Studies highlight promising GLP-1 effects, CAR T access for older adults and limits of AI in clinical decision-making.
BUFFALO, N.Y. and CHICAGO — Experts from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center are presenting new findings at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, the world’s largest clinical cancer research gathering. Among these new studies are presentations tomorrow exploring emerging strategies in breast cancer prevention and care, treatment options for older adults with multiple myeloma, and the readiness of artificial intelligence tools in oncology practice.
GLP-1 therapy and breast cancer outcomes
In a large real-world analysis, Zunairah Shah, MBBS, Fellow in Oncology/Hematology, and colleagues found that GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), commonly used for blood sugar control and weight loss, are associated with a modest reduction in the risk of developing hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer in non-diabetic overweight or obese individuals. The study also found improved overall survival among individuals who later developed breast cancer.
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“These findings suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists may offer benefits beyond metabolic health, though further research is needed to understand whether effects are direct or driven by broader health improvements,” says Dr. Shah.
CAR T-cell therapy in older adults with multiple myeloma
Jayasree Krishnan, MBBS, Fellow in Hematologic Oncology, reports that patients age 75 and older who receive BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapy have comparable rates of cytokine response syndrome (CRS), immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), sepsis, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, 90-day mortality and 1-year overall survival compared to younger patients. The team observed that 3-year overall survival was lower in patients 75 years and older, possibly due to causes not related to their cancer.
“These findings taken together suggest that age alone should not be a barrier to CAR T therapy, as carefully selected older patients can achieve outcomes similar to younger populations,” says Dr. Krishnan.
Evaluating AI in breast cancer decision-making
Mariam Haji Ahmad, MBBCh, Fellow in Hematology and Medical Oncology, evaluated four large language models for their ability to support breast cancer clinical decision-making using standardized exam-style benchmarking. While the systems demonstrated high accuracy rates (89% or higher), the analysis indicates they are not yet ready for clinical implementation.
“Although large language models show strong performance in controlled testing, additional validation and safeguards are needed before they can be reliably used in real-world patient care,” says Dr. Haji Ahmad.
Presentation details
- Abstract 553, poster 38
- Monday, June 1, 1:30-4:30 p.m. CDT in Hall A
- First/presenting author: Mariam Haji Ahmad, MBBCh, Fellow in Hematology and Medical Oncology
- Senior author: Sheheryar Kabraji, BMBCh, Chief of Breast Medicine and Director of Breast Translational Research
Drs. Krishnan and Shah will receive 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting Merit Awards presented by Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, in recognition of their research and contributions to cancer care. A separate ASCO 2026 abstract co-led by Drs. Shah and Kabraji, Real-World Brain Metastasis Outcomes with Trastuzumab Deruxtecan (T-DXd) Versus Tucatinib-Based Therapy in Second-Line HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer (abstract 1051, poster 165), will be highlighted by Guiding Researchers & Advocates to Scientific Partnerships (GRASP) in a virtual Poster Walkthrough discussion on June 12.
From the world’s first chemotherapy research to the PSA prostate cancer biomarker, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center generates innovations that shape how cancer is detected, treated and prevented worldwide. The Roswell Park team of 4,000+ makes compassionate, patient-centered cancer care and services accessible across New York State and beyond. Rated “Exceptional” by the National Cancer Institute, Roswell Park, founded in 1898, was one of the first NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the country and remains the only one in Upstate New York. To learn more about Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Roswell Park Care Network, visit www.roswellpark.org, call 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or email ASKRoswell@RoswellPark.org.
