The ESMO Asia Congress 2024 was held from December 6–8, 2024, in Singapore at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. This year’s congress brought together clinicians, researchers, and industry leaders from across the globe to showcase groundbreaking research, explore innovative treatment approaches, and highlight the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Asia in the fight against cancer.
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With a focus on collaboration and patient-centric care, ESMO Asia 2024 reaffirmed its role as a leading platform for advancing oncology in the region and beyond.
Highlights of Special Sessions in ESMO Asia 2024
The Challenges of Setting Up Rare Cancer Networks in Asia Pacific
Presented by Dr Hein Tayzar Soe
This discussion at ESMO Asia 2024 highlighted several key challenges and strategies related to setting up rare cancer networks in the Asia Pacific region. The region faces unique difficulties such as cultural differences, disparities in healthcare infrastructure, limited data, and economic barriers that make accessing advanced cancer treatments challenging.
Rare cancers are especially difficult to address due to their low prevalence, which leads to difficulties in gathering sufficient data for meaningful research and treatment strategies. There is also a significant challenge in awareness, often resulting in delayed diagnoses and emotional distress for patients, as well as logistical hurdles like the long distances many patients must travel to access centralised care.
Additionally, the shortage of specialists, limited research funding, and insufficient infrastructure for diagnosis and treatment are common obstacles.
To overcome these challenges, Dr. Soe emphasised the importance of regional collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches, where stakeholders from across Asia Pacific, including national cancer bodies, healthcare professionals, and international organisations, work together to share resources, knowledge, and expertise.
The use of digital technologies and data-sharing platforms was identified as ways to improve patient care and streamline collaboration. Furthermore, sustainable financial investments and long-term stakeholder engagement are key to ensuring the success of rare cancer networks. Policies that support these initiatives, along with efforts to raise awareness and increase education about rare cancers, are essential to improving diagnosis, treatment, and support for patients with rare cancers in the Asia Pacific region.
Mechanisms of Acquired Resistance to First-Line Amivantamab Plus Lazertinib Versus Osimertinib in Patients with EGFR-Mutant Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: An Early Analysis from the Phase III MARIPOSA Study
Presented by Dr Byoung Chul Cho and Dr Bin-Chi Liao
ESMO Asia 2024 also showcased the latest developments in lung cancer treatment, with a session highlighting advancements in addressing resistance mechanisms in EGFR-mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
The MARIPOSA study took center stage, comparing amivantamab plus lazertinib to the standard osimertinib therapy. The results revealed reduced resistance pathways, including lower rates of MET amplification and secondary EGFR mutations, offering new hope for overcoming treatment challenges. These findings are particularly significant in Asia, where EGFR mutations are more prevalent, emphasising the need for improved strategies to enhance patient outcomes.
While the findings are promising, challenges remain, including adverse events, subsequent treatment strategies, and differences in drug accessibility across Asian countries.
Immunotherapy for Early-Stage Cancers: Bridging Knowledge Gaps and Optimizing Treatment Strategies
Speakers and Thought Leaders: Prof Rina Hui (University of Hong Kong, SAR), A/Prof Ravindran Kanesvaran (National Cancer Center Singapore, SG), Prof Rebecca Dent (National Cancer Center Singapore, SG), Prof Jessica Scott Donington (UChicago Medicine, USA), Prof Jens Bedke (Klinikum Stuttgart, Germany). Hosted by MSD
The lunch satellite symposium hosted by MSD focused on immunotherapy for early-stage cancers, and its transformative role across multiple tumour types.
In the treatment of early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), significant progress has been made with the introduction of neoadjuvant therapies, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy. A key strategy is to offer neoadjuvant therapy to patients with tumours around or above 2 cm, as achieving a pathological complete response (PCR) significantly improves long-term survival. The inclusion of platinum and pembrolizumab in regimens has shown survival benefits, with a notable 5% improvement in overall survival in patients receiving pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy.
This approach is especially relevant in Asia, where TNBC rates are higher in patients under 50, and tailored therapies have proven effective in improving both event-free and overall survival rates.
In resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the integration of immunotherapy in perioperative trials like KEYNOTE-671 demonstrated an OS benefit. While there are challenges such as surgical delays and patient attrition, there is a transformative impact of chemo-immunotherapy in reducing residual viable tumours and improving cure rates, especially in high-risk cases.
In the case of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), immunotherapy is also paving the way for better patient outcomes through risk stratification and emerging biomarkers to refine patient selection for adjuvant therapies.
ESMO Asia 2024 Patient Engagement Summit
ESMO Asia 2024 also emphasised the critical role of patients in shaping the future of cancer care, with the Patient Engagement Summit serving as one of the key highlights. The summit brought together patients, clinicians, and researchers in a collaborative space to discuss how cancer care can be better aligned with patients’ needs and expectations.
“Including patient perspectives in cancer care and research ensures that real needs and priorities shape innovations and solutions. Patients bring invaluable lived experiences that enrich discussions, foster empathy, and drive better outcomes.” shares A/Prof Kanesvaran, who was active involved in the programme.
“At the ESMO Asia Patient Engagement Summit this year, we champion their voices to co-create patient-centered strategies that transform care and research, ensuring every step reflects what truly matters to those we serve.”
Dr Tho Lye Mun of Beacon Hospital Malaysia and president of Lung Cancer Network Malaysia added: “I’m extremely glad…that ESMO is reaching out to patient advocates, NGOs to bring together both the scientific community as well as the general public in terms of working together to move policy forward, to move advocacy forward. I’m glad to be part of that.”
This patient-centered approach shows the congress’s commitment to ensuring that cancer care is not only scientifically advanced but also accessible, affordable, and aligned with the realities faced by those living with cancer.
Addressing Asia’s Unique Cancer Landscape
The congress underscored the diversity of cancer types and the need for region-specific strategies in Asia. With high-incidence cancers such as gastric cancer, liver cancer, and nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) more prevalent in Asia, sessions highlighted innovative approaches tailored to these challenges.
“We had a readout of the long term (three year) follow-up of RATIONALE-309 showing…about 10 months improvement in overall survival.” shared Dr Nur Fadhlina Bt Abdul Satar from University Malaya Medical Centre. “I think that’s really amazing for our patients.”
Furthermore, discussions around disparities in access to cancer treatments in various Asian countries drove important conversations about the need for equitable healthcare solutions across the region.
Shaping the Future of Global Oncology
ESMO Asia 2024 offered invaluable insights for both doctors and patients, showcasing the latest advancements in cancer care, from innovative immunotherapy strategies to patient-centered approaches tailored to regional needs.
Reflecting on the success of ESMO Asia 2024, A/Prof Kanesvaran remarked, “ESMO Asia has promoted a high level of educational and scientific exchange between global experts and the Asian community.”
As we look ahead to ESMO Asia 2025, the journey continues with even more opportunities for learning, collaboration, and improving cancer care across Asia.
