Discover Groundbreaking Cancer Research: RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute Showcase Innovations at 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting

Groundbreaking Cancer Research at ASCO 2025

Exciting news is coming from New Jersey! Researchers and doctors from RWJBarnabas Health and the Rutgers Cancer Institute are gearing up to share their latest findings at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago, from May 30 to June 3. This event will take place online and promises to showcase innovative cancer research that could change the way we treat patients.

At the meeting, they’ll present 45 studies covering various types of cancer. One key focus is a groundbreaking trial offering psychosocial support for young adults facing cancer, which showed real promise in helping improve mental health and quality of life. Another notable study examines how specific genetic scores can predict treatment outcomes in HER2-positive breast cancer.

Steven K. Libutti, MD, noted that as New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, their work is vital in transforming cancer care. He emphasizes their commitment to tackling cancer comprehensively—from prevention to treatment—and highlights the recent opening of the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, New Jersey’s first freestanding cancer hospital. This center aims to provide the latest treatments and enhance patient-centered care across the region.

This year’s ASCO will include a variety of presentations, including:

• A trial focused on how problem-solving skills training can notably help young adults cope with depression and anxiety after receiving a cancer diagnosis.
• A national study revealing that living in so-called “food deserts” or areas lacking clinical trials significantly lowers participation in clinical studies for breast cancer.
• Results from advanced treatment protocols in breast cancer that demonstrate the effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapies.
• A study showing that requiring biopsies in early-stage trials might discourage patient participation due to delays in treatment initiation.
• A detailed look at the survival rates of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, revealing outcomes comparable to standard therapies.
• A groundbreaking analysis of over 13,000 patients with unknown primary cancer that found nearly 30% had targetable genetic mutations easily identified through liquid biopsies, which could reshape treatment plans.

These studies reflect the changing landscape of oncology, as experts increasingly recognize the importance of personalized care. For instance, the increasing adoption of genetic testing has enabled more tailored treatment approaches, improving outcomes for patients in various demographics.

Check out the full list of presentations for ASCO 2025 here.

About Rutgers Cancer Institute

Rutgers Cancer Institute, partnering with RWJBarnabas Health, brings the latest advancements in cancer treatment to patients in New Jersey, offering cutting-edge options like CAR T-cell therapy, proton therapy, and more. They are at the forefront of clinical trials, ensuring patients have access to innovative treatments not widely available elsewhere.

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