Mount Sinai’s multifaceted research portfolio reflects its unwavering commitment to confronting some of oncology’s most challenging frontiers. This year’s presentations span a diverse spectrum of cancer specialties, including hematologic malignancies, thoracic oncology, urothelial cancer, gynecologic oncology, translational science, and cancer care delivery. The breadth and depth of these contributions underscore Mount Sinai’s role as a leader in developing sophisticated, personalized approaches to cancer therapy—approaches that marry benchside discoveries with bedside applications.

Among the highlights is a highly anticipated late-breaking oral presentation by Dr. John Mascarenhas, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Center of Excellence for Blood Cancer and Myeloid Disorders at Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center. Dr. Mascarenhas will reveal pivotal results from the phase 3 SENTRY trial, which evaluates the combination of selinexor and ruxolitinib in patients with JAK inhibitor-naïve myelofibrosis. This trial explores a novel therapeutic strategy designed to inhibit aberrant signaling pathways responsible for the proliferation of malignant hematopoietic cells. Scheduled for June 2 during the Hematologic Malignancies oral abstract session, these findings hold significant promise for patients with this debilitating myeloproliferative disorder.

In the arena of thoracic oncology, Mount Sinai investigators are advancing the frontier of immunotherapy through research on HLX43, an anti-PD-L1 antibody-drug conjugate. This Rapid Oral Abstract Session presentation examines HLX43’s efficacy and safety in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), delving into its potential to harness immune checkpoint inhibition to augment tumor targeting and destruction. Antibody-drug conjugates represent a cutting-edge modality designed to deliver cytotoxic agents directly to cancer cells while minimizing off-target effects.

Beyond these oral sessions, Mount Sinai’s robust research pipeline includes a variety of poster presentations tackling pressing questions across multiple cancer types. Studies investigating macrophage polarization in metastatic urothelial cancer highlight the CXCL9:SPP1 ratio as a predictive biomarker for response to pembrolizumab and enfortumab vedotin combination therapies. This work provides new insights into tumor microenvironment dynamics, emphasizing the role of immune cell modulation in therapeutic outcomes.

Additional poster research assesses national trends in immunotherapy use among patients with metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, employing data from the National Cancer Database. These epidemiological studies reveal critical patterns in end-of-life treatment, ultimately guiding more compassionate and effective care strategies. Further work from Mount Sinai evaluates overall survival patterns in mucosal melanoma patients before and after the widespread adoption of PD-1 based checkpoint inhibitors, shedding light on the transformative impact of immunotherapy in rare and aggressive malignancies.

Investigations into relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma feature comparative analyses of belantamab mafodotin added to bortezomib and dexamethasone versus standard of care. These studies are instrumental in refining therapeutic algorithms and optimizing patient outcomes in a disease known for its complexity and heterogeneity. On the biomarker frontier, research on Keratin 19 (KRT19) as a circulating tumor biomarker offers a promising avenue for non-invasive disease monitoring and treatment guidance in urothelial carcinoma.

Cutting-edge molecular diagnostics are also exemplified by studies evaluating pre-cystectomy circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels to differentiate patients with surgically curable disease from those harboring occult micrometastatic progression. These advances could pave the way for precision staging and personalized adjuvant therapy strategies, revolutionizing bladder cancer management.

Mount Sinai clinicians continue to pioneer novel immunomodulatory therapeutic concepts, such as trials investigating tolododekin alfa (ANK-101) in combination with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies in advanced NSCLC. This phase 1b study aims to potentiate immune responses by modulating cytokine environments, potentially overcoming resistance mechanisms inherent to checkpoint blockade monotherapy.

Urothelial carcinoma research remains a central focus, exemplified by multiple studies including the CheckMate-901 trial examining biomarker profiles associated with durable disease control in advanced disease treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab. Similarly, the TROPION-Urothelial03 trial compares datopotamab deruxtecan plus chemotherapy versus the current standard of care in heavily pretreated patients, illustrating Mount Sinai’s commitment to improving outcomes in this challenging cancer subtype.

In the realm of myelofibrosis, the MY-PAC study investigates treatment patterns and clinical outcomes among patients treated with pacritinib, especially those with higher platelet counts. This research helps elucidate safety and efficacy profiles critical to managing this patient population. Additionally, updates on IMPROVEMF, a phase 1b trial combining imetelstat and ruxolitinib in intermediate and high-risk myelofibrosis, signify ongoing efforts to enhance therapeutic benefits and address unmet clinical needs.

The Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, remains at the forefront of integrating basic, clinical, and population health research. With a strategic focus on tumor types prevalent in its catchment area—including liver, prostate, breast, bladder, and lung cancers—Mount Sinai is uniquely positioned to translate cutting-edge research into meaningful advancements in patient care. Its extensive network, encompassing seven hospitals and over 400 physician practices, allows Mount Sinai to deliver multidisciplinary expertise alongside a growing portfolio of innovative clinical trials.

Notably, the construction of the soon-to-be-completed Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Hospital will further augment the center’s capacity for pioneering research and patient-centered care, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to accelerate translational research and clinical innovation. As these advancements unfold, Mount Sinai continues to steer oncology toward a future where personalized medicine transforms prognosis and quality of life for patients worldwide.

For more information about the ASCO Annual Meeting and to explore the full breadth of research presented by Mount Sinai, visit the official ASCO Annual Meeting website.

Subject of Research: Cancer research, including hematologic malignancies, thoracic oncology, urothelial cancer, gynecologic oncology, immunotherapy, biomarker-driven approaches, multiple myeloma, and myelofibrosis.

Article Title: Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center Unveils Breakthrough Cancer Research at ASCO 2026 Annual Meeting

News Publication Date: May 27, 2026

Web References:

• https://www.asco.org/annual-meeting
• https://www.asco.org/abstracts-presentations/262643
• https://www.asco.org/abstracts-presentations/263356
• https://www.asco.org/abstracts-presentations/261730
• https://www.asco.org/abstracts-presentations/267968
• https://www.asco.org/abstracts-presentations/260701
• https://www.asco.org/abstracts-presentations/262647
• https://www.asco.org/abstracts-presentations/266782
• https://www.asco.org/abstracts-presentations/262606
• https://www.asco.org/abstracts-presentations/266904
• https://www.asco.org/abstracts-presentations/267846
• https://www.asco.org/abstracts-presentations/266659

Keywords: Myelofibrosis, hematologic malignancies, antibody-drug conjugates, immunotherapy, non-small cell lung cancer, urothelial carcinoma, circulating tumor DNA, biomarker-driven treatment, multiple myeloma, PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors, cancer clinical trials, personalized cancer therapy.

The ACC initiative, established in 2011, represents a multi-million-dollar commitment uniting some of the most influential players in cancer research and drug development. Industry partners span a formidable roster, including AbbVie, Amgen, ARIAD, Celgene, Eli Lilly and Company, Genentech, Gilead, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals. This unique partnership underlines the intensified focus on collaborative innovation necessary to combat cancer’s complex molecular and clinical landscape. The synthesis of academic insight with the drug discovery prowess of industry exemplifies a new paradigm in oncology research.

Opening the symposium, Damon Runyon President and CEO Yung S. Lie, PhD, alongside Damon Runyon Board member and BioNTech’s President of Research and Development Richard B. Gaynor, MD, and Amgen’s Executive Vice President of Research and Development James Bradner, MD, set an ambitious tone. Dr. Bradner, himself an alumnus of the Damon Runyon-Rachleff Innovator program, famously dubbed Damon Runyon a “triple-A team,” emphasizing how the foundation nurtures some of the most courageous and innovative scientific talents entering the biopharmaceutical sector.

The symposium featured several cutting-edge presentations from Damon Runyon-supported scientists, who are delving into the intricacies of cancer genomics and gene expression regulation. Mark Yarmarkovich, PhD, Lucas Farnung, PhD, Mary M. Mullen, MD, and Ziyang Zhang, PhD, each shared advances that aim to delineate the molecular signatures of various cancers to design highly precise, targeted therapies. Their work exemplifies the shift from broad-spectrum chemotherapeutics to tailored interventions that exploit tumor-specific vulnerabilities.

A keynote address delivered by Anna Farago, MD, PhD, Vice President of Early Development in Oncology at Amgen, and Julie Bailis, PhD, a former Damon Runyon Fellow and current Vice President of Oncology Research at Amgen, underscored the essential dialogue between preclinical data and clinical trial findings. Dr. Bailis articulated the tremendous value of iterative feedback loops between bench and bedside, a relationship imperative for refining therapeutic candidates and accelerating their journey through development pipelines.

Further illuminating the challenging landscape of difficult-to-treat malignancies, Damon Runyon investigators Megan A. Morrissey, PhD, Srivatsan Raghavan, MD, PhD, and Jonathan Chou, MD, PhD, discussed innovative approaches in combatting refractory cancers, including pancreatic adenocarcinoma. These types of malignancies, notorious for their resistance to conventional therapies and poor prognosis, demand novel therapeutic paradigms informed by deep mechanistic insights, such as targeting tumor microenvironmental factors or exploiting unique metabolic dependencies.

The afternoon session’s fireside chat, expertly moderated by Catherine Sabatos-Peyton, PhD, CEO of Larkspur Biosciences, brought together top translational oncology leaders—Jennifer Lauchte, MD (Novartis), Alex R. Shoemaker, PhD (AbbVie), and Louis Vermeulen, MD, PhD (Genentech). Their candid discussion highlighted the mechanics of successful collaboration in the drug development arena. Dr. Lauchte stressed the necessity of integrating multidisciplinary teams encompassing clinical trialists, molecular biologists, and medicinal chemists to generate comprehensive insights, avoiding siloed approaches that impede progress.

This symposium exemplifies the tangible benefits when academia and industry synchronize efforts to tackle cancer’s complexity. Dr. Lie and Margaret Faul, PhD, Vice President of Drug Substance Technologies and Site Head of Amgen Massachusetts, concluded the day by emphasizing the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration, noting that the Accelerating Cancer Cures initiative models how such partnerships can spur innovative therapeutic breakthroughs.

The ACC program’s strategy is rooted in empowering early-career clinical investigators by providing them with the funding and collaborative networks necessary to pursue high-risk, high-reward translational research. The iterative, bidirectional communication fostered between scientists, clinicians, and industry experts accelerates the identification of actionable biomarkers, validation of therapeutic targets, and the optimization of drug candidates. The promise of this synergy lies in shortening the timeline from scientific discovery to effective patient treatment.

Underlying the discussions at the symposium is an appreciation for the genomic and proteomic heterogeneity that defines malignancies. The presentations underscored the importance of leveraging next-generation sequencing technologies, CRISPR-based functional genomics, and sophisticated computational biology tools to unravel cancer’s molecular complexity. Such approaches enable the development of precision oncology strategies that account for tumor evolution, microenvironmental influences, and immune evasion mechanisms.

Moreover, the symposium shed light on the growing trend of integrating novel modalities, including bispecific antibodies, cell therapies, and targeted protein degraders in cancer therapeutics. These modalities, often emerging from deep academic research programs, require robust translational frameworks to ensure their effective clinical application. The ACC consortium’s commitment to facilitating these translational bridges is vital for capitalizing on these groundbreaking modalities.

In summary, the 2026 Accelerating Cancer Cures Research Symposium not only highlighted the impressive scientific advances driven by Damon Runyon scientists but also exemplified the power of collaborative ecosystems that unite academic ingenuity with industrial development capacity. With relentless dedication and strategic partnerships, the ambitions to transform cancer from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable condition have never been closer to fruition. This event stands as a beacon of hope and an illustration of how concerted collective efforts can accelerate the delivery of transformative cancer therapies to patients worldwide.

Subject of Research: Translational cancer research focused on accelerating discovery and development of targeted therapies through collaboration between academia and industry.

Article Title: Accelerating Cancer Cures: The 2026 Damon Runyon Symposium Sparks Dynamic Innovation in Oncology Therapeutics

News Publication Date: March 24, 2026

Web References:
– https://www.damonrunyon.org/
– https://www.amgen.com/
– https://www.novartis.com/
– https://www.genentech.com/
– https://www.abbvie.com/

Keywords: cancer genomics, targeted therapies, translational research, clinical innovation, collaboration, Damon Runyon, Accelerating Cancer Cures, oncology, pharmaceutical industry, molecular oncology, precision medicine, drug development

Dr. Boutros will also assume roles as senior vice president of data sciences and professor, continuing his distinguished career trajectory that melds computational biology with clinical insights. Before this appointment, he was a professor at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, with joint appointments in human genetics and urology, and served as interim vice dean for research. His research prowess lies in harnessing artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the computational sciences to decode voluminous, complex datasets inherent in modern oncological studies, which are crucial for designing innovative and predictive cancer research projects.

At the core of Boutros’ scientific inquiry is the integration of diverse datasets — clinical, molecular, and imaging — to personalize cancer therapies. His commitment to identifying precise biomarkers epitomizes a critical shift in oncology: moving beyond one-size-fits-all treatments to precision medicine strategies that maximize therapeutic benefit while minimizing adverse effects. According to Sanford Burnham Prebys CEO David A. Brenner, Dr. Boutros exemplifies pioneering “over-the-horizon thinking,” using rapidly evolving computational methods to tackle previously insurmountable questions in cancer biology and treatment.

Paul Boutros’ academic background underpins his groundbreaking approach. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Waterloo in 2004, followed by a PhD in Medical Biophysics from the University of Toronto in 2008, where he additionally completed an executive MBA. His early research career began at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, where he progressed from fellow to principal investigator. Throughout his career, Boutros has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles and received numerous accolades, including the Dorval Prize by the Canadian Cancer Society, recognizing the top early career investigator nationwide.

The Sanford Burnham Prebys Cancer Center’s mission reflects a focus on fundamental cancer biology and translational studies that drive novel clinical applications. Faculty expertise spans multiple disciplines, including cell biology, immunology, epigenetics, metabolism, aging, and computational science. Collaborations with the Center for Therapeutics Discovery and the Center for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence further augment the center’s capabilities, promoting innovation at the intersection of biological research and computational analysis.

A recent notable example of Boutros’ innovative research leverages AI and computational tools to investigate the interplay between exercise and prostate cancer progression. Prostate cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths among American men, and despite its prevalence, the role of lifestyle interventions like exercise in altering disease trajectory has been poorly quantified under controlled conditions. In a 2024 study published in JAMA Oncology, Boutros and colleagues carried out a decentralized, Phase I controlled trial examining how prescribed treadmill walking impacts biomarkers linked to prostate cancer outcomes.

The trial enrolled 53 previously inactive men aged 47 to 74 with diagnosed prostate cancer, equipping participants nationwide with a home treadmill, smartwatch, iPad, and other health monitoring devices. This infrastructure allowed real-time remote supervision of exercise regimens ranging from 90 to 450 minutes per week. The dual biomarkers assessed were Ki-67, a proliferative index marking the rate of cancer cell division, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), an established marker for prostate cancer risk and progression. Their methodological rigor ensured quantifiable evaluation of exercise dose and corresponding biological impact.

Findings from this pioneering trial revealed that high levels of exercise were safely tolerated and that exercising approximately 225 minutes weekly emerged as the optimal “dose” for mitigating prostate cancer risk, as evidenced by favorable changes in Ki-67 and PSA biomarkers. Lesser durations yielded no significant biomarker change, while more extensive exercise produced only marginally increased benefits. This outcome signals a potential paradigm shift in prostate cancer management, suggesting that precisely prescribed exercise could function as an adjunct therapy, modifiable through computational precision.

Building upon this work, Boutros’ team has initiated a multi-institutional Phase 2 clinical trial, now listed on ClinicalTrials.gov, to compare the progression of prostate cancer in men performing targeted exercise regimens to those following typical activity levels. The integration of wearable technology, real-time data analytics, and personalized exercise prescriptions exemplifies how computational medicine can redefine treatment approaches. This strategy juxtaposes traditional pharmaceutical interventions with novel lifestyle-modification therapies under data-driven oversight.

In sum, Paul Boutros embodies the transformative power of computational biology and data science in oncology. His leadership at Sanford Burnham Prebys is poised to accelerate fundamental discoveries and translation into clinical innovation. By bridging artificial intelligence, big data, and patient-centered trials, Boutros is setting a new standard for combating complex diseases like cancer through integrative, technology-empowered research paradigms. As the landscape of cancer research evolves, computationally driven insights such as these are critical to developing precision oncology that improves outcomes for millions globally.

Subject of Research: Computational Biology and Cancer Research, Exercise Therapy in Prostate Cancer
Article Title: Paul Boutros Appointed Director of Sanford Burnham Prebys Cancer Center, Pioneers Computational Oncology and Exercise Therapy Research
News Publication Date: 2024
Web References:
– National Cancer Institute Cancer Centers: https://www.cancer.gov/research/infrastructure/cancer-centers
– JAMA Oncology Exercise Trial Article: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2821207
– Sanford Burnham Prebys Centers:
– Center for Therapeutics Discovery: https://sbpdiscovery.org/research/centers/center-for-therapeutics-discovery/
– Center for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence: https://sbpdiscovery.org/research/centers/center-for-data-science/
– Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05751434
Image Credits: Sanford Burnham Prebys
Keywords: Cancer, Prostate cancer, Physical exercise, Computational biology, Informatics, Computer science, Machine learning, Artificial intelligence