metabolic and epigenetic dysregulation in aggressive prostate cancer\u201d Tuesday, April 21, 9 a.m. to noon PDT, in Section 41.\u00a0Subhamoy Dasgupta, PhD<\/a>, Associate Professor of Oncology and Co-Leader of the Cancer Stress Biology Program, is senior author.<\/p>\n Abstract 5081<\/a> \u2013 First author\u00a0Zhihong Gong, PhD<\/a>, Associate Professor of Oncology, Department of Cancer Prevention & Control, will present \u201cTumor long-noncoding RNA expression patterns and breast cancer prognosis among Black and White Women\u201d Tuesday, April 21, 9 a.m. to noon PDT, in Section 36.\u00a0Christine Ambrosone, PhD<\/a>, Chair of Cancer Prevention & Control, is senior author.\u00a0<\/p>\n Abstract 5220\/11<\/a> \u2013 First author\u00a0Pragati Advani, MD, MPH, DrPh<\/a>,\u00a0Assistant Professor of Oncology, Thoracic Surgery, will present \u201cAssociation between metabolic syndrome and risk of second primary malignancy among patients with a history of cancer\u201d Tuesday, April 21, 9 a.m. to noon PDT, in Section 41.\u00a0Sai\u00a0Yendamuri, MD,\u00a0MBA, FACS<\/a>, Chief of Strategy and Chair of Thoracic Surgery, is senior author.\u00a0<\/p>\n Abstract 5221\/12<\/a> \u2013 First author\u00a0Pragati Advani, MD, MPH, DrPh<\/a>,\u00a0Assistant Professor of Oncology, Thoracic Surgery, will present \u201cRacial\/ethnic disparities in risk of second primary malignancy among women in the Pathways Study of breast cancer survivors\u201d Tuesday, April 21, 9 a.m. to noon PDT, in Section 41.\u00a0<\/p>\n Abstract 5348\/16<\/a> \u2013 First author\u00a0Yu Fujiwara, MD<\/a>, Hematology\/Oncology Fellow, will present \u201cTumor remodeling pathways are enriched in the tumor microenvironment of obesity-associated colorectal cancer\u201d Tuesday, April 21, 9 a.m. to noon PDT, in Section 46.\u00a0<\/p>\n Abstract 6496\/14<\/a> \u2013 Youcef Rustum, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Oncology, Department of Cancer Biology, is senior author of \u201cMethylseleninic\u00a0acid enhances anti-FN14 CAR-T cell effector function and redirects cytotoxicity against TGF-\u03b2-rich kidney, prostate, and brain tumors,\u201d to be presented Tuesday, April 21, 2-5 p.m. PDT, in Section 42, by first author Gloria Kim, PhD.Abstract 6530\/19<\/a> \u2013 Kei Kawashima, MD, Postdoctoral Research Affiliate in Breast Surgery, will present \u201cMolecular biological differences between breast and cutaneous apocrine carcinomas\u201d Tuesday, April 21, 2-5 p.m. PDT, in Section 43.\u00a0Kazuaki Takabe, MD, PhD, FACS, FSSO<\/a>, Chief of Breast Surgery,\u00a0is senior author.Abstract 7565\/13<\/a> \u2013 First author Ji Park,\u00a0predoctoral trainee in Cancer Prevention & Control, will present \u201cPsychological distress, antidepressants, and sympathetic-immune profiles in cancer survivors\u201d Wednesday, April 22, 9 a.m. to noon, in Section 34.\u00a0Chi-Chen Hong, PhD<\/a>, Associate Professor of Oncology, Department of Cancer Prevention & Control, is senior author. Abstract 7855\/7<\/a> \u2013 First author\u00a0Eleanor Fallon,\u00a0MD<\/a>, Assistant Professor of Surgical Oncology, will present \u201cTranscriptomic profiling of Ki67 expression in melanoma patient specimens reveals distinct immune signatures\u201d\u00a0Wednesday, April 22, 9 a.m. to noon, in Section 46.\u00a0Kazuaki\u00a0Takabe,\u00a0MD, PhD, FACS, FSSO<\/a>, Clinical Chief of Breast Surgery, is senior author. Abstract 7865\/17<\/a> \u2013 First author Opuruiche\u00a0Ibekwe,\u00a0MBBS, MPh, DrPh, Research Associate in Thoracic Surgery, will present\u00a0\u201cSurvival profile of patients presented at technology-enhanced multidisciplinary cancer conferences\u201d Wednesday, April 22, 9 a.m. to noon PDT, in Section 46.\u00a0Chukwumere\u00a0Nwogu, MD, PhD, FACS<\/a>, Professor of Oncology and attending surgeon, Department of Thoracic Surgery, is senior author.\u00a0<\/p>\n Abstract 7947\/22<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 First author Masanori Oshi, MD, Research Affiliate in Breast Surgery, will present \u201cmiR-150 orchestrates immune activation and lymphocyte trafficking in breast cancer\u201d Wednesday, April 22, 9 a.m. to noon PDT, in Section 49.\u00a0Kazuaki Takabe, MD, PhD, FACS, FSSO<\/a>, Chief of Breast Surgery,\u00a0is senior author.<\/p>\n Abstract 7947\/22<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 First author Masanori Oshi, MD, Research Affiliate in Breast Surgery, will present \u201cmiR-150 orchestrates immune activation and lymphocyte trafficking in breast cancer\u201d Wednesday, April 22, 9 a.m. to noon PDT, in Section 49.\u00a0Kazuaki Takabe, MD, PhD, FACS, FSSO<\/a>, Chief of Breast Surgery,\u00a0is senior author.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n