The AACR 2025 conference, organized by the American Association for Cancer Research, serves a significant purpose in the field of cancer research. Recently, another related conference, AACR-IO dedicated to immuno-oncology, took place in February 2025. This conference featured specialized sessions on immunotherapy innovations, glyco-immunology, and late-breaking clinical trials, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. In contrast, AACR 2025 covers a broader spectrum of cancer research, offering diverse sessions, workshops, and discussions across multiple oncology disciplines. This conference is not only an opportunity to learn about the latest scientific breakthroughs but also a platform for fostering collaboration among researchers and industry leaders. With discussions on health disparities and the integration of AI in cancer research, AACR 2025 is set to drive progress against cancer and improve patient outcomes. Don't miss the chance to be part of this transformative event that shapes the future of cancer research and treatment. Below are quick highlights from the data presented at AACR-IO 2025.

Quick Highlights of AACR-IO 2025

The American Association of Cancer Research Immuno-Oncology (AACR IO) 2025 was held at the JW Marriott Los Angeles on February 23-26. The conference covers everything from basic research to clinical trials, and also, a lot of previously unpublished information. This conference explored the latest in immunology, inflammation, and cancer immunotherapies, including IO drugs, vaccines, and cellular therapies. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the cutting-edge advancements in the field. At AACR IO 2025, companies such as Novita, Agenus, Microbiotica, Sprint Bioscience, Sonnet BioTherapeutics, INOVIO, KYAN, and Scancell revealed groundbreaking data, shaping the future of cancer immunotherapy.

Key Takeaways from AACR-IO 2025

• Novita Pharmaceuticals presented new Phase II data highlighting NP-G2-044’s durable efficacy in advanced solid tumors. The findings reinforced its potential as a first-in-class fascin inhibitor to inhibit metastasis and enhance immunotherapy, offering a promising approach for aggressive cancers.
• Agenus presented new Botensilimab/Balstilimab data in gastric cancer, demonstrating the remarkable potential of combining Botensilimab/Balstilimab with a novel iNKT cell therapy to broaden and intensify immune responses against resistant gastric tumors.
• Cellectis presented the ‘Smart CAR T’ Strategy to enhance efficacy against solid tumors 
• Microbiotica presented new data on MB097’s mechanism of action. Findings show that MB097’s bacterial strains interact with dendritic cells to activate cytotoxic T lymphocytes, enhancing its potential as a co-therapy with KEYTRUDA in advanced melanoma.
• Sprint Bioscience presented preclinical TREX1 program data showing that TREX1 inhibitors enhance immune response and inhibit tumor growth in an in vivo proof-of-concept study.
• Sonnet BioTherapeutics unveiled data highlighting SON-1010’s potential for solid tumors as a monotherapy or combination therapy. This first comprehensive FHAB (Fully Human Albumin-Binding) platform data release strengthens its oncology standing.
• INOVIO showcased immune response data for INO-3107, clinical results revealed complete responses in RRP (Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis) patients, successful HPV-6 elimination, and strong T-cell activation, underscoring the treatment’s potential.
• KYAN Technologies presented Lymphoma Immunotherapy response data for the predictive platform
• Scancell presented translational data from the ongoing Phase II SCOPE trial of SCIB1, reinforcing its efficacy in advanced melanoma. This presentation at AACR IO, highlighting vaccine-specific T-cell responses, serves as a key validation of SCIB1’s potential.

What to expect from the upcoming AACR 2025?

As for the upcoming event, the AACR Annual Meeting 2025 is scheduled from April 25 to April 30, 2025, at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois. Key events include educational sessions, workshops, plenary sessions on discovery science and clinical trials, and a career fair for biomedical research professionals. Players such as Accent Therapeutics, Silajen, Calidi Biotherapeutics, Foghorn Therapeutics, and invIOs will showcase promising anticancer advancements at AACR 2025, highlighting novel mechanisms (cGAS/STING activation, SMARCA2 inhibitor), combination therapies with ICIs, and platform innovations (RTNova virotherapy, selective degraders) targeting challenging cancers, including TNBC, NSCLC, and glioblastoma. 

What is the focus?

• Sillajen, a Korean company’s investigational drug BAL0891, has been selected for three poster presentations at the AACR Annual Meeting 2025, highlighting its potential in treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The studies validate BAL0891's anticancer mechanisms, its synergy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and its effects on the tumor microenvironment.
• Calidi Biotherapeutics will present pioneering research on the RTNova systemic virotherapy platform, which has the potential to redefine how metastatic cancers are treated and significantly improve outcomes for patients facing advanced-stage disease. In addition, Calidi also plans to submit an abstract to unveil further key data at the ASCO Annual Meeting in June 2025, highlighting its progress toward selecting a lead clinical candidate for RTNova.
• Foghorn Therapeutics' first-in-class oral selective SMARCA2 inhibitor, FHD-909, is advancing in Phase I trials for SMARCA4-mutated cancers, primarily targeting NSCLC. Preclinical combination data with KEYTRUDA and KRAS inhibitors will be presented at the AACR 2025. The company's degrader platform shows promising preclinical results, particularly in selective ARID1B degradation, which could address up to 5% of all solid tumors. The selective CBP and EP300 degrader programs demonstrate robust anti-tumor activity without significant toxicity concerns, an important differentiator from traditional dual inhibition approaches. 
• invIOs’ INV501 is a novel small molecule candidate that can selectively enhance T cell-mediated anti-tumor immune responses. The collaboration with DFCI is progressing well, and the first confirmatory experiments supporting preclinical efficacy in glioblastoma have been completed.  The company plans to provide details about the target in the first quarter of 2025. Data are planned to be presented at the AACR Annual Meeting.

What makes Foghorn's SMARCA2 inhibitor unique compared to other cancer treatments?

Foghorn Therapeutics' FHD-909 distinguishes itself through its first-in-class oral design, >50,000-fold selectivity for SMARCA2 over SMARCA4. SMARCA4 mutations are common across tumor types, including approximately 10% of NSCLC, and result in tumors being dependent on SMARCA2 activity for their survival. Selectively blocking SMARCA2 activity is a promising synthetic lethal strategy intended to induce tumor death while sparing healthy cells. Its preclinical synergy with immunotherapies/KRAS inhibitors expands therapeutic potential beyond conventional approaches. Unlike many targeted therapies requiring IV infusion, FHD-909's oral bioavailability improves treatment accessibility. Early studies indicate favorable safety with dose-dependent tumor regression in models, addressing toxicity concerns common in chromatin-targeted therapies.

How does Calidi's RTNova platform compare to other virotherapy approaches?

Compared to first-gen viruses like T-VEC (limited to injectable lesions), RTNova’s systemic reach and ability to convert immunologically "cold" tumors to "hot" represent a paradigm shift. While most virotherapies focus solely on direct oncolysis, RTNova adds immune activation and gene therapy vector capabilities, positioning it as a multi-functional platform. Early data suggest superior metastatic targeting, though clinical validation remains pending.

Diagnostics and Liquid Biopsy 

At AACR 2025, Cellecta will present significant advancements in the diagnostic space, focusing on single-cell CRISPR-Seq protocols and TCR-specific epitope identification using engineered antigen-presenting cells. These presentations aim to enhance drug target and biomarker discovery, showcasing innovative approaches that could improve precision medicine in cancer treatment. 

nRichDX, a powerful liquid biopsy company, is featuring its new Revolution Plus Sample Prep System. nRichDX is also featuring two new nRicher Cartridges. The new nRicher Cartridges enable single extractions from the broadest sample input volume range of any commercially available kit (1 mL to 100 mL), eliminating yield-lowering sample.

Upcoming presentations by a CRO (contract research organization)

Champions Oncology operates as a CRO specializing in oncology. This technology enables the company to provide a comprehensive range of preclinical and clinical research services aimed at accelerating drug development in cancer treatment. A few anticipated abstracts are listed below: