ESMO Congress 2026 has opened in Madrid, Spain on October 23. Centered on treatment optimisation, the congress aims to reduce the burden on patients and healthcare systems and improve access to effective anti‑cancer therapies. A new guideline for humanistic reporting of cancer research was released. Key data on mRNA cancer vaccines, ADCs and bispecific antibodies will be presented.
The congress expects more than 40,000 global participants, with over 6,300 abstracts and around 230 scientific sessions. The opening press conference was hosted by Dr Angela Lamarca, Chair of ESMO Communications Committee. ESMO sets two priorities: advancing innovative therapies and optimising existing regimens for better efficacy, lower toxicity and wider access.
ESMO President Fabrice André noted that treatment optimisation seeks to reduce treatment intensity without compromising outcomes. Shorter and less intensive therapy reduces harm to patients and saves healthcare resources, making effective treatment available to more people worldwide. It is a core priority of the ESMO 2030 Strategy. ESMO continues to fund independent academic trials exploring minimal effective treatment intensity.
A new humanistic reporting guideline for cancer research, co‑developed with patient organisations, was launched to align with ESMO 2030’s patient‑centred oncology principle. It encourages researchers and clinicians to focus on patients behind clinical data, rather than only survival statistics.
mRNA cancer vaccines are a major highlight. Results of the INTerpath‑001 trial in melanoma will be unveiled in the Presidential Symposium. Dr James Larkin stressed the need for rigorous trials across tumour types to validate mRNA technology.
Dr Yelena Janjigian highlighted new Phase III randomised data for ADCs. ADCs deliver chemotherapy payloads precisely to tumour cells. Updates on ADC targets, payload engineering and bispecific antibodies will also be shared. She reminded clinicians to recognise and manage ADC‑related adverse events.
The congress embodies global collaboration in oncology. Balanced chair selection across regions is emphasised. Fabrice André recognised growing contributions from Asia, especially China, to anti‑cancer drug development and clinical trials. ESMO unites the global oncology community for one shared goal: curing patients.