This year's congress showcased remarkable progress across multiple fronts, from next-generation immunotherapies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to the accelerating role of AI-driven precision medicine. Advances in tumor-agnostic therapies and novel checkpoint inhibitors continue to reshape expectations for patient outcomes, particularly in lung, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers.
Beyond clinical milestones, this year also highlighted the growing convergence between technology and biology. Artificial intelligence and multiomic data integration were recurring themes, supporting more adaptive trial design, biomarker discovery, and predictive analytics in oncology R&D. These technologies are now becoming central to how pharmaceutical companies approach both clinical development and commercial strategy.
However, innovation was balanced by complexity. As more high-cost therapies and combinations reach the market, questions around pricing, reimbursement, and patient access are taking centre stage. Health technology assessment (HTA) discussions at ESMO underscored the challenge of delivering equitable access to transformative cancer treatments - particularly in regions where cost-effectiveness pressures are intensifying.
Partnerships and collaborations were another focal point. Several leading pharmaceutical and biotech firms announced strategic alliances to advance ADC platforms and bispecific antibodies, reflecting the competitive intensity of oncology's most dynamic therapeutic classes.
For commercial and R&D leaders alike, the implications are clear: success in oncology now depends on a nuanced understanding of both clinical differentiation and market timing.
GlobalData's oncology analysts have consolidated the findings in the ESMO 2025 Post-Congress Summary Report, highlighting key datasets, notable emerging trends and strategic insights from this year's event.
Inside, readers will find:
Download the ESMO 2025 Highlights Report to access the full analysis and see how this year's data is set to influence oncology strategy in 2026 and beyond.