A new combination therapy for high-risk breast cancer is showing early promise, offering hope for women whose tumors lack the HER2 protein that many targeted drugs are designed to attack. Researchers from Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health will present findings from the I-SPY 2.2 trial at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting on June 1, highlighting advances in personalized cancer care that could reshape treatment options for thousands of women.

What Is HER2-Negative Breast Cancer and Why Does It Matter?

Breast cancer comes in different types based on the proteins found on cancer cells. HER2-negative breast cancer, which accounts for a significant portion of breast cancer cases, has historically been more challenging to treat because it lacks the HER2 protein that many targeted drugs are designed to attack. This means patients with HER2-negative tumors often have fewer specialized treatment options available, making research into new approaches especially important.

The I-SPY 2.2 trial is testing a novel combination called neo-adjuvant rilvegostomig plus trastuzumab deruxtecan, or T-DXd for short. Neo-adjuvant therapy means the treatment is given before surgery to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove. This approach allows doctors to see how well the therapy works before the patient undergoes an operation.

How Are Researchers Testing This New Treatment Approach?

The I-SPY 2.2 trial focuses specifically on high-risk HER2-negative breast cancer patients, meaning those with tumors that are more likely to spread or recur. By targeting this high-risk group, researchers can identify which patients benefit most from the new combination therapy and potentially avoid unnecessary treatment for those who might respond better to other options.

The trial's findings will be presented on June 1 at the ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago, where thousands of oncologists and cancer researchers gather to share the latest advances in cancer care. This timing is significant because late-breaking abstracts, like the I-SPY 2.2 results, represent some of the most cutting-edge research being conducted.

What Other Cancer Research Is Being Presented at ASCO 2026?

Rutgers Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas Health are presenting a total of 39 peer-reviewed scientific abstracts at the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, demonstrating the breadth of cancer research happening at these institutions. Beyond the breast cancer study, researchers are investigating treatments for colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, lymphoma, and other malignancies.

Several key studies are addressing different aspects of cancer care and treatment innovation:

• Lymphoma Treatment Advances: Researchers will report results from the OLYMPIA-3 study evaluating odronextamab combined with chemotherapy in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, showing a manageable safety profile and encouraging preliminary effectiveness with no meaningful differences between dosing regimens.
• Lymphoma Survival Analysis: A multivariable analysis will examine overall survival in patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma, demonstrating favorable survival outcomes with adjusted hazard ratios of 0.65 or lower compared to standard chemotherapy across three separate trials.
• Palliative Care Integration: An education session will review evidence for early palliative care alongside disease-directed treatment in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, showing improvements in quality of life, reduced symptom burden, and improved mood.
• Cancer-Related Fatigue Management: The HERO trial will present findings on Tai Chi Qigong for its effects on fatigue-related gene expression, showing that the practice favorably regulated genes involved in inflammation, metabolite sensing, and energy activation pathways at three months.

"Advances in cancer care are increasingly defined by how effectively we can translate scientific discovery into meaningful impact for patients," said Steven K. Libutti, MD, FACS.

Steven K. Libutti, MD, FACS, William N. Hait Director, Rutgers Cancer Institute and Senior Vice President, Oncology Services, RWJBarnabas Health

Dr. Libutti emphasized that the research being presented reflects a commitment to delivering more personalized and accessible cancer care. The Jack and Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, New Jersey's only freestanding cancer hospital, is expanding opportunities for patients to access the latest treatments and clinical trials closer to home.

How to Stay Informed About Breast Cancer Research and Treatment Options

For women concerned about breast cancer risk or those already diagnosed, staying informed about emerging treatments is essential. Here are key ways to engage with the latest research and treatment advances:

• Consult Your Oncologist: Ask your doctor about clinical trials and emerging therapies that may be appropriate for your specific cancer type and stage, especially if you have HER2-negative breast cancer or other hard-to-treat subtypes.
• Search Clinical Trial Databases: Visit ClinicalTrials.gov to search for ongoing studies in your area that may offer access to new treatments before they become widely available to the general population.
• Follow Major Cancer Conferences: Keep track of presentations from major medical meetings like ASCO, where researchers share the latest findings that could influence treatment recommendations within months of presentation.
• Connect with Patient Advocacy Organizations: Breast cancer-focused organizations can provide resources, support, and detailed information about new treatment options and research opportunities in your region.

The presentation of the I-SPY 2.2 trial results represents a significant milestone in breast cancer research. As more data emerges from these studies, oncologists will have additional tools to personalize treatment plans and improve outcomes for women with high-risk HER2-negative breast cancer. The combination of rilvegostomig and trastuzumab deruxtecan may eventually become a standard option for patients who currently have limited choices, offering new hope in the ongoing fight against this disease.