Fox Chase Cancer Center faculty, fellows, and staff gathered at the ASCO 2025 Annual Meeting in Chicago to present new research and celebrate national recognition.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, held May 30–June 3, brought together tens of thousands of oncology professionals from around the world to share the latest in cancer research, care, and innovation. Fox Chase Cancer Center had a dynamic presence at this year’s conference, with faculty and trainees presenting important new findings, participating in high-profile educational sessions, and receiving national honors for their work.
Among the highlights was Joseph Van Galen, MD, MS, Chief Fellow in the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program, who received a 2025 Conquer Cancer Young Investigator Award from the American Society of Clinical Oncology. This prestigious award supports promising early-career researchers in launching independent research careers.
Namrata Vijayvergia, MD, Associate Professor in the Department of Hematology/Oncology, presented new findings showing that married individuals with colorectal cancer have significantly better survival outcomes than their unmarried counterparts. Drawing from data on nearly 250,000 patients, her research underscored the importance of social support systems in long-term cancer care and recovery.
Christopher Cann, MD, who leads the Young Adult Cancer Program at Fox Chase, presented a study demonstrating that a targeted intervention within the electronic medical record system significantly improved referrals for fertility preservation among adolescent and young adult cancer patients. The project showed a measurable increase in timely counseling and early referrals, providing more young patients the opportunity to protect their reproductive future before treatment begins.
Jessica Bauman, MD, Chief of the Division of Head and Neck Medical Oncology and Associate Professor in the Department of Hematology/Oncology, chaired an ASCO education session titled “Tough Choices: Front-Line Treatment Dilemmas in EGFR Metastatic Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer.” A specialist in non-small cell lung cancer and head and neck cancers, Bauman’s presentation focused on shared decision-making in treatment selection, weighing potential toxicities, and prioritizing quality of life for patients and caregivers.
As faculty, fellows, and collaborators began arriving in Chicago, Fox Chase hosted a Friday evening networking reception to kick off the weekend. The event provided an opportunity to reconnect with alumni, celebrate accomplishments, and build momentum for the days ahead.
Media Coverage Highlights
Research from Fox Chase Cancer Center attracted significant media attention:
Christopher Cann’s study on fertility preservation interventions was featured by:
Namrata Vijayvergia’s findings on marital status and colorectal cancer survival were covered by:
To explore more about the ASCO Annual Meeting and access session recordings, abstracts, and highlights, visit www.asco.org.