Anna Berkenblit, MD, MMSc
Editor’s note: The “Research Spotlight” series is written by Dr. Anna Berkenblit, PanCAN’s Chief Scientific and Medical Officer. Each month, Dr. Berkenblit shares her insights into the latest news and research in pancreatic cancer. Follow Dr. Berkenblit on X and LinkedIn.
Key Takeaways on Pancreatic Cancer from the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting
Every year, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting brings together the world’s leading cancer researchers, clinicians and advocates. The 2025 meeting held on May 30-June 3 in Chicago delivered powerful new insights into pancreatic cancer, a disease that remains one of the deadliest and most underfunded. I enjoyed attending this year and having the opportunity to network with other industry experts and feel energized about the progress ahead.
A highlight at ASCO 2025 in locally advanced pancreatic cancer were the findings from a phase 3 trial of Novocure’s Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields, electric fields that disrupt cancer cell processes and are delivered by a portable device). Approximately 28% of pancreatic cancers are locally advanced, meaning that they have spread to the point that surgery is not an initial option and are treated with the same chemotherapy that is used for cancer that has metastasized (spread to other organs).
Dr. Vincent Picozzi’s presentation (published simultaneously in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, with an accompanying review by Dr. Michael Pishvaian) showed that in locally advanced pancreatic cancer, TTFields combined with standard chemotherapy (gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel) was associated with a modest improvement in overall survival, pain-free survival and distant progression-free survival compared with chemotherapy alone. For optimal outcomes, management of device-related skin reactions will be important.
TTFields are approved for the treatment of other difficult-to-treat tumors, including brain tumors (glioblastoma multiforme) and lung cancer. I am hopeful that TTFields will become an option for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer, and that future research will pave the way for optimal integration of TTFields and other local therapy strategies in the treatment paradigm.
At this year’s conference, PanCAN collaborated with the University of Iowa to share data from two of the largest patient surveys conducted in recent years. The first one, presented via a poster by Dr. Udhayvir Grewal, focused on germline genetic testing among patients with pancreatic cancer. This study highlights low rates of genetic testing uptake and key inequities in testing based on race, insurance, and practice setting. We were delighted that Dr. Grewal received a Conquer Cancer Merit Award based on the work described in this abstract.
The authors’ findings also indicate how essential genetic counselling is, especially when it comes to encouraging testing among first-degree relatives of patients with pancreatic cancer who carry inherited (germline) mutations. Testing people with pancreatic cancer not only may help guide treatment decisions, but it can also help reveal inherited cancer risks, giving family members the chance to take preventative steps, if appropriate.
The second survey from PanCAN and the University of Iowa focused on clinical trial access in patients with pancreatic cancer. The analysis revealed that many patients with pancreatic cancer have limited access to clinical trials, reinforcing the urgent need for better strategies to expand awareness, availability and participation. The data showed several barriers to clinical trial participation, including type of treatment facility and stage of disease. Increasing awareness and access to trials is a crucial step toward closing the care gap.
In conjunction with the ASCO annual meeting, Verastem Oncology presented updated data for their phase 1/2 RAMP 205 clinical trial via an R&D investor event. RAMP 205 is funded by a PanCAN Therapeutic Accelerator Award and is evaluating two investigational treatments in combination with chemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed metastatic pancreatic cancer. Preliminary data from the RAMP 205 clinical trial showed a measurable response in 10/12 patients treated with the dose of the treatments that will move on to the phase 2 study. Encouragingly, the combination of Verastem’s two investigational drugs was recently FDA approved for the treatment of patients with a type of ovarian cancer that has come back and involves a change in the KRAS gene. We are delighted to see this approval and are hopeful for further development as a potential treatment option for pancreatic cancer.
One of the most sobering takeaways from this year’s ASCO meeting came from a study on federal funding showing that cancers with the highest mortality rates, like pancreatic cancer, receive the least federal research funding. The study found a strong correlation between lack of funding and fewer clinical trials for these cancers. This means that fewer new treatment options are developed, fewer patients get access to experimental therapies, and less scientific progress is made where it’s needed most. Researchers and advocates are calling on policymakers to re-examine how research dollars are distributed. Patients facing the most aggressive cancers deserve better odds and that starts with research investment.
To change the story of pancreatic cancer, we must push for continued investment, wider access and unwavering support for patients every step of the way.
If you or someone you love is facing pancreatic cancer, I encourage you to reach out to PanCAN Patient Services.
Here are key points to consider:
- Ask your doctor about clinical trials. Be proactive and do not wait for them to bring it up.
- Ensure genetic testing is part of your care plan. Ask to speak with a genetic counselor to understand what the results mean for you and your family.
- Know that progress is happening. New treatments like TTFields are pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
- Advocate for research investment in cancers with the greatest need, like pancreatic cancer, because lives depend on it.
