What an amazing ASCO 2026 for so many people affected by cancer. The ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago brought tens of thousands of global oncology professionals together with the same goal – to change lives. EHE Foundation Executive Director Denise Robinson was there to represent the EHE community, raise awareness of patients’ needs, and connect with the latest science that can benefit people with EHE.

ASCO is an important event for everyone with epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE). This meeting is an opportunity for the Foundation to engage directly with drug developers and clinician-scientists about the EHE community’s priorities, explore emerging research in other cancers that may benefit people with EHE, and build the relationships that accelerate progress. 

Active Trials & Research to Watch

Clinical trials are an important care option for people with EHE. ASCO provides an opportunity to discuss new trial ideas and explore how we can partner with drug developers and investigators to ensure trial success, while meeting the needs of EHE patients. Denise met with several groups working to bring new therapeutic options to people with EHE: 

• ODM-212 (Orion Pharma) – Orion presented early results from their ODM-212 TEAD inhibitor trial. The initial data is encouraging, and new enrollment locations will be opening. We will share updates as they become available.
• SARC046: Nab-sirolimus for EHE – Dr. Michael Wagner of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute presented this trial in progress. We are very hopeful and have highlighted this trial as one to watch in the coming months.
• VT3989 (Vavace Therapeutics) – No new data was presented, but Denise had the opportunity to discuss the EHE community’s needs and priorities for this drug in development.
• ABSK043 – Dr. Changsu (Larry) Park presented this new trial of an oral PD-L1 inhibitor in patients with angiogenic sarcomas. This Phase II investigator-initiated trial is in progress at Princess Margaret Cancer Center in Toronto, Ontario.
• Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) in Sarcoma – While no ADCs are currently in development specifically for EHE, Denise had productive conversations about emerging translational research that we hope will bring new treatment options for EHE.

Building the Collaborations That Move EHE Forward

For an ultra-rare cancer with no proven treatments, attending conferences like ASCO is a priority. Connecting with scientists, clinicians, and patient advocates from across the oncology world creates the conditions for faster progress through shared data, aligned priorities, and a clearer path to treatment options for people living with EHE. 

Denise reflected on the experience, “ASCO is a marathon, with a sprint every hour. Having a good plan to conquer each day of the conference is essential and is rewarded with an abundance of warm smiles, hugs, and, most of all, hope. You walk into the building and hope is everywhere. I am grateful to represent the EHE Foundation and everyone affected by EHE on this global stage.”  

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world’s leading professional organization for oncology, where people come together to conquer cancer through research, education, and to promote access to quality cancer care.