UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh at ASCO 2025

At the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center physicians and researchers are making a significant impact with a lineup of thought leaders contributing across immunotherapy, cancer communication, exercise oncology, and precision treatment strategies.

Friday, May 30

1:00 PM – 2:15 p.m. | Education Session | Room E451
“One Step Ahead: Preventing Tumor Adaptation to Immunotherapy”
Presenter: Dario Vignali, PhD
A pioneer in tumor immunology, Dr. Vignali will share cutting-edge strategies for staying ahead of tumor adaptation, an evolving challenge in the era of immunotherapy. His session, “Pushing the Boundaries: Next-Generation Immunotherapy Combinations,” explores how novel therapeutic pairings may overcome resistance mechanisms and drive longer-lasting responses.

3:45 PM – 5:45 p.m. | Workshop | Room S501
“Communication in Late-Stage Cancer: Discussing Prognosis and Matching Care to Patients’ Goals”
Presenter: Robert Arnold, MD
This workshop features Dr. Arnold, a national leader in palliative care communication. Attendees will gain hands-on skills for aligning treatment approaches with patients’ values.

Saturday, May 31

3:00 PM – 6:00 p.m. | Oral Abstract Session | Hall D1
Gastrointestinal Cancer – Gastroesophageal, Pancreatic, and Hepatobiliary
3:48 PM | Presenter: Anwaar Saeed, MD
Dr. Saeed will lead the discussion of key abstracts (#4000-4003), bringing insight into the evolving treatment landscape of gastroesophageal cancers and strategies to refine therapeutic approaches based on emerging data.

3:00 PM – 4:15 p.m. | Education Session | Room S402
“Assess, Advise, Refer, Connect: Strategies That Work to Implement Exercise in Oncology”
Presenter: Kathryn H. Schmitz, PhD, MPH
As a nationally recognized advocate for integrating exercise into cancer care, Dr. Schmitz presents “Too Strong to Ignore,” a compelling call to action for clinicians to use evidence-based strategies that embed physical activity into survivorship plans.

Sunday, June 1

7:30 AM – 9:30 a.m. | Education Session | Room S103
“Navigating Effective Program Evaluations: Program Share Table”
Presenter: Annie P. Im, MD, FASCO
Dr. Im will facilitate an interactive session designed to share real-world insights into evaluating and improving oncology programs.

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Oral Abstract | McCormick Place: Hall D1
12:12 PM | Presenter: Anwaar Saeed, MD
Abstract Number: 3517
Abstract Title: Phase 2 dose expansion study of DSP107, a first-in-class bi-specific 4-1BB T-cell engager, with and without atezolizumab in metastatic MSS colorectal cancer patients

Monday, June 2

8:00 AM – 9:00 a.m. | Case-Based Panel | Hall B1
“From Localized to Metastatic: Navigating the Renal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Landscape”
Moderator: Jodi Maranchie, MD, FACS
Dr. Maranchie offers the urologist’s perspective on managing renal cell carcinoma from early to advanced stages.

1:15 PM – 2:15 p.m. | Case-Based Panel | Room E450a
“Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy for Clinical Stage III Melanoma: What Can We Agree On?”
Presenter: Diwakar Davar, MSc, MBBS
Bringing clinical expertise in immuno-oncology, Dr. Davar helps frame consensus and controversies in the neoadjuvant setting.

3:00 PM – 4:15 p.m. | Education Session | Room E450b
“Beyond Checkpoint Inhibition: Keeping Therapeutic Options Open”
Presenter: Jason J. Luke, MD, FACP, FASCO
A global voice in melanoma research, Dr. Luke will explore novel therapeutic avenues for patients who progress after checkpoint inhibitors.