Oncology Insights 2025: AACR Conference Highlights & Trends

McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago, IL
April 25–30, 2025
Unprecedented Advances and Persistent Challenges: Key Insights from AACR's 2024 Cancer Progress Reports
  • Historic Progress: Cancer death rates in the US have declined 33% (1991-2021), saving over 4.1 million lives; the benefit is driven by earlier detection, effective therapies, and evidence-based prevention.
  • Therapies & Approvals: 15 new anticancer therapies were FDA-approved from July 2023–June 2024, including lifileucel (first TIL immunotherapy for solid tumors), tarlatamab-dlle (second BiTE for solid tumors), and expanded use approvals for adagrasib and others.
  • Precision Medicine & Clinical Trials: Advances in molecular diagnostics, AI-assisted technologies, and increased targeting of hard-to-treat oncogenes (e.g., RAS, KRASG12C).
  • Disparities Spotlight: Major theme on gaps in screening, trial access, and outcomes affecting minority and underserved communities. Notable research-driven intervention programs addressed these barriers.
  • Child/AYA Cancers: Survival now exceeds 85% in children, adolescents, and young adults, with dedicated research improving both cures and long-term quality of life.
  • Sustaining Momentum: Continued federal and philanthropic funding is essential to maintain progress in research and equitable care access.