Top 10 Cancer Care Updates of 2025: What Patients Should Know

At major 2025 oncology meetings, researchers presented findings with the potential to meaningfully affect how cancer is treated and experienced. From promising new drug approvals to real-world insights on quality of life, the following 10 stories stood out for their potential patient impact.

1. Vonjo Improves Blood Counts in Patients With Myelofibrosis and Anemia

Real-world findings presented at the 13th Annual Society of Hematologic Oncology (SOHO) Congress suggest that patients with myelofibrosis and anemia may experience meaningful improvements in blood counts with Vonjo (pacritinib).

Vonjo, a JAK1-sparing inhibitor, was shown to support hemoglobin and platelet responses in routine clinical practice, aligning with current guideline recommendations. The drug can be administered at full dosage even in patients with pre-existing cytopenias, making it a viable option for those struggling with low blood counts. Improvements in anemia can help reduce fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, significantly affecting quality of life.

2. Antibody-Drug Conjugate Use Rapidly Expands in Metastatic Breast Cancer

Use of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in metastatic breast cancer has increased 3.7-fold from 2021 to 2023, according to Komodo Health data. Median time to treatment dropped from 331 days to 109 days.

However, uptake is uneven. Women aged 66 and older receive ADCs at a slower rate than younger patients, highlighting persistent age-related disparities. ADCs, including Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine), Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab-deruxtecan-nxki), and Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy), offer targeted therapy options that can improve outcomes for eligible patients.

3. FDA Grants Fast Track to JSKN003 for Ovarian and Related Cancers

The FDA has awarded fast track designation to JSKN003, an antibody-drug conjugate, for platinum-resistant recurrent epithelial ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer.

Clinical data presented at ASCO 2025 showed an objective response rate (ORR) of 63% among all patients, with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 7.7 months. Responses were seen across different HER2 expression subgroups, suggesting broad potential benefit. Phase 3 studies are now underway in China, with U.S. trials approved to begin.

4. Growing Need for Genetic Testing and Precision Medicine in GU Cancers

Genetic testing is increasingly recognized as essential for patients with prostate, bladder, and kidney cancers. At the 2025 ASCO GU Symposium, experts emphasized its role in guiding targeted therapies, identifying familial cancer risk, and optimizing treatment plans.

Patients are encouraged to discuss testing options with their oncologists to determine eligibility for precision medicine strategies that may improve outcomes.

5. Understanding Real-World Studies vs. Clinical Trials

Real-world studies help determine how patients fare outside of strictly controlled clinical trials. Dr. Alexander Spira explained that these studies account for broader patient populations and more routine treatment settings.

For example, long-term real-world outcomes of Lumakras (sotorasib) in KRAS G12C-mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancer help validate whether clinical trial results translate into everyday practice.

6. Hernexeos Demonstrates Strong Benefit in HER2-Mutated NSCLC

Phase 1 Beamion LUNG-1 trial data presented at ESMO 2025 show that Hernexeos (zongertinib) delivers significant clinical benefit for patients with untreated, advanced HER2-mutated non-small cell lung cancer.

The objective response rate was 77%, with a disease control rate of 96%. Median time to response was 1.4 months, and nearly half of patients remained on therapy at data cutoff. These findings suggest Hernexeos could become a promising first-line option for this patient population.

7. FDA Approves Enhertu Plus Perjeta in Advanced HER2+ Breast Cancer

The FDA has approved the combination of Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan) and Perjeta (pertuzumab) for adults with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer.

The approval was supported by the DESTINY-Breast09 trial, which evaluated over 1,100 patients and showed improved efficacy with manageable safety. Companion diagnostic tests are available to identify eligible patients, helping personalize care.

8. Alecensa Improves 4-Year Survival in Early ALK-Positive Lung Cancer

Updated ALINA study results showed that adjuvant Alecensa (alectinib) provides a 4-year overall survival rate of 98.4% for patients with resected ALK-positive early-stage NSCLC.

Disease-free survival was also significantly improved compared with chemotherapy, representing a 65% reduction in the risk of recurrence or death. These results highlight the potential for long-term benefit in early-stage lung cancer patients.

9. Trodelvy Plus Keytruda Maintains Quality of Life in Metastatic TNBC

In the phase 3 ASCENT-04/KEYNOTE-D19 study, patients with PD-L1-positive metastatic triple-negative breast cancer treated with Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan) plus Keytruda (pembrolizumab) maintained quality of life while delaying physical decline.

Sensitivity analyses indicated longer time to deterioration compared with chemotherapy combinations, supporting this regimen as a potential new standard of care for eligible patients.

10. Bavencio Maintenance After Inlyta Interruption Feasible in mRCC

Updated findings from the TIDE-A phase 2 study support the feasibility of maintenance Bavencio (avelumab) following Inlyta (axitinib) interruption in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

At a median follow-up of 31.7 months, patients achieved a median PFS of 27.9 months, with 24-month overall survival of 85%. Reintroducing Inlyta after interruption resulted in high response rates, demonstrating flexibility in treatment sequencing while maintaining efficacy.

References

1. “Vonjo Improves Blood Counts in Patients With Myelofibrosis and Anemia,” by Ryan Scott. CURE; Oct. 14, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/vonjo-improves-blood-counts-in-patients-with-myelofibrosis-and-anemia
2. “ADC Use Rapidly Growing in Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment,” by Alex Biese. CURE; Oct. 20, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/adc-use-rapidly-growing-in-metastatic-breast-cancer-treatment
3. “FDA Fast Tracks JSKN003 in Ovarian Cancer,” by Alex Biese. CURE; Oct. 30, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/fda-fast-tracks-jskn003-in-ovarian-cancer
4. “There is a Growing Need For Genetic Testing and Precision Medicine in GU Cancers,” by Ryan Scott. CURE; Feb. 28, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/there-is-a-growing-need-for-genetic-testing-and-precision-medicine-in-gu-cancers
5. “What Is the Difference Between a Clinical Trial and a Real-World Study,” by Dr. Alexander Spira. CURE; Sept. 27, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/what-is-the-difference-between-a-clinical-trial-and-a-real-world-study-
6. “Hernexeos Effective in HER2-Mutated NSCLC,” by Ariana Pelosci. CURE; Oct. 26, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/hernexeos-effective-in-her2-mutated-nsclc
7. “FDA Approves Enhertu Plus Perjeta in Advanced HER2+ Breast Cancer,” by Alex Biese. CURE; Dec. 15, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/fda-approves-enhertu-plus-perjeta-in-advanced-her2-breast-cancer
8. A”lecensa Improves 4-Year Survival in Early ALK-Positive Lung Cancer,” by Silas Inman. CURE; Oct. 20, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/alecensa-improves-4-year-survival-in-early-alk-positive-lung-cancer
9. “Trodelvy Plus Keytruda Upholds Quality of Life in TNBC,” by Kristie L. Kahl. CURE; Oct. 20, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/trodelvy-plus-keytruda-upholds-quality-of-life-in-tnbc
10. Bavencio Maintenance After Inlyta Interruption Shows Feasibility in mRCC, by Jax DiEugenio. CURE; Feb. 19, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/bavencio-maintenance-after-inlyta-interruption-shows-feasibility-in-mrcc

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters here.