FORT MYERS, Fla., June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Oncology Network (AON) (Nasdaq: AONC), one of the nation’s fastest-growing networks of community oncology practices, is pleased to announce that several research studies, co-authored by AON physicians and leaders, were accepted at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2024 Annual Meeting. The meeting was held from May 31 to June 4 in Chicago.

The following abstracts were selected for either poster discussions, presentations or online publication after rigorous review.

• Ruemu Ejedafeta Birhiray, MD, of Hematology Oncology of Indiana, co-authored the following studies:
  • “Phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of odronextamab versus investigator’s choice in previously untreated follicular lymphoma (OLYMPIA-1).”
  • “Phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of odronextamab plus chemotherapy versus rituximab plus chemotherapy in previously untreated follicular lymphoma (OLYMPIA-2).”
• Ralph V. Boccia, MD, FACP, of The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, co-authored the following studies:
  • “Correlation of baseline ENPP1 and cGAS expression in advanced solid tumors with intratumoral immune activation and clinical outcomes after treatment with the first-in-class oral ENPP1 inhibitor RBS2418, alone or in combination with pembrolizumab.”
  • “Outcomes of advanced/metastatic breast cancer (aMBC) treated with BRIA-IMT, an allogeneic whole cell immunotherapy.”
  • “Subcutaneous epcoritamab (SC epcor) administered outpatient (outpt) for relapsed or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL): Results from phase 2 EPCORE NHL-6.”
• Arvind Chaudhry, MD, PhD, of Summit Cancer Centers, co-authored the following studies:
  • “BELLWAVE-010: A phase 3 study of nemtabrutinib plus venetoclax versus venetoclax plus rituximab (VR) in previously treated patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory (R/R) chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).”
  • “BELLWAVE-011: Phase 3 randomized trial of nemtabrutinib versus ibrutinib or acalabrutinib in untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma.”
  • “Phase 1 trial of TU2218, TGFβ-RI and VEGF-R2 dual inhibitor in monotherapy and combination with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced solid tumors.”
  • “YL202/BNT326, a HER3-targeted ADC, in patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer: Preliminary results from a first-in-human phase I trial.”
  • “A phase I/II, open-label, multicenter study to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy of HB0036 in patients with advanced solid tumors.”
• Christopher Chay, MD, of Messino Cancer Centers, co-authored the following study:
  • “Alliance A222001: A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled phase II study of oxybutynin versus placebo for the treatment of hot flashes in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy.”
• Stephen “Fred” Divers, MD, of Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute and AON’s chief medical officer, and Brian Mulherin, MD, of Hematology Oncology of Indiana, co-authored the following study:
  • “Assessing quality of care in early stage resected stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): An evaluation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) testing and adjuvant (adj) therapy (tx).”
• Tamara Weinberg, RN, BSN, OCN, ONN-CG, AON’s pharmacy RN supervisor, authored the following study, which will be published only on the ASCO website:
  • “Can a medically integrated oncology pharmacy decrease waste and avoidance?”

“It is always an honor to share our research and latest findings with our fellow colleagues at events such as this one,” said Dr. Boccia who also serves as chairperson of the AON Research Committee. “The ASCO platform allows us to connect with like-minded oncologists and other healthcare leaders and accelerate the impact of our work. By contributing to the collective knowledge of clinical oncology, we are dedicated to the advancement of the field and improving patient care and outcomes.”

“Investing in oncology research is not just about developing new drugs or treatment approaches,” said Dr. Divers. “It is about pushing the boundaries of our understanding of cancer and identifying its vulnerabilities. Every piece of knowledge gained through dedicated research efforts brings us closer to developing personalized treatment plans, improving early detection, and ultimately, finding a cure for the devastating disease. We are proud to be contributing to this critical endeavor, and the ASCO annual meeting plays a vital role in accelerating the pace of scientific progress.”

“We are thrilled to have several of our esteemed physicians/leaders present their groundbreaking studies at the ASCO Annual Meeting,” said Todd Schonherz, AON’s chief executive officer. “This event gathers the brightest minds in clinical oncology and having our physicians and leaders represented is a tremendous honor. At AON, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. We empower our physicians/leaders to push the boundaries of the field, and their participation is a testament to their dedication to improving oncology and achievements in the industry. These presentations not only showcase their expertise but also contribute valuable insights to the advancement of cancer care for years to come.”

ASCO is a leading professional organization for oncology physicians and professionals. The annual meeting brings together oncology physicians and thought leaders for networking opportunities and more than 145 hours of educational and informational sessions.

AON has many practices that are actively engaged in groundbreaking clinical research initiatives, with four sites designated as strategic research sites for Sarah Cannon Research Institute. As part of our commitment to advancing medical knowledge and patient care, AON practices provide opportunities for participation in over 150 clinical trials. These services are conveniently accessible at a community level, ensuring patients receive cutting-edge treatments close to home, enhancing their overall cancer journey.

For more information about AON, visit www.AONcology.com.

About American Oncology Network 

American Oncology Network (AON) (Nasdaq: AONC) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success and viability of community oncology and other specialties. Founded in 2018, AON's rapidly expanding network represents more than 240 providers practicing across 21 states. AON pioneers innovative healthcare solutions through its physician-led model, fostering value-based care that improves patient outcomes while reducing costs and expanding access to quality care. AON equips its network physicians with the tools they need to thrive independently while providing comprehensive support, integrated revenue-diversifying ancillary services, and practice management expertise, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest standard of care for every patient. AON is committed to promoting health equity by addressing disparities in cancer care and ensuring that all patients have access to the care they need to achieve optimal health outcomes. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, AON is shaping the future of community oncology. Learn more at www.AONcology.com.