The ESMO Gynecological Cancers Conference 2024, held in Florence, Italy, from June 20-22, brought together various leading oncologists, researchers, and healthcare experts to discuss recent improvements in the treatment of endometrial and ovarian cancers.
The conference was expertly guided by the ESMO Gynecological Cancers Scientific Co-Chairs: Susana Banerjee, ICR London, UK; Dr. Domenica Lorusso, Catholic University of Rome, Milan, Italy; Dr. Bradley J. Monk, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute West Palm Beach, USA; and Dr. Ana Oaknin, IOB from Barcelona, Spain.
This roundup highlights some of the key sessions and takeaways from the ESMO-GC 2024 conference.
Endometrial Cancer: Personalized Therapy Based on Molecular
Classification
One of the standout sessions, chaired by Robert L. Coleman (Texas Oncology-The Woodlands, United States of America) and Alexandra Leary (Institut de Cancérologie Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France), was centered on personalizing first-line therapy for endometrial cancer (EC) based completely on molecular type.
Ana Oaknin (IOB, Barcelona, Spain) emphasized the significance of identifying patients with poor mismatch repair (dMMR) and POLE mutations, who might also benefit from different treatment methods compared to those with no mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency or POLE mutations.
This session underscored the significance of molecular diagnostics in the personalization of cancer treatment.
ESMO-GC 2024: Shifting Landscape for Ovarian Cancer Treatment
A session focusing on the treatment of ovarian cancer chaired by Kathleen N. Moore (OU College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, United States of America) and Philipp Harter (Kliniken Essen Mitte, Essen, Germany) highlighted the prospects of a shift in first-line treatment alternatives, with PARP inhibitors as an emerging promising strategy for BRCA mutation-negative patients.
Philipp Harter (Kliniken Essen Mitte, Essen, Germany) addressed surgical strategies and standard systemic therapies, as well as novel therapeutic approaches like Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs). The revolving treatment landscape aims to provide more individualized and efficient treatment options for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The role of PARP inhibitors in non-BRCA mutated patients could significantly alter the current status of treatment protocols.
ESMO-GC 2024: Promising Results in Advanced Ovarian Cancer
Several sessions under the Industry satellite symposium, chaired by Vanda Salutari (Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy), presented encouraging data on new therapies in advanced ovarian cancer.
- Fabian Trillsch (Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany) presented the updated results from DUO-O in which durvalumab’s safety and efficacy were discussed when used in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy followed by bevacizumab along with subsequent olaparib maintenance therapy in newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer without a BRCA mutation.
- Susana Banerjee ( ICR, London, UK) presented a MIRASOL trial’s finding that investigated mirvetuximab soravtansine, a folate receptor-targeted ADC that showed promise for patients suffering from platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The findings provided new hope for individuals with advanced stages of the disease, which could improve their progression-free and overall survival rates.
ESMO-GC 2024: Novel Treatment Options for Endometrial Carcinoma
The ESMO-GC 2024 conference covered a session presented by Isabelle L. Ray-Coquard (Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France) on ROCSAN, a phase II/III trial comparing dostarlimab in aggregate with niraparib compared to niraparib alone or chemotherapy for the treatment of endometrial/ovarian carcinoma.
Preliminary outcomes suggested promising results for patients with endometrial cancers. The efficacy of dostarlimab and niraparib enhanced patient-reported outcomes, offering a new avenue for therapy where options have been confined.
A session chaired by Kosei Hasegawa (Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan) and Dr. Ana Oaknin (IOB Barcelona, Spain), “The evolving landscape in endometrial cancer: From staging to therapy,” explored cutting-edge trends in the prognosis and treatment of this disease.
Key Presenters
- Xavier Matias-Guiu (IDIBELL, Spain) presented the new FIGO molecular classification.
- Robert L. Coleman (Texas Oncology-The Woodlands, United States of America) presented IO after IO: Exploring rechallenge strategies with monotherapies, IO/IO, and TKI combinations.
- Jean Emmanuel Kurtz (CHRU of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France) presented the role of endocrine therapy.
- Kosei Hasegawa presented the emerging use of ADCs (Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan).
ESMO-GC 2024: Keynote Lecture
The ESMO-GC 2024 conference featured a keynote lecture by Prof. Giovanni Scambia (Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy), who contemplated 10 years of advancements in gynecological malignancy treatment and provided insights into the future of the field.
Prof. Scambia’s lecture underscored the significant progress made in the past decade and highlighted the capability for persistent innovation and development in treating gynecological cancers. His forward-looking perspective provided a roadmap for future research and clinical practice.
ESMO-GC 2024 Mini Oral Sessions Explored a Range of Topics
Several mini-oral sessions covered various aspects of ovarian cancer management. These sessions addressed the research findings. Some of them were:
- Role of interval debulking surgery presented by Claudia Marchetti.
- The ability of miRNA-based classifiers to predict bevacizumab benefit was presented by Dr. Marina Bagnoli (Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Italy).
- Treatment results for elderly patients, and updated progression-free survival data rucaparib presented by Rebecca Kristeleit (UCL Cancer Institute & UCLH, London, United Kingdom) in newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer.
Additionally, Felix Blanc-Durand (Institut Gustave Roussy, Paris) presented a session focused on ESR1 mutations in untreated endometrial cancers and their potential prognostic implications.
These diverse topics provided a comprehensive overview of current research and clinical practices in ovarian cancer management, providing new insights and potential strategies for enhancing patient care.
ESMO-GC 2024: Ovarian Cancer
A multidisciplinary tumor board session chaired by Susana Banerjee (ICR London, UK) and Bradley Monk (Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, West Palm Beach, United States of America) addressed the control of low-grade serous ovarian cancers.
It included the following two categories:
- Borderline tumors presented by Philippe Morice (Institut de Cancérologie Gustave Roussy, Paris).
- Primary low-grade serous ovarian cancers presented by Fabrice Lecuru (Institut Curie, Paris, France).
Experts discussed the demanding challenges of diagnosing and treating this type of cancer and offered insights into present-day high-quality practices. The session emphasized the significance of tailored treatment options for low-grade serous ovarian cancers, highlighting the need for unique techniques to manage this distinct subgroup effectively.
ADCs in Ovarian Cancer
A session led by Ana Oaknin (IOB, Barcelona, Spain) and Isabelle L. Ray-Coquard (Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France) targeted the growing role of ADCs in ovarian cancer treatment.
Mari Halle highlighted the potential of focusing on folate receptors like TROP2, and other markers with ADCs and mentioned the evolving understanding of ADC-associated toxicities.
The use of ADCs represents a significant advancement in the targeted treatment of ovarian cancers. It presents new mechanisms of action and potential enhancements in efficacy and safety profiles.
ESMO Colloquium: Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer
Nicoletta Colombo (IGCS from Milan, Italy) and Frederik Marmé (University Hospital Mannheim from Mannheim, Germany) led the session. Sponsored by ImmunoGen, they explored the complexities of platinum-resistant ovarian cancers. They delved into the organic pathways and resistance mechanisms related to the advanced stages of the disease and discussed novel treatment options, including ADCs.
The colloquium provided valuable insights into the challenges and potential solutions for treating platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, highlighting the importance of continued research and innovation.
ESMO-GC 2024: Cervical Cancer – Looking Beyond Standard Treatment
The conference dedicated a session chaired by Ilaria Colombo (Istituto Oncologico della Svizzera Italiana – IOSI, Italy) and Domenica Lorusso (Catholic University of Rome, Italy) to explore new frontiers in cervical cancer treatment. The discussion topics were
- Domenica Lorusso (Catholic University of Rome, Italy) discussed the potential for transferring beyond chemoradiation as the standard of care for locally advanced cervical cancer.
- Dr. Bradley J. Monk (Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute West Palm Beach, USA) discussed the role of immunotherapy in the advanced stages of the disease and promising new treatment options on the horizon.
These discussions highlighted the continuing efforts to improve treatment outcomes for patients with cervical cancers, suggesting a shift to more individualized and innovative therapeutic approaches.
ESMO-GC 2024: Controversy Session on FIGO 2023 Classification
Rebecca Kristeleit (UCL Cancer Institute & UCLH, London, United Kingdom) dedicated a controversial session to debating the readiness of the new FIGO 2023 category system for substantial adoption in scientific practice. They highlighted the new classification’s benefits for prognostication and treatment decision-making, while those opposed raised concerns about potential limitations and the need for further validation.
The debate underscored the significance of continuous evaluation and validation of classification systems in clinical practice, which ensures that they effectively meet the needs of clinicians and patients.
ESMO-GC 2024: Research Highlights
Conclusion
The ESMO Gynecological Cancers Conference 2024 showcased significant improvements in treating endometrial and ovarian cancers. The sessions highlighted the importance of personalized medicinal methods, the potential of the latest treatments, and the ongoing efforts to improve patients’ reported outcomes.
As the field continues to evolve, the insights and findings provided at this ESMO-GC 2024 conference will certainly form the future of gynecological cancer treatment. The conference reflected on past achievements and set the stage for future innovations, offering hope and direction for continued progress in combating these challenging diseases.
ESMO-GC 2024 Event Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors: AstraZeneca, GSK, ImmunoGen, and MSD.
Silver Sponsors: Eisai EMEA, Menarini Stemline, and Mural Oncology.
Bronze Sponsors: Daiichi Sankyo.
