ASCO® 2025: Scientific advancements and strategic shifts in oncology

The 2025 ASCO® Annual Meeting illuminated key trends redefining oncology. From cutting-edge therapeutic innovations to the practical integration of AI, the conference highlighted a shared urgency among pharma and biopharma leaders: advancing patient-centered solutions at scale. Our experts on site – delivering over 80 assets across 70 indications – brought back not just inspiration, but actionable insights for organizations preparing to lead the future of oncology. 

AI in oncology: From tool to strategic enabler 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) dominated the mainstage and hallway conversations alike, not as a buzzword, but as a transformative force reshaping oncology research and care. While AI’s role in early detection and biomarker discovery is maturing, the real opportunity lies in how it augments clinical reasoning and data interpretation. 

“AI is a tool – not a replacement. But those who wield it will outpace those who don’t,” said Matt Hoelzle, Chief Medical Officer, Inizio Evoke. 

Leaders increasingly see AI not just as a solution engine, but to ask better questions – accelerating innovation from molecule discovery to clinical decision-making. Proprietary tools and partnerships are expanding, making AI integration a foundational strategy for forward-thinking organizations. 

Precision medicine reaches clinical maturity 

After decades of promise, personalized oncology is becoming a clinical reality. Thanks to advancements in multi-omic profiling and AI-powered analytics, treatment strategies are more tailored than ever. Richer patient datasets are improving diagnosis, treatment planning, and the delivery of individualized therapies, especially in the community setting. 

“Personalized oncology is entering a phase of maturity. It’s now beginning to impact how patients are treated in real clinical practice at scale,” noted Rudiger Papsch, Partner, Putnam, an Inizio Advisory company. 

This evolution places new demands on Medical Affairs teams, who must now develop fluency in AI, analytics, and multi-omics, and translate those insights into clinical value for HCPs and systems worldwide. 

CAR-T in solid tumors: Innovation meets operational reality 

While novel CAR-T constructs showed early promise, real-world application remains challenging. Therapies like CLDN18.2 CAR-Ts in gastric cancer improved survival outcomes, but high dropout rates were recorded, and durability of response was limited.  

Logic-gated CAR-Ts showed promising responses in select tumors but remained highly tumor-specific. Intracranial delivery in glioblastoma offered good safety but limited efficacy, while armored CAR-Ts triggered high-grade toxicities that fragile patients may not withstand. 

The path forward hinges on overcoming barriers in manufacturing, delivery, and safety – before these breakthroughs can scale across solid tumor indications. 

Explore Putnam’s full analysis on CAR-T success in solid tumors. 

Patient voice and the new value equation 

Patient-centered care has evolved from a communications ambition into a clinical imperative. The congress continued the trend of integrating patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into trials and real-world evidence generation. These data are now impacting brand value discussions – shifting the emphasis from narrow clinical endpoints to broader measures of satisfaction, adherence, and lived experience. 

As payer scrutiny intensifies and regulatory expectations evolve, the ability to present a holistic value narrative, grounded in patient-reported impact, will become a defining capability in oncology commercialization. 

Bridging innovation and access in community oncology 

While leading academic medical centers are often first to adopt sophisticated therapies like CAR-T, radioligand treatments, and bispecific antibodies, the congress called attention to the adoption gap at the community level. The industry is now grappling with how to accelerate education, infrastructure readiness, and clinical buy-in across diverse care environments. 

“The most common conversation I’m having is – how do we take these amazing innovations and find ways for patients in the community to access them?” said Matt Riordan, CEO, Putnam, an Inizio Advisory company. 

The challenge, and opportunity, is to shorten the timeline between innovation and real-world impact. At Inizio, we are helping pharma companies build models that account for new delivery mechanisms, site-of-care logistics, and clinician education. 

Medical Affairs: Strategic driver in a data-rich era 

Medical Affairs has evolved from a supportive function into a core strategic asset. Its role now encompasses scientific interpretation, stakeholder education, and the seamless integration of new data into practical care models. With scientific output moving faster than ever, flawless execution and adaptability are essential. 

“Flawless execution, making sure everything is correct, making sure everything is done on time – that’s critical.” noted Matt Wadyka, President, US Medical Affairs, Inizio Medical. 

Success depends not only on precision science but also on curiosity, listening, and insight application – attributes that are increasingly central to the future of Medical Affairs. 

Future-forward strategy: Aligning science with long-term vision 

With oncology pipelines growing and therapeutic categories becoming more complex, early strategic planning is paramount. Organizations must now think in 5-, 10-, and 15-year horizons to determine where the greatest unmet needs lie and how best to align internal capabilities to meet them. 

Oncology innovation is not slowing down – it’s accelerating across every axis. Whether through AI, patient-centric metrics, or advanced therapeutic platforms, the pressure is on to translate scientific progress into meaningful outcomes. Pharma and biopharma companies that move with clarity, precision, and humanity will define the next era of cancer care. 

As the market-leading commercialization partner, Inizio stands ready to help clients do exactly that. To partner with us on your next oncology asset, learn more or get in touch.