The state of cancer care in 2026
Our two speakers drew on key research abstracts and discussions from the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, highlighting both practice-changing studies and how — and when — they can be implemented in low- and middle-income countries.
Here is what was presented, what was debated, and where the gaps remain.
- Speakers
- 2
- Source meeting
- Webinar
- Topics covered
- 6
Featured research.
Dr. Mankoski opened the meeting with data on daraxonrasib, an investigational oral RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitor. The Phase 3 RASolute 302 study reported a doubling in overall survival and an increase in tumor response rates compared with standard chemotherapy.
Results that offer imminent hope for patients in the USA, but Dr. Nesrine Mejri, a practicing oncologist in Tunisia, set them against the reality of affordability and access to new cancer medicines across Africa.
Two views of the same result.
Dr. Ray Mankoski
Clinical development · pancreatic cancer
Shared the Phase 3 RASolute 302 data on daraxonrasib in previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer, and what a RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitor changes about the treatment sequence.
Dr. Nesrine Mejri
Practicing oncologist · Tunisia
Answered the question the data raises: what affordability and access to new cancer medicines actually look like across Africa, and how to plan care when the newest option is out of reach.
Six threads from the session.
Screening does not exist equally across cancers
Mammography supports earlier breast cancer diagnosis for eligible individuals, and low-dose CT is available for certain high-risk individuals in lung cancer — but there is currently no recommended population screening test for bladder cancer.
Multi-cancer early detection tests are promising, not proven
These blood-based tests are being investigated for their ability to identify possible cancer signals before symptoms appear. They remain under evaluation and do not replace established screening methods.
Research has to be conducted across diverse populations
New diagnostic tools and treatments need evidence from the communities that will use them, or effectiveness and access will not follow.
Doing more with less, using ovarian cancer as the example
Treatment de-escalation, when done appropriately, can achieve outcomes similar to more expensive regimens.
Effectiveness, cost, schedule and side effects all have to balance
Zoledronic acid and denosumab can help reduce skeletal complications in appropriate patients, but access and affordability remain important considerations, particularly in low-resource settings.
Exercise belongs in colon cancer care
Alongside surgery and chemotherapy, appropriately prescribed physical activity can support patient wellbeing and may improve outcomes. Participants were encouraged to treat exercise as a component of comprehensive care, tailored to each patient’s health needs.
Two questions the room kept returning to.
What does the predicted rise in the African cancer burden by 2050 mean for how systems should be planning capacity today?
Which models of patient follow-up actually improve adherence to breast cancer treatment in low-resource settings?
Equitable access must work together to improve global cancer outcomes.