Oncology Community Remains Hopeful and Bullish for 2026

As we approach the end of another calendar year, we have the opportunity to reflect on progress from published clinical trial results using novel agents, as well as exciting findings at major oncology and cancer research meetings. It should also not be overlooked that the COVID-19 pandemic is well in the rearview mirror, and we have returned enthusiastically to direct interpersonal participation in these meetings to advance, collaborate, and interact with our colleagues and members of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

It is unfortunate that we have missed some of our colleagues from the National Cancer Institute, the FDA, and other federal agencies during meetings over the past month, as they play important roles in understanding progress in helping to move key funding mechanisms to advance cancer research and national clinical trials.

In a year with tremendous progress in bispecific antibodies, new protein-engineered antibody-drug conjugates, and radiopharmaceuticals, we are still unable to get out of our own way from the standpoint of key federal support and collaboration between the oncology and scientific communities, and our major funding source at the federal level.

Nonetheless, hopefully, the lessons we are learning can prevent these self-inflicted scenarios and demonstrate the need to broaden revenue streams that support progress in cancer treatment and research.

I am highly bullish on our opportunities and potential, and I communicate this regularly with our clinical and scientific trainees at our cancer center and others that I visit. Let us take stock and appreciate the tremendous and reinforcing personal and professional enrichment from each other's company and knowledge sharing. We look forward to continuing to advance the field, together, 1 patient and scientific advance at a time, with occasional major leaps!