NJ Cancer Center Unveils Research to Redefine Global Oncology Care

HACKENSACK, N.J. – May 26, 2026 – As the world's leading cancer experts convene in Chicago for the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, investigators from New Jersey’s Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC) are poised to present a formidable portfolio of research that could reshape the future of cancer treatment. The findings, spanning highly advanced cellular therapies, targeted 'magic bullet' drugs, and critical studies on healthcare equity, underscore the center's role as a major force in the global fight against cancer.

JTCC, part of the prestigious National Cancer Institute-designated Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University, will showcase dozens of studies from May 29 to June 2. The presentations highlight a dual commitment: pioneering next-generation therapies for the most difficult-to-treat cancers while simultaneously working to dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent equitable access to care.

"The future of cancer treatment begins with translating today's pioneering exploration into tomorrow's standard of care, a theme that resonates strongly at this year's ASCO meeting," said Dr. Andre Goy, chair and physician-in-chief of oncology at JTCC. "For patients who do not respond to standard treatments, it is critical that they have access to a world-class research program. At the John Theurer Cancer Center, our globally recognized investigators are committed to this translation, driving the latest advances in cellular therapy, immunotherapy, and other innovative areas to improve outcomes for patients."

A New Arsenal Against Cancer: From CAR-T to 'Magic Bullets'

A significant portion of JTCC's research focuses on the frontiers of oncology: cellular therapies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). These approaches represent a paradigm shift from traditional chemotherapy, offering highly targeted and personalized ways to attack cancer cells. The center is presenting a Phase 1 study of LB1908, an autologous CAR-T cell therapy targeting claudin 18.2 in patients with advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. While CAR-T has revolutionized the treatment of blood cancers, its application in solid tumors has been a major challenge. This early-phase trial represents a critical step toward extending this life-saving technology to a broader patient population.

Equally promising is the center's work with ADCs, often described as biological 'magic bullets' or 'smart bombs'. These drugs combine the precise targeting of a monoclonal antibody with a potent cancer-killing payload, delivering treatment directly to tumor cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. JTCC is involved in several first-in-human studies of novel ADCs, including SIM0505 for advanced solid tumors and ZW251 for hepatocellular carcinoma. These Phase 1 trials, which represent the earliest stage of clinical development, are vital for providing patients with few remaining options access to the most innovative therapies available.

Beyond these cutting-edge modalities, JTCC investigators are also reporting final outcomes from the EXPEL PANC trial, which combined the drug BXCL701 with the immunotherapy pembrolizumab for advanced pancreatic cancer, a notoriously difficult disease. Other key presentations include real-world data on the efficacy of drugs like tarlatamab for small cell lung cancer and amivantamab for EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer, providing crucial insights into how these therapies perform outside the controlled environment of a clinical trial.

Beyond the Lab Bench: Tackling Inequity in Cancer Care

While developing novel therapeutics is a cornerstone of its mission, John Theurer Cancer Center is also presenting crucial research that looks beyond the medicine itself. The 'Models of Care' presentations address some of the most pressing issues in modern healthcare: socio-economic barriers and disparities in access to advanced cancer care. Studies presented at ASCO will explore whether socio-economic status indicators are barriers for enrollment in Phase 1 clinical trials and delve into disparities related to genetic testing outcomes.

This research is a direct reflection of the center's Cancer Community Outreach & Engagement (CCOE) program, a robust initiative designed to assess the burden of cancer in local communities and ensure its research is inclusive of the diverse populations it serves. By partnering with community-based organizations, faith leaders, and a dedicated Community Advisory Council, JTCC actively works to reduce cancer risk, promote early detection, and ensure that social determinants of health are considered across the entire care continuum. This work is fundamental to the center's philosophy that the best cancer treatment in the world is only effective if patients can access it. By investigating and addressing these disparities on a national stage like ASCO, JTCC is championing a more just and equitable future for all cancer patients.

New Jersey's Global Stage: A Powerhouse of Innovation

The breadth and depth of the research being presented solidify JTCC's position not just as New Jersey's largest and only nationally ranked cancer center, but as a significant contributor to global oncology. This influence is magnified by a powerful network of strategic collaborations. Its partnership with Georgetown's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center creates an NCI-designated research consortium that accelerates the exchange of data and moves novel treatments from early to late-phase trials more efficiently.

Furthermore, its membership in the New York Genome Center enhances its genomic research capabilities, allowing for deeper insights into the genetic drivers of cancer. A landmark partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center expands the portfolio of clinical trials available to patients across New Jersey, creating a powerful engine for discovering new treatments faster. These collaborations transform a regional center of excellence into a nexus of innovation with international reach.

As the findings are shared in Chicago, the message from Hackensack is clear: progress in the fight against cancer requires a multi-pronged attack. It demands relentless scientific pursuit of the next breakthrough, a deep understanding of real-world patient outcomes, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every patient, regardless of their background, has a fair opportunity to benefit from these remarkable advances.