Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are once again at the forefront of oncology innovation, revealing groundbreaking studies set to be unveiled at the forthcoming American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, scheduled for April 25-30, 2025, in Chicago. This pivotal gathering will showcase Dana-Farber’s latest advancements in head and neck cancer, metastatic breast cancer, lung cancer, and other malignancies, exemplifying the institute’s commitment to transforming cancer treatment through rigorous scientific inquiry and clinical excellence.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains a formidable clinical challenge due to its aggressive nature and high rates of recurrence after standard therapies. Dr. Ravindra Uppaluri, director of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, will present critical data from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-689 study, which investigates the efficacy of combining neoadjuvant and adjuvant pembrolizumab with the current standard of care in treating resectable, locally advanced HNSCC. Pembrolizumab, an anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, has revolutionized cancer immunotherapy by enhancing the host immune response against tumor cells. This study evaluates its integration before and after surgery to improve long-term patient outcomes, detailing the immunomodulatory mechanisms and clinical benefits observed. Dr. Robert Haddad, senior author and chief of the Division of Head and Neck Oncology, will provide expert insights into this therapeutic strategy.
Immuno-oncology also takes center stage with Dr. Catherine J. Wu, who will explore the dynamic tumor heterogeneity via personalized cancer vaccines. These vaccines tailor immune responses to the unique mutational landscape within tumors, addressing the critical obstacle of tumor evolution and immune escape. Dr. Wu’s presentation dissects the technological advancements in neoantigen identification and vaccine design, shedding light on how adaptive immunity can be harnessed to target diverse tumor clones effectively, potentially ushering in a new era of precision immunotherapy.
The AACR Scientific Achievement Awards, a testament to Dana-Farber’s research excellence, will honor three distinguished researchers: Dr. Toni Choueiri for translational and clinical cancer research in genitourinary oncology; Dr. Matthew L. Meyerson for his pathology-driven cancer genetics research; and Dr. Alice T. Shaw for her impactful work in clinical thoracic oncology. These awards underscore the breadth of the institute’s contributions, offering profound implications for targeted therapies and biomarker-driven treatment algorithms.
Breakthroughs in metastatic breast cancer are also a highlight. Dr. Elia Segui will present phase 1 trial data on a novel combination therapy involving avutometinib (a RAF/MEK inhibitor), abemaciclib (a CDK4/6 inhibitor), and fulvestrant (hormone therapy) in patients exhibiting resistance to prior CDK4/6 inhibitors. This regimen exemplifies a rational design informed by preclinical evidence showing that RAF/MEK inhibition can potentiate the efficacy of CDK4/6 blockade, aiming to surmount therapeutic resistance—a major hurdle in advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Safety, dosage optimization, and preliminary efficacy signals will be detailed, offering promise for refining future treatment paradigms.
Lung cancer research at Dana-Farber continues to push scientific boundaries, particularly regarding RAS mutations, which have historically been "undruggable." Thoracic oncologist Dr. Jia Luo will discuss two compelling studies. The first presents circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analyses from patients treated with daraxonrasib, a multi-target RAS inhibitor, revealing a strong association between complete ctDNA clearance and clinical response, highlighting the potential of ctDNA as a real-time biomarker for therapeutic efficacy. The second study involves a pioneering combination of divarasib, a next-generation KRAS G12C inhibitor, with migoprotafib, an SHP2 inhibitor. This combination therapy taps into synergistic molecular pathways to enhance tumor suppression, illuminating a promising therapeutic avenue for patients with KRAS G12C-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
In the realm of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), Dr. Priscilla Merriam unveils preclinical and phase 2 clinical trial data on FGFR inhibitors rogaratinib and pemigatinib targeting succinate dehydrogenase deficient (SDHd) GIST—a subtype characterized by aberrant fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling. Results demonstrate significant tumor regression and disease stabilization, substantiating FGFR as a viable therapeutic target in this niche subgroup. These findings elucidate the molecular underpinnings of SDHd GIST and represent a meaningful stride toward personalized oncologic care.
Advanced salivary gland cancer, a rare and difficult-to-treat malignancy, is the focus of Dr. Glenn J. Hanna’s phase 2 non-randomized trial investigating elraglusib, a glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) inhibitor administered with chemotherapy, with or without pembrolizumab. GSK3β is implicated in tumor proliferation and chemotherapy resistance; thus, its inhibition may sensitize tumors and potentiate immunotherapeutic responses. Preliminary data indicate tolerability and suggest anti-tumor activity, especially in non-adenoid cystic carcinoma cases, signaling a potential breakthrough for this underserved patient population.
Beyond direct tumor targeting, Dana-Farber researchers are also delving into survivorship and quality of life. Dr. Alexi Wright reports on the COACH study, a randomized, wait-list controlled trial evaluating the impact of a six-month digital health coaching intervention on physical function among cancer survivors. Interim analyses reveal consistent improvements across a heterogeneous cohort, regardless of race, age, tumor type, or treatment status, highlighting the promise of digital therapeutics in enhancing functional recovery and potentially long-term survival outcomes in oncology populations.
Dana-Farber’s participation in AACR 2025 reflects a comprehensive portfolio of cancer research that integrates molecular biology, immunology, clinical trials, and patient-centered care. The institute’s dedication to unraveling cancer’s complexity through innovative clinical trials, biomarker discovery, and translational science remains unwavering. With over 1,100 ongoing clinical trials, Dana-Farber continues to pioneer efforts that bridge bench research with bedside care, aiming to reduce cancer’s global burden by delivering more effective, personalized treatments.
As the AACR Annual Meeting draws near, the global oncology community eagerly anticipates these revelations that promise to reshape cancer treatment paradigms and elevate patient prospects worldwide. The collaborative spirit and scientific rigor embodied by Dana-Farber’s investigators reinforce the institute’s status as a luminary of cancer research and clinical innovation.
For ongoing updates throughout the meeting, interested parties can follow #AACR2025 on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky, where Dana-Farber News provides live coverage and expert commentary, fostering broader engagement and knowledge dissemination within the scientific and patient communities.
Subject of Research: Cancer research focusing on head and neck, breast, lung cancers, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and rare salivary gland cancers; immunotherapy; targeted therapies; digital health interventions.
Article Title: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Unveils Breakthrough Oncology Research Ahead of AACR 2025 Annual Meeting
News Publication Date: April 25, 2025
Web References:
- https://www.dana-farber.org/
- https://dfci.widen.net/s/phr2qkqkc2/aacr-oral-presentation-2025-flyer.pdf
- https://twitter.com/DanaFarberNews
- https://bsky.app/profile/danafarber.bsky.social
Image Credits: Courtesy of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Keywords: Cancer Research, Immunotherapy, Targeted Therapy, Head and Neck Cancer, Metastatic Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, RAS Inhibitors, Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor, Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Beta, Clinical Trials, Digital Health, AACR Annual Meeting
