Markey researchers present findings at world’s largest oncology meeting

Physicians and scientists from the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center will share their latest research at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago from May 30 to June 3.

The largest oncology gathering in the world, ASCO allows thousands of experts to discuss groundbreaking advancements in cancer care and facilitates collaborations that can lead to better treatments and patient outcomes.

Markey-led studies featured at ASCO 2025 highlight the cancer center’s newest contributions to multiple areas of oncology, including CAR T-cell therapy, glioblastoma treatment and real-world cancer outcomes.

Yanal Alnimer receives ASCO Merit Award

Hematology-oncology fellow Yanal Mufeed Alnimer, M.D., will receive the prestigious 2025 ASCO Merit Award for his abstract Real-World Outcomes of Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Treated with CAR T-Cell Therapy. This award recognizes outstanding oncology research, and Alnimer’s work provides valuable real-world evidence on the clinical outcomes of CAR T-cell therapy for aggressive lymphoma.

Markey research featured at ASCO 2025

Poster presentations include:

• Yanal Mufeed Alnimer, M.D.: Real-World Outcomes of Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Treated with CAR T-Cell Therapy; Efficacy of CAR T-Cell Therapy in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Retrospective Analysis of Real-World Data
• John L. Villano, M.D., Ph.D.: Tumor Treating Fields Plus Maintenance Temozolomide Therapy in Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma: Final Results from the EF-14 Trial with 10-Year Follow-Up

Publications featured include:

• Timothy Mullett, M.D.: Effect of Low-Dose CT Screening for Lung Cancer on Stage Shift in an Underserved Population
• Insija Selene: Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma: A National Cancer Database Study
• Allison Swiecki-Sikora, M.D.: Patient-Reported Outcomes and Swallowing Function After Radiation for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Sarah Sertich, M.D.: Molecular Subgrouping of Pediatric and Young Adult Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Retrospective Analysis Using DNA Methylation Profiling