#ASCO26 The Primary Surgery vs NACT Debate

Today I will share information from the #ASCO26  session Let's Debate: Surgery Versus NACT in Advanced Ovarian Cancer , May 31, 2026 with  Dr Mahner- Surgery  and Dr Olawaiye NACT and Dr Bixel distilling the information. 

I posted this to X the day I viewed the session.   

On Demand #ASCO26 Let's Debate: Surgery Versus NACT in Adv OC 5/31
Dr Mahner- Surgery Dr Olawaiye NACT
I wish I was in the room for this debate! Dr Bixel did an excellent job highlighting patient qualities when making the decision whether to use Surg or NACT. #gyncsm pic.twitter.com/DnP5rr2T9Q

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) June 1, 2026

 

Let me share a few other slides from the debate. 

 Dr Mahner shared information about the TRUST and other trials and then looked at real world data regarding surgery and NACT to reach his conclusion that primary surgery is preferred when certain conditions exist. 

Then Dr Olawaiye spoke about NACT - neoadjuvant chemotherapy in late stage ovarian cancer and reached this conclusion to support his position. 

 

Dr Bixel distilled  the data presented during the debate. She spoke of the use of different scoring methods to predict whether surgery was appropriate or not ( Peritoneal Cancer Index and Fagotti Score / Predictive Index Value) and then drew her conclusions. 

 

(There is an article by Dr Bixel in the ASCO Education Book  - https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/EDBK-26-520652   - give a read for more details. )

The Key take away for me was:  

Shared decision making is key! Patient Factors ( frailty, co-morbidities etc)  and amount and location of disease must be discussed with patients. This way each patient is receiving the best treatment for their circumstances.  

Dee

Every Day is a Blessing! 

Review of #ASCO26 - Gyn Cancer Oral Abstract Sessions, May 29th sessions

I did not attend ASCO in person this year but rather I watched sessions live.  When not available live I watched session On Demand the next day.  I continued the tradition I started when I attended meetings in person.  I posted on X (Twitter) summarizing and sharing slides from the presentations. 

The Oral Abstract Session for Gynecologic Cancers was held on Friday, May 29th. My focus what on ovarian cancer treatment research. ( Although there is one endometrial trial in this post) 

 Endometrial Cancer: Ruby Trial Dostarlimab + Chemo Abs 5501

Virtual #ASCO26 Day 1 GYN Oral abstracts long-term survival rates dostarlimab + chemotherapy (dMMR/MSI-H) endometrial cancer in RUBY trial. Matthew A. Powell, MD #gyncsm
OS benefit 16 months | Mixed cure model estimate used in study pic.twitter.com/ofZVX3nMti

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) May 29, 2026

 Ovarian Cancer  NRG GY018  Abs 5502

Virtual Day 1 #ASCO26 Gyn Oral abstracts #gyncsm 5502 OS analysis pembrolizumab plus carboplatin/paclitaxel (CP) as compared to CP plus placebo (PBO) in the NRG-GY018 trial , FDA approval received for EC pic.twitter.com/aYWN5H6KlG

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) May 29, 2026

Ovarian Cancer ROSELLA trial  Abs 5503

Gyn oral abstracts #ASCO26 #gyncsm
OS analyses for prior taxane use in the phase 3 ROSELLA trial of relacorilant plus nab-paclitaxel versus nab-paclitaxel monotherapy in patients OC (GOG-3073)
*Prior taxane use did not reduce effect of relacorilant, No relacorilant fatal AE's. pic.twitter.com/NxvrTN1WfQ

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) May 29, 2026

 Late Breaking Abstract CHIPRO  LBA 5504

Gyn oral ab #ASCO26 #gyncsm A phase III CHIPRO study of chiauranib ( Aurora B Kinase inhibitor) plus weekly paclitaxel for platinum-resistant / refractory ovarian cancer. LBA5504
PFS 4.57 mo , OS no significant difference between arms, most AE's hematological pic.twitter.com/c3UHujM7Ae

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) May 29, 2026

 Ovarian Cancer CHRONO Abs 5505

#ASCO26 Gyn Oral Abstracts #gyncsm CHRONO: A randomized ph II trial of the chronology of surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. ( 3 cycles of chemo then surgery vs 6 cycles chemo then surgery.) 10% each arm HIPEC. QOL no significant difference pic.twitter.com/LG7TvyQOS7

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) May 29, 2026

 

Distillation of these studies : 

#ASCO26 #gyncsm Distillation Rosella / Chipro and Chrono Dr Fuh pic.twitter.com/iDr5CQbmRR

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) May 29, 2026

Ovarian Cancer Phase 2 MIRV trial Abs 5506

#ASCO26 #gyncsm Gyn Onc Oral Abstracts
5506 A randomized phase II trial of mirvetuximab soravtansine in folate receptor alpha (FRα)–high recurrent OC eligible for platinum-based chemotherapy (MIROVA/AGO-OVAR 2.34). Higher response rate did not translate to prolonged PFS pic.twitter.com/nB1tXrCzmc

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) May 29, 2026

 

I'll post over the next few days other ASCO sessions including - Rapid Oral Abstracts, Surgery vs NACT, and the Poster Session. 

Dee

Every Day is a Blessing!  

Looking Forward to #ASCO26

This year's ASCO Annual Meeting runs from May 29 - June 2, 2026 in Chicago. The theme this year is "The Science and Practice of Translation:Improving Cancer Outcomes Worldwide". 

I will be attending virtually, so I know I will experience FOMO when I see the postings by other cancer advocates on social media. I will not miss the long walks to get to sessions in the various buildings at McCormick. But I will miss meeting up with other cancer advocates in the ASCO Advocate Lounge and interacting with gyn cancer researchers who through the years have become friends. 

There are a few new ASCO Voices that I look forward to following this year on X including @DrBarbiOnc, @NazliDizman ,  @Ramila, @YGaritaonaindia  and @DrSAHAddad. I recommend you follow them too, 

I recently planned my attendance to focus on ovarian cancer session. 

Friday May 29  

Gyn Cancer Oral Abstracts 3:45-4:45 (ET)  Livestream 

Sat May 30 

Gyn Cancer Rapid Oral abstract Session 9am (ET)

Opening Session  Livestream 

ctDNA in Clinical Practice 9am Livestream

Rare Gyn Cancers 5:45 

Antibody Drug Conjugates 5:45 Livestream 

Sun May 31 

Let's Debate: Upfront Surgery Versus Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Advanced Ovarian Cancer

State of the Art: Therapeutic Strategies on the Horizon for Gynecologic Malignancies

Monday June 1 

New Horizons for Hereditary Cancer Syndromes  

Gyn Cancer Poster session  ( posters available day of session) 

 

I'm ready to listen and learn. 

If you are attending in person please use the #gyncsm hashtag in your social media posts. I'll be posting highlights from the meeting following ASCO. 

 

Dee Sparacio

Every Day is a Blessing! 

 

 

 

Why Do You Write?

I just read a post Tiny Stories: Why I Write by my friend, Marie Ennis-O'Connor  She wrote her piece because of a prompt suggested by Linda Caroll  https://substack.com/home/post/p-189895052 to write a tiny story no greater than 250 words. 

Here is my response to that same prompt. 

I write because back in 2005 I was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer. And I felt alone. I had surgery , chemotherapy, and countless scans and tests. I spoke on the phone to one survivor of  ovarian cancer during my treatment. It was almost a year later until I met in person a survivor of ovarian cancer. 

At first when asked to share my story I said no.  

Then my gynecologic oncologist shared information about the LiveSTRONG Summit with me. I was lucky to be chosen to attend. I came home feeling energized and ready to share my story and advocate for a screening test for ovarian cancer. 

In December of 2007, I started writing this blog. I  shared how it felt to be a survivor of a cancer that I had only a 30% chance of surviving 5 years. I talked about research. When I had a recurrence I shared the good and the bad - the surgery, loosing my hair again,  the severe allergic reaction to carboplatin and the neuropathy.  I wrote to share information about ovarian cancer with women in my state and the world. Through this blog, I  met women  and their caregivers in the US, UK and Canada through this blog. 

By writing , I no longer felt alone. But even better than how I felt,  I knew I was reaching other women and supporting them. 

It is now nineteen years and I am still writing and making connections and feeling a part of a larger community and I am still advocating for research to develop a screening test for OC. 

Dee

Every day is a blessing! 

#GCAM Diagnosis and Types and Stages of Ovarian Cancer

I spoke about how there are symptoms of ovarian cancer( gloating, freq urination etc) in my previous post. What happens when you go to your gynecologist or primary care physician with these symptoms? Your doctor may image your pelvis with an ultrasound. If something is abnormal you may have a CT or MRI. You also may have a blood test for a protein in the blood called CA-125. The marker is raised in most serous ovarian cancers ( I'll discuss the types a little later in the post) but it may not be elevated  in other types . It can  also be elevated if the women is still menstruating which is why the CA-125 is not used as a screening test for ovarian cancer. The Foundation for Women's Cancer has an informative book on CA-125 ( https://foundationforwomenscancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/FWC_CA-125-Levels-Your-Guide.pdf )

If these test come back abnormal it is important to see a specially trained gynecologic oncologist. Studies show that survival rates for women treated by a gyn onc are higher than those who have treatment.   

Staging OC 

It is important to know if the cancer has spread from the ovaries to other areas of the pelvis or abdomen. Two organizations the  International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics and the AJCC  (American Joint Committee on Cancer) have systems for staging called the FIGO and TNM staging systems.  Both look at the size of tumors,  Lymph node involvement and spread beyond the ovaries. 

The stage is determined by the amount of spread and size of  tumors. 

 Below is a diagram of the stages from FWC. 

 Types of OC 

 The most common type of ovarian cancer ( 85%) is Epithelial ovarian cancer. The develop on the Fallopian tubes or on the surface cells of the ovaries. These epithelial cancers can be from mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Epithelial ovarian cancer can be high grade or low grade. Knowing the difference provided information to develop the best treatment. There are a number of histological ( structure at the cell level) subtypes of epithelial ovarian carcinomas :

Serous - most common type may be high grade or low grade 

Endometriod 

Clear Cell

Mucinous

Transitional Cell  

 

Germ cell cancers make up about 5% of OC diagnosis. Germ cell cancers start in cells that are found in the follicles or eggs in the ovary. Usually adolescents or young women develop this disease.   

Teratoma

Dysgerminoma

Immature Teratoma

Yolk Sac tumors 

Mix germ cell tumors 

Sex cord- Stromal Cell Cancers develop in the cells that produce female hormones ( such as estrogen). 

It is important when treating ovarian cancers that information about the histology, molecular structures and morphology be considered. 

 

Next week I'll share resources on Treatments. 

 

 

Dee

Every Day is a Blessing!  

  

 

Sources https://foundationforwomenscancer.org/gynecologic-cancers/gynecologic-cancer-types/ovarian-cancer-primary-peritoneal/ 

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/ovarian-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/staging.html

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8774015/ 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6186-ovarian-germ-cell-tumors 

https://www.mskcc.org/pediatrics/cancer-care/types/germ-cell-tumors-sex-cord-tumors

Cancer Research That Caught my Eye

Two emails, I received from the NCI this week contained studies that caught my eye.  

Aged and BRCA mutated stromal cells drive epithelial cell transformation

https://aacrjournals.org/cancerdiscovery/article/doi/10.1158/2159-8290.CD-24-0805/754132/Aged-and-BRCA-mutated-stromal-cells-drive 

https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2025/ovarian-cancer-stic-high-risk-mscs?cid=eb_govdel

We now know that precancerous growths called serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) lesions in the fallopian tube lead to high grade serous ovarian cancer. This study found STIC lesions in the ovary develop with the aid of a specific type of stem cell called high-risk mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The MSCs are found in the stroma ( tissue ) under the STIC lesions. When researchers inserted MSC's and healthy fallopian tube tissue into mice the mice developed ovarian cancer. It appears from this study that there is involvement of MSCs in the development of ovarian cancer although more research will need to be done. 

Expanding Research on Dormant Cancer Cells Aims to Prevent Metastasis  

 

https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2025/metastasis-dormant-cancer-cells-immune-system?cid=eb_govdel_cancerinfo 

 

I often wonder why some people can go years after a cancer diagnosis and treatment before a recurrence occurs. Could it be that cells go dormant? Then what activates them to grow? This article looked at the latest dormant cancer cell research. Both of these studies used breast cancer mouse models.

The first study mentioned in the article discusses how breast cancer cells that migrated to the lungs stay dormant due to immune cells. Alveolar macrophages express transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 and along with macrophage-cancer cell interactions via the TGF-βRIII receptor keep the cancer cells in a dormant state. ( https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39378878/). 

A second study used three mouse models. It was found that Natural killer (NK) cells was required to keep the breast cancer cells dormant. The dormant cells resemble cancer stem cells. (https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/84/20/3337/749081/Natural-Killer-Cell-Regulation-of-Breast-Cancer) 

I know of ovarian cancer (OC) survivors who recurred more than 10 years after their initial diagnosis. It makes me wonder if there are dormant OC cells in the pelvis and abdomen long after treatment who are kept in check by immune cells. Could the work currently being done on the tumor microenvironment help us understand if there is an OC stem cell kept in check by our own immune system. 

 

Dee

Every Day is a Blessing!

 

 

 

Words That Changed My Life

Nineteen years ago today I heard the words, "I'm sorry Dee you have stage 3 B ovarian cancer and I will do everything to make you well." I would not be writing this blog if not for my diagnosis. What path would my life have taken if I had not heard those words? I will never know.

On this cancerversary, I am ever grateful to the two women gynecologic oncologists who brought me through two of the toughest moments of my life - my cancer diagnosis and my recurrence. Thank you Dr Lorna Rodriguez  and Dr Darlene Gibbon for your surgical skills, for offering me a clinical trial on initial diagnosis and for prompting me to apply to attend the LiveStrong Survivors Summit in 2006. Yes, all the advocacy work I have been able to accomplish is all because of these two amazing physicians. Their support through the years has been invaluable to me. 

I am thankful too for the wonderful advance practice nurses, infusion nurses and the pharmacists at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. They listened to my concerns, answered my questions and comforted me when I was anxious. 

When I was initially diagnosed I was tested for mutations in the BRCA 1 and 2 genes. Today we know that BRCA mutations cause 10% of the ovarian cancer diagnosed. Just this year, a study in Nature  titled Identification of potentially actionable genetic variants in epithelial ovarian cancer: a retrospective cohort study included this table of other mutations associated with ovarian cancer. 

Look at how extensive that list is today! We know so much more about risk factors and the mutations that cause ovarian cancer. Researchers have given me hope as they report at SGO and ASCO meetings  progress on the development of novel treatments that have led to FDA approvals the drugs bevacizumab, parp inhibitors and antibody drug conjugates for Folate receptor alpha + expressing tumors.

While my life has changed in so many ways, one thing has remained the same after nineteen years.  There is NO screening test for ovarian cancer. There have been many good efforts but not one test has turned out to be specific and sensitive enough to detect ovarian cancer. We have more work to do but I know the dedicated ovarian cancer researchers I have met through the years will continue working to find a test and therapies to extend life. 

Here's to seeing what the future will bring for me and all women diagnosed with ovarian cancer!

Dee

Every Day is a Blessing!

Saturday at #ASCO24 - Science, Opening Session and My Social Media Panel Presentation

Over the next few days I will share my experience at #ASCO24 , the science I learned , amazing people I spoke to and of course my presentation on social media. 

Late in the day on Friday,  I finally got to McCormick Place. The traffic from the airport was dreadful but I arrived in time to pick up my badge from the Faculty Lounge. Then I headed to my favorite sushi place - Nui Sushi for dinner.

Rapid Oral Abstract Session Highlights. (I missed some sessions as I had scheduled a time to practice my presentation. )

Ovarian Cancer: AXL expression can be used as a biomarker in OC. Those with high AXL expression had improved PFS and OS when treated with Bateraxcept in combo with taxol.

Rapid Oral abstracts #gyncsm #ASCO24
AXLerate-OC GOG 3059 Ph 3 , Dr Fuh batiraxcept AVB -S6-500 w/ paclitaxel in plat recurrent OC AXL expressed in OC. pic.twitter.com/FR8cqbaRYC

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) June 1, 2024

Ovarian Cancer: Use of suvemcitug, an anti-VEGF drug with chemo,  met PFS goal 5.49 months vs placebo at 2.73 months.

Rapid oral abstract #gyncsm #ASCO24 Ph 3 suvemcitug anti-VEGF with chemo, common AE’s met primary end pt pic.twitter.com/mpvDwNAofO

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) June 1, 2024

Ovarian , Fallopian, Peritoneal Cancers: Oral cyclophosphamide can be used together- Objective response rate 40%

#gyncsm #ASCO24 Dr Eyada oral cyclophosphamide and Bev in recurrent OC , fallopian tube or peritoneal , retro study pic.twitter.com/MEOzbRgCUv

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) June 1, 2024

President's Speech and Invited Speakers

Dr Lynn Schuchter,President of ASCO, inspiring speech.  

We will continue to fight cancer all over the world! ASCO president DR Schucter YES! #ASCO24 #gyncsm pic.twitter.com/uIp3kgY7tg

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) June 1, 2024

Jonathan Carlson, Microsoft Health Futures, spoke on AI use in medicine

#ASCO24 Jonathan Carlson speaking about General AI in Medicine #gyncsm pic.twitter.com/RkAxWriruA

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) June 1, 2024

Challenges are ecosystem challenges .
AI can demystify medicine for patients .
Adopt AI for oncology radiology images Carlson #ASCO24 #gyncsm pic.twitter.com/6KiWJ1VETM

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) June 1, 2024

Abraham Verghese , Stanford spoke next relating to the meeting theme Art and Science

“Covenant of Water” Author and physician sharing stories highlighting Curing vs healing. A Med exam can be transforming - it can seal a patient- physician relationship.
Listen to the patient story! #ASCO24 #gyncsm pic.twitter.com/pgC7GS8L57

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) June 1, 2024

Dr Rathmell , NCI Director
Make trials more accessible. #ASCO24 #gyncsm pic.twitter.com/nNxXZXorFh

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) June 1, 2024

Clinical Science Symposium Novel combinations across the gyn cancer spectrum

Ovarian Cancer combinations:

#gyncsm #ASCO24
Novel combos for gyn cancers Dr Matulonis
There are successful combos.
ATR inhibitors +PARP , being tested ; olaparib and PI3K as did not see superiority pic.twitter.com/f6LtzNgV91

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) June 1, 2024

Cervical Cancer mTOR inhibitors

#ASCO24 #gyncsm Dr Li
mTOR inhibitor Onatasertib &toripalimab - checkpoint inhibitor in cervical cancer pic.twitter.com/ixSqT9D4Yc

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) June 1, 2024

Ovarian Cancer - overcoming PARP resistance , HRD status did not impact response

#ASCO24 #gyncsm Dr Simpkin CAPRI study ATRi and PARPi combo to overcome PARP resistance in HGSOC strong preclinical synergy, cohort A results ORR at 49%, AE’s anemia , nausea , fatigue - Dose reduced in 40% of patients
Combo exhibited response irrespective of HRD stat pic.twitter.com/AVj2VrdJTM

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) June 1, 2024

A review of combos:

#ASCO24 #gyncsm review of combos vs std of care by Dr Banerjee pic.twitter.com/NLVHdoig3L

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) June 1, 2024

Endometrial cancers CTK4 inhibitors 

#ASCO24 #UCAM #gyncsm
Dr Green endometrial ca incidence rising 1% a yr. CDK4 elevated in Endo ca, study abemacilib + fulvestrant ORR 44% , PFS 9.0 months , AEs neutropenia, anemia, diarrhea , responses in endometriod , copy # low had durable responses pic.twitter.com/W2eFSV4I1v

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) June 1, 2024

Future Endometrial Cancer work

Dr Cobb review of endometrial cancers future work (borrowing from BC) in subgroups of Endometrial cancers - CDK 4/6 etc pic.twitter.com/SYvTnPRyqE

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) June 1, 2024

I finished the day participating in a panel with Dr Gil Morgan and Dr Gil Lopez  on Harnessing the Power of Social Media. What an honor! Below are a few tweets from the audience. Dr Morgan spoke on using social media to improve global oncology and the The OncoAlert Consortium. Dr Lopez spoke on using social media to advance research and professional development. I spoke on social media to educate patients with cancer and clinicians.

Dee Sparacio @womenofteal flanked by the two Gils (Gil-squared) presents #patientadvocacy as a #ovca survivor using #SoMe to unite other patients and engage clinicians to improve awareness, advocacy and positively improve outcomes. #ASCO24 @stage4kelly pic.twitter.com/7moR2nwUHn

— Dr Joseph McCollom DO (@realbowtiedoc) June 1, 2024

Rockstar #gyncsm advocate (and @AdvocateCollab member) @womenofteal taking the stage after "Gil squared" presos (@weoncologists and @GlopesMd) to share how patients & advocates use social media: education, support, advocacy, and interaction with clinicians/researchers #ASCO24 pic.twitter.com/N8vIL1gTNS

— Stacey Tinianov (she/her) MPH, BCPA (@coffeemommy) June 1, 2024

@womenofteal discussing the birth of #gynCSM and important work and research at #ASCO24

Trying this again with correct hashtag! pic.twitter.com/v8tTFqLDYn

— Annie Ellis (@Stigetta) June 1, 2024

Check back to read posts highlighting Sunday's Session and the connections I made at ASCO with researchers, clinicians and other advocates. 

Dee

Every Day is a Blessing!

Gynecologic Cancer Sessions at #ASCO24

 

From May 31st to June 4th the ASCO Annual Meeting will be held in Chicago. The theme this year is The Art and Science of Cancer Care: From Comfort to Cure. This meeting brings to McCormick Place more than 30,000 oncologists, researchers, allied science professionals and patient advocates from around the world.

I will be attending in person and posting/tweeting to X from various sessions using the #gyncsm and #ASCO24 hashtags.

The complete program may be found at  https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.oncologymeetings.org/prod/s3fs-public/2024-05/AM24-Program.pdf )

Below  is a list of the Gynecologic Cancer sessions ( Scientific & Education).

Saturday June 1, 2024 

8am Rapid Oral Abstract Session  E-451   

I  can't wait to hear more about:

Abstract 5518: Relationship of cancer stem cell
functional assay and objective response rate of patients
with recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer in a
randomized trial.

Abstract 5520: Secondary cytoreduction followed by
chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone in platinum-
sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer (SOC-1): A final overall
survival analysis of a multicenter, open-label, randomized,
phase 3 trial.

1:15pm Clinical Science Symposium -  Stronger Together: Novel Combinations Across the
Gynecologic Cancer Spectrum , E-451 

I  can't wait to hear more about:

Abstract 5509, A phase 1/2 study of the TORC1/2 inhibitor onatasertib combined with toripalimab in patient with advanced solid tumors: Cervical cancer cohort.

Abstract 5510, Combination ATR and PARP Inhibitor(CAPRI): A phase 2 study of ceralasertib plus olaparib in patients with recurrent, platinum-sensitive epithelial
ovarian cancer (cohort A).

Abstract 5511, A phase II study of fulvestrant and abemaciclib in hormone receptor positive advanced or
recurrent endometrial cancer.

Sunday June 2, 2024 

8:00am Oral Abstracts Hall D-2

 I  can't wait to hear more about:

Abstract LBA5500: Final results of BrUOG 354: A
randomized phase II trial of nivolumab alone or in
combination with ipilimumab for people with ovarian and
other extra-renal clear cell carcinomas.

Abstract LBA5501: Atezolizumab versus placebo in
combination with bevacizumab and non-platinum-based
chemotherapy in recurrent ovarian cancer: Final overall
and progression-free survival results from the AGO-OVAR
2.29/ENGOT-ov34 study.

Abstract 5502: Vibostolimab coformulated with
pembrolizumab (vibo/pembro) for previously treated
advanced mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR) endometrial
cancer: Results from cohort B1 of the phase 2
KEYVIBE-005 study.

Abstract 5503: Trends in phase 3 gynecological
clinical trials of targeted therapies: Study oversight and
pharmaceutical involvement in the past 12 years.

Abstract 5507: Endometrial cancer and obesity trends in
the United States in the 21st century.
First Author: Alex Andrea Francoeur, MD

 

Case Based Panel Optimizing the Therapy Sequence in High-risk Endometrial Cancer - E451a (11:30am -12:30pm CT  )  

Molecular analysis, patient guidance and clinical trial perspective for Endometrial cancer will be discussed.

 

Education Session - Exploring the Uncommon: What's New in Rare Gyn Cancers  

Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer, Melanoma of the Gynecologic Tract, and Neuroendocrine Gynecologic Cancer will be discussed. 

Monday June 3 ,2024

9am Poster Session Hall A 

Posters by Topic
Biologic Correlates: Board(s) 392-396
Cervical Cancer: Board(s) 397-413, 492a-493b
Ovarian Cancer: Board(s) 414-458, 494a-500b
Uterine Cancer: Board(s) 459-488, 501a-503a
Other Gynecologic Cancer: Board(s) 489-491, 503b

Poster sessions provide the opportunity to speak directly to researchers about their research results and to learn about early phase research.  With well over 100 posters in the gyn cancer category,  I will concentrate on ovarian cancer posters. Here are a few that piqued my interest.

 

Abstract TPS5635: A randomized, multicenter, open-
label phase III trial of hyperthermic intraperitoneal
chemotherapy in platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian
cancer (KOV-HIPEC-02). #396

Abstract 5544: Tumor-informed ctDNA as an objective
marker for postoperative residual disease in epithelial
ovarian cancer. #415

Abstract 5546: Differences in physical and emotional
distress amongst patients undergoing neoadjuvant
chemotherapy versus surgery for advanced ovarian
cancer: Patient-reported outcomes at diagnosis. #417

Abstract 5547: Use of cell-free DNA from ascites to
identify variants and tumour evolution in a cohort of
patients with advanced ovarian cancer #418

Abstract 5551: The efficacy and safety of RC88 in
patients with ovarian cancer, non-squamous-non-small-
cell lung-carcinoma and cervical cancer: Results from a
first-in-human phase 1/2  #422

Abstract 5553: Evaluation of a novel extracellular
vesicle (EV) based ovarian cancer (OC) screening test in
asymptomatic postmenopausal women #424

Abstract 5563: The BEV1L study: Do real-world
outcomes associated with the addition of bevacizumab
to first-line chemotherapy in patients with ovarian cancer
reinforce clinical trial findings? #434

Abstract 5573: Feasibility of using the handheld MasSpec
pen technology for intraoperative identification of ovarian
cancer during tumor reductive surgery. #444

Abstract 5578: Artificial intelligence to predict
homologous recombination deficiency in ovarian cancer
from whole-slide histopathological images. #449

Abstract 5585: Germline genetic profiles of women with
ovarian malignancies: A Myriad Collaborative Research
Registry study. #456

Abstract TPS5625: REJOICE-Ovarian01: A phase 2/3
study of raludotatug deruxtecan (R-DXd) in patients with
platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (OVC). #494a

Abstract TPS5635: A randomized, multicenter, open-
label phase III trial of hyperthermic intraperitoneal
chemotherapy in platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian
cancer (KOV-HIPEC-02). #499a

1:15-2:30pm  Education Session:  State of the Art in Gyn Cancer :New Drugs and Companion Diagnostics S 100a   

Immunotherapy, Anti-body drug conjugates and PARP inhibitors will be discussed

3:00-4:15 pm Educations Session: Controversies in the Surgical Management of Gyn Cancer :Balancing the Decision to Operate or Hesitate E450b 

Challenges in gynecologic cancer Surgery, minimally Invasive for fertility-sparing Treatment , and the timing of debulking surgery will be discussed.

Although not specific to gyn cancers, this session on June 3rd is another one I will try to add to my schedule or watch after the meeting.

9:45 AM-11:00 AM Education Session
Solving Decades of Drug Shortages in Oncology: What, Who,
and When?
Location: S100a 

Lastly, In addition to sharing on X presenations from the meeting I will be presenting during the Harnessing the Power of Social Media: Elevating Global Oncology Practice, Research, and Education education session on June 1, 2024 (3-4pm CT) . The topic of my presentation is Social Media as an Educational Tool for Patients and Clinicians. I am so excited that I will get to meet Drs Gil Morgan  and Gilberto Lopez, the other panelist in person . I have followed them for years on Twitter and respect the work they have done on social media.  I hope to see you in room S402!

 I look forward to taking a stroll through the Exhibit hall and  spending time in the Patient Advocate Lounge meeting with other advocates.  I want to give a special shout out to Jill Feldman, Lung Cancer Patient and Advocate on her Patient Advocate Award!   Congratulations, Jill !

If you are attending ASCO which sessions are on your "can't miss" list? 

See you in Chicago!

 

Dee

Every Day is a Blessing

 

 

2024 SGO Annual Meeting Saturday March 16th Session Review

 

I virtually attended five sessions on day one of the SGO Annual Meeting -  the Opening Ceremony, News We Can All use (Plenary), Moving the Needle (Plenary), Science to Drive Purpose(Plenary)  and Together We Tackle Cancer Rapid Fire Poster Sessions. (Saturday March 16,2024.)

Please be patient while reading this post since it may take some time for all the X posts and photos to download. 

I'm going to start this post by giving a shout out to the patients and advocates involved in presenting on Saturday.  Check out Susan, Linda, Shawn and Jennifer!

#SGOMtg #gyncsm
Way to go Susan! Yet another survivor/patient advocate presenting. https://t.co/xdhrKoxsgh

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

#gyncsm And we have another amazing survivor advocate Linda Ryan speaking at the #SGOmtg . Great job Linda! https://t.co/ySh3vXiidz

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 17, 2024

Shawn Smith @Ecana speaking- need to close diversity gap. All pts should have access to immunotherapy medicines given great progress for#endometrialcancer @sgo ⁦@GOG⁩ @gyncsm ⁦⁦@IGCSociety⁩ ⁦@NRGonc⁩ ⁦@ASCO⁩ #PowerofSharedPurpose pic.twitter.com/G6eTEhyn04

— Bhavana Pothuri (@BPothuri) March 16, 2024

Patient Perspective on Tisotumab Vedotin
Grateful Jennifer Clark could share her experience with TV during the Plenary session.
She celebrated so many milestones after her treatment-
Thanks to the research being done by @SGO_org members! #gyncsm #SGOmtg pic.twitter.com/jWE2gcHmY6

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

Here are just a few of the 60 tweets & retweets I shared during the Saturday meeting.  

Endometrial Cancer

"Overall survival among patients w/ primary adv or recurrent endometrial cancer treated w/ dostarlimab + chemo in the ENGOT-EN6-NSGO/GOG-3031/RUBY Trial" Dr Powell: 31% improvement in survival , 16.4 month improvement in median survival, safety maintained #SGOmtg #gyncsm pic.twitter.com/aHu4ioYVOK

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

OS & PFS by PD-L1 status in Endometrial Cancer (EC) patients (pts) treated with pembrolizumab plus carboplatin/paclitaxel (CP) as compared to CP plus placebo (PBO) in the NRG GY018 trial, Dr Eskander

Pembro improved PFS #gyncsm #SGOmtg pic.twitter.com/KzUU4nU5ik

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

Dostarlimab + chemotherapy followed by dostarlimab plus niraparib maintenance therapy in patients w/ primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer in the ENGOT-EN6-NSGO/GOG-3031/RUBY trial, Dr Mirza
Potential role of PARP maintenance MMR proficient disease
#SGOmtg #gyncsm pic.twitter.com/aMvYRfplnI

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

Ovarian Cancer 

Raludotatug deruxtecan (R-DXd) monotherapy in patients w prev treated ovarian cancer : subgroup analysis of a first-in-human ph 1 study #gyncsm #SGOmtg
Pre treated OC , R-DX-d is Antibody drug conjugate ,AE low gr GI, med DOR 11.2 , med PFS 8 months.
New Trial enrolling! pic.twitter.com/4jqKGOitWh

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

Second very promising #ADC in platinum resistant #ovariancancer of R-Dxd with impressive 49% ORR and 97% DCR but WOW an impressive 6wks to response with duration of 11months!!!! REJOICE confirmatory trial is next! #SGOmtg @SGO_org #gyncsm pic.twitter.com/yksLUDx7uZ

— Dr.Monica Avila (@MAvilaMD) March 16, 2024

HER -2 Expressing Tumors 

Efficacy &safety of trastuzumab deruxtecan in patients with HER2-expressing solid tumors: biomarker and subgroup analyses from the cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer cohorts of the DESTINY-PanTumor02 study Dr Makker Small numbers of patients 1/2 #gyncsm #SGOmtg pic.twitter.com/IeTS4kDN3T

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

Cervical Cancer

Pembrolizumab plus chemoradiotherapy for high-risk locally advanced cervical cancer: A randomized, double-blind, phase 3 ENGOT-cx11/GOG-3047/KEYNOTE-A18 study Dr Duska #gyncsm #SGOMtg
1st interim analysis 1/2 pic.twitter.com/wXbmw5LF6F

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

Efficacy and Safety of Tisotumab Vedotin Versus Investigator's Choice of Chemo in 2L or 3L Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer (innovaTV 301/ENGOT-cx12/GOG-3057): Dr @GynCancerMD #gyncsm #SGOmtg
ADC treatment, Improvement in OS 11.5mo TV vs 9.5 mo chemo, Imp efficacy pic.twitter.com/hgRYRSReK7

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

Ovarian Cancer 

Interim Post-Progression Data and Updated Survival in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Advanced Ovarian Cancer in ATHENA-MONO Kristeleit
3 yrs follow-up Rucaparib benefit extends beyond completion of treatment #gyncsm #SGOmtg pic.twitter.com/TVeDN06kMi

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

Patient-Reported Outcome Results from Phase III MIRASOL Trial of mirvetuximab soravtansine vs. Investigator’s Choice of Chemo in FRα Positive Platinum-resistant OC Dr Konecny #gyncsm #SGOmtg 1/2 pic.twitter.com/2qovsbfTEK

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

Efficacy/ safety of alpelisib + olaparib versus chemotherapy among patients with platinum-resistant or refractory high-grade serous ovarian cancer without BRCA mutation: Primary analysis of the EPIK-O trial Dr Konstantinopoulos
Did not meet primary endpt PFS ,#gyncsm #SGOmtg pic.twitter.com/CuWQxOHGhF

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

A phase II/III study of cediranib & olaparib combo compared to cediranib or olaparib alone or standard of care chemotherapy, in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (NRG-GY005) Dr Lee #gyncsm #SGOmtg All oral drugs, No difference in PFS, OS between arms. pic.twitter.com/Do1sBwEhUE

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

Repair Assisted Damage Detection (RADD) as a potential predictive biomarker for immunotherapy response in ovarian cancer Dr Rocconi #SGOmtg #gyncsm pic.twitter.com/sCUMJmShZB

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

Prognostic implications of minimal residual disease detection by second look laparoscopy and circulating tumor DNA in patients with ovarian cancer after frontline therapy Dr. Knisely, MRD may be used prognostic, SLL vs ctDNA #gyncsm #SGOmtg pic.twitter.com/Z7z9aHY7kA

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

Endometrial Cancer

Translational biomarkers of response to Enzalutamide in #endometrialcancer presented by @AnilSoodMD @MDAndersonNews #SGOMtg pic.twitter.com/8MBSB9p8qU

— Nicole D. Fleming MD (@nicoleflemingmd) March 16, 2024

TROP-2 #ADC Sacituzumab in phase II EVER trial from China shows impressive ORR of 50%-No CRs unlike Tidvak (Tissue factor ADC) but PR of 50% vs 24% in TV and comparable DOR 9 vs 8mo in TV. Hmmmm... how to choose if these become available globally #SGOMtg #gyncsm pic.twitter.com/4gSA3rrs2i

— Dr.Monica Avila (@MAvilaMD) March 16, 2024

Ovarian Cancer

Final OS Data- Ph 2 Study of Relacorilant, a Selective Glucocorticoid Receptor Modulator, in Combo W/Nab-Paclitaxel in Patients W/ Recurrent Plat-Resistant OC Relacorilant shown to restore chemosensitivity,chance of survival at 24 mo more than double
Dr Colombo #gyncsm #SGOmtg pic.twitter.com/sEniPGXt4O

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

Fuzuloparib as maintenance therapy in patients with advanced ovarian cancer after a response to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy: results from a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial
Dr Wu #gyncsm #SGOMtg Increase PFS in newly dx OC regardless of BRCA status pic.twitter.com/0uPwhkFpnJ

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

Rapid Fire Poster: Defying platinum resistance: Boosting overall survival in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patients Dr Piver #gyncsm #SGOmtg pic.twitter.com/IzOzyFAbgf

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

 Recurrent Endometrial, Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, or Primary Peritoneal Cancer

Rapid Fire Poster Phase II of Weekly Paclitaxel, Lenvatinib and Pembrolizumab in Patients with Recurrent Endometrial, Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, or Primary Peritoneal Cancer
Dr Backes
Encouraging activity seen with this combo #gyncsm #SGOmtg pic.twitter.com/OrFqsK3nJ1

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

Ovarian Cancer

Anlotinib combined w/ carbo/paclitaxel &maintenance anlotinib as front-line treatment for newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer: A phase II, single-arm, multicenter study (ALTER-GO-010) Dr Cheng
favorable efficacy and tolerated safety profile for anlotinib #gyncsm #SGOmtg pic.twitter.com/d8NW200Hr5

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

Endometrial Cancer

Platinum-free interval (PFI) and response to platinum retreatment or lenvatinib/pembrolizumab in patients with recurrent endometrial cancer Retrospective study Dr Haight
Longer PFI more likely to get plat drugs , associated w/ improved resp in 2nd line #gyncsm #SGOmtg pic.twitter.com/JjVjLVyzGS

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

Together We Tackle Cancer Session:

Evaluating Differences Among PRAPARE Screening Assessments of Gyn Onc Patients Based on Socio-demographic Factors Dr Kako #gyncsm #SGOMtg
positive PRAPARE result in higher distress , $ need , general distress pic.twitter.com/TA3E1aq7pp

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of BOLSTER: A Nurse-Led Telehealth Intervention for Patients with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis and their Caregivers
Dr Pozzar
Proof of concept that BOLSTER is acceptable to patients and may improve QOL #gyncsm #SGOmtg pic.twitter.com/gHswzkobHl

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

Post-Operative Complications in Elderly Patients Undergoing Surgery for Ovarian Cancer: A NSQIP Analysis Dr Salman
Higher levels of cardio and pulmonary complications in elderly patients w/OC #gyncsm #SGOmtg pic.twitter.com/DXiKZIao1H

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) March 16, 2024

I'll keep you updated on what I learned on Sunday and Monday in the next few days.   

Dee 

Every Day is a Blessing!

A Radio Interview !

 

Alka Agrawal and I met through the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey's Cancer Community Action Board. Alka is the general manager of EBC Radio 1170 radio located in Monmouth Junction, NJ.

EBC Radio is the largest South Asian radio station in the United States through radio,  app and website. They have over 500,000 listeners.

Alka invited me to tell her listeners about my experience with ovarian cancer and the importance of raising awareness of ovarian cancers and all gynecologic cancers during September, Gynecologic Cancer Awareness month. I was a bit nervous at first having never been on the radio before but Alka made me feel comfortable.  I shared how I was diagnosed, considered a clinical trial and my cancer treatments. I also shared my involvement in cancer advocacy.  I spoke mainly about ovarian cancer but did talk about the five main gynecologic cancers - ovarian, uterine/endometrial, cervical,vaginal and vulvar.

I was honored to share my story with the South Asian community in NJ and across the country through EBC Radio.

If you click the arrow below you may listen to a clip from my interview. Correction : The American Cancer Society estimates that ~ 19,710 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer the US in 2023. They also estimate that ~650 women in NJ will be diagnosed with the disease. That would be 3% not 1/3.

Dee

Every Day is a Blessing!

ASCO 2023 Day 2: Opening Session, GTD Panel , Gyn Cancer Oral Abstract session

Note: Due to the number of Tweets embedded in this post the page may take some time to load.

Saturday was a busy day at #ASCO23. For me it included live sessions, on-demand sessions and two meetings. 

 Opening Session

Dr. Eric Winer @ASCOPres shares lessons learned from his powerful personal story
1️⃣relationship w/healthcare team is paramount
2️⃣Science matters
3️⃣We all face challenges
4️⃣Response to illness vary individually
5️⃣Stigma can be crushing #ASCO23 @OncoAlert pic.twitter.com/zvwTZREosv

— Stephanie Graff, MD, FACP (@DrSGraff) June 3, 2023

 

 

@NCIDirector , Opening Session #ASCO23 #gyncsm pic.twitter.com/tlPXYjvjd2

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) June 3, 2023

 

The session finished with a chat with the Surgeon General, Dr Vivak Murphy who discussed a range of topics. 

 Case-based Panel - GTD

This session which talked about a Gestational Trophoblastic Disease ( GTD) a rare gyn cancer. I viewed on-demand the day after the presentation. 

2/2 Watching Session On Demand "Rare Gynecologic Cancers: A Case of Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia" from 6/3 #ASCO23 #gyncsm Treatments Learned so much from this session. pic.twitter.com/Ag4Mvb1X6c

— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) June 4, 2023

Oral Abstract Session

Cervical Cancer - Keynote 826

 

🙌 KEYNOTE826 - longer OVERALL SURVIVAL for patients w/ recurrent #CervicalCancer who received pembrolizumab +/- bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy #ASCO23 #gyncsm #ImmunoOnc
💯 STANDARD OF CARE pic.twitter.com/QPYSH6tuag

— Shannon Westin (@ShannonWestin) June 3, 2023

 Ovarian cancer

 Ofranergene obadenove + weekly taxol

😔 Ofranergene obadenovec (VB-1111) added to weekly paclitaxel in recurrent platinum-resistant #OvarianCancer did not improve progression free or overall survival
🚨 This area remains a clear unmet need #ASCO23 #gyncsm pic.twitter.com/mzZNLKnUEO

— Shannon Westin (@ShannonWestin) June 3, 2023

Rebecca Arend: Randomized controlled phase III trial of weekly paclitaxel ± ofranergene obadenovec (VB-111) for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (OVAL Study/GOG 3018).
#ASCO23 #gyncsm pic.twitter.com/CzYvxvTkHa

— Annie Ellis (@Stigetta) June 3, 2023

GOG 3025 -durvalumab + olaparib + bevacizumab

🚨Another practice-changing study at #ASCO23
🌟DUO-O/@GOG 3025 demonstrates improved progression free survival in pts w/ HR deficient AND proficient advanced stage #OvarianCancer treated with durvalumab + olaparib + bevacizumab #gyncsm #ImmunoOnc pic.twitter.com/r6BSrQEWyk

— Shannon Westin (@ShannonWestin) June 3, 2023

Luveltamab tazevibulin (STRO-002)

Ana Oaknin: Luveltamab tazevibulin (STRO-002), an anti-folate receptor alpha (FolRα) antibody drug conjugate (ADC), safety & efficacy in a broad distribution of FolRα exp in pts w/ recurrent ovarian cancer (OC): Update of STRO-002-GM1 P 1 dose expansion cohort. #ASCO23 #gyncsm pic.twitter.com/yqaXYDFhEh

— Annie Ellis (@Stigetta) June 3, 2023

Endometrial Cancer 

Camrelizumab (PD-1i) and apatinib (VEGFR2i) active in recurrent #EndometrialCancer
👍 44% overall response rate
✅91% disease control rate
⚠️ Important! All patients were #Immunotherapy naive - so appears similar to LEN/PEM in this space#ASCO23 #gyncsm #ImmunoOnc pic.twitter.com/aydsO5G00U

— Shannon Westin (@ShannonWestin) June 3, 2023

 

Did I miss any important gyn studies? Please note them in the comment box. Thanks

Check back tomorrow for highlights from Day 3. 

Dee

Every Day is a Blessing!