The 9th International and French Oncology Days (Ifods) Convened in Paris, Charting the Future of Cancer Care

The 9th edition of the International and French Oncology Days (Ifods) convened in Paris from June 17-19, 2026, bringing together a diverse array of oncology professionals, researchers, patient advocates, and industry stakeholders. This pivotal multidisciplinary congress served as a crucial platform for disseminating the latest scientific advancements, exploring therapeutic innovations, and critically analyzing the evolving landscape of cancer care. The event underscored the accelerating pace of change within oncology, driven by groundbreaking research, technological integration, and a growing emphasis on personalized patient journeys.

A Comprehensive Review of Global Oncology Progress

Ifods 2026 was marked by its comprehensive approach, offering a critical analysis of key findings from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2026 annual meeting. This post-ASCO session provided an invaluable opportunity for French and European oncologists to contextualize major global trial results within their respective clinical practices and healthcare systems. Furthermore, a dedicated session, held in partnership with the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), delved into the rapidly expanding applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in oncology. This collaboration highlighted the urgent need for robust recommendations to guide the safe and effective implementation of AI technologies in patient care and research.

Leading French institutions, including the Institut Curie and Gustave-Roussy, also showcased their strategic research priorities and innovation pipelines. Their presentations offered insights into France’s commitment to advancing precision medicine, exploring novel data-driven approaches, and developing next-generation clinical trials.

Beyond therapeutic breakthroughs, Ifods 2026 illuminated the profound transformations underway in oncology. These encompass the evolving roles of healthcare professionals, the restructuring of care delivery models, the maturation of precision medicine, the increasing influence of AI, and the significant socio-economic implications for cancer patients and the healthcare system as a whole. The congress’s collaborative ethos directly reflected the dynamic evolution of cancer research and treatment.

Expert Perspectives on the State of Oncology

The co-presidents of Ifods 2026, Professor Jean-Philippe Spano, Head of the Medical Oncology Department at Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris, and Professor Françoise Mornex, Professor at Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 and former Head of Radiotherapy Oncology at Lyon University Hospital, offered their insights into the significance of this year’s congress.

Professor Spano emphasized Ifods’ established position as a cornerstone event in French oncology. "This 9th edition confirms the place of Ifods among the major French oncology gatherings," he stated. "The congress has become a space for exchange between different disciplines, with the ambition to go beyond simple presentations of clinical trial results to analyze their consequences on practices and care pathways." He further elaborated on the multifaceted nature of innovation in the field: "Innovation in oncology no longer relies solely on new treatments; it also draws on molecular biology, imaging, data sciences, artificial intelligence, and new care organizations. Ifods reflects this evolution by bringing together all stakeholders involved in patient care. The expansion of skills among advanced practice nurses (APNs), medical imaging technicians (Merm), pharmacists, clinical research associates (CRAs), and physiotherapists, along with the integration of patient partners, exemplifies this increasingly collaborative approach."

Professor Mornex highlighted the congress’s role as a bridge between international oncology communities. "Ifods also serves as a link between French, European, and North American oncology, and this year, Japanese oncology as well," she noted. "The Institut Curie and Gustave-Roussy demonstrated the dynamism of French research in key areas such as precision medicine, artificial intelligence, real-world data, and new clinical trials." She also underscored the value of the long-standing partnership with ASCO: "The historical partnership with post-ASCO allows for a critical reading of major studies, placing them within the context of French and European practices. The creation of a dedicated session for the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) strengthens this international openness, with a focus on artificial intelligence and the recommendations designed to ensure its safe and relevant deployment in clinical practice."

Key Takeaways from the Post-ASCO Sessions

The post-ASCO sessions at Ifods 2026 provided a critical lens through which to view the most impactful clinical trial results presented at the major international oncology conference.

The Growing Role of Biomarkers: Professor Spano highlighted the increasing significance of biomarkers in therapeutic decision-making. "Biomarkers are playing an increasingly significant role in therapeutic decision-making," he explained. "This evolution is illustrated by the development of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in digestive oncology, the continuous enrichment of molecular characterization in lung cancer, and the use of other biomarkers to guide targeted therapies in breast cancer." He further noted the expanding reach of Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs): "Initially developed in gynecology, Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) are continuing their expansion into numerous tumor types, including urothelial, ENT, thoracic, and digestive cancers. Concurrently, targeted therapies continue to advance, particularly those targeting RAS alterations. The results of daraxonrasib in the second-line treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer were thus one of the highlights of ASCO 2026."

Personalized Therapeutic Strategies: Professor Mornex emphasized the trend towards increasingly personalized treatment strategies. "Therapeutic strategies are becoming more and more personalized," she stated. "Clinical trials are now focusing on subgroups of patients defined by their molecular or biological profile, an evolution that concerns all specialties." She also pointed to the personalization of locoregional treatments: "This personalization also extends to locoregional treatments. Surgery and radiotherapy are now integrated into multimodal strategies aimed at adapting treatment intensity to individual risk, with de-escalation approaches to limit toxicities or, conversely, intensification in high-risk patients."

Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) and Precision Medicine

The prominence of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in several Ifods sessions underscored its burgeoning role in precision medicine. Professor Spano articulated its significance within a broader framework: "Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is part of a comprehensive approach to precision medicine, alongside histopathology, molecular biology, and imaging. Its main advantage is its accessibility through a simple blood draw. It complements tumor characterization at diagnosis and reflects tumor heterogeneity in the metastatic setting. Through repeated collections, it allows for monitoring disease progression, assessing treatment response, and early identification of resistance mechanisms."

Professor Mornex further elaborated on the clinical integration of ctDNA: "ctDNA is taking an increasingly significant place in clinical practice. In colorectal cancer, its prognostic value is now well established, particularly for assessing the risk of recurrence, although it does not yet, on its own, modify the therapeutic strategy. Like the Institut Curie and Gustave-Roussy, many teams are developing research projects to extend its use to other tumor sites."

The Transformative Power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Oncology

The dedicated sessions on AI, in collaboration with ESMO, signaled its growing influence across oncology. Professor Spano articulated AI’s supportive role in precision medicine: "AI is accompanying the development of precision medicine. We are generating an increasing volume of clinical, radiological, histopathological, and molecular data that are becoming difficult to exploit without appropriate tools. AI must help us better integrate this information to improve medical decision-making." He also noted AI’s impact on research: "Its field of application now extends beyond clinical practice; AI is also transforming research through the exploitation of real-world data, the development of synthetic control arms for clinical trials, and, in the longer term, the creation of virtual patients (‘digital twins’). This is an evolution that Ifods wished to address in partnership with ESMO."

Professor Mornex provided concrete examples of AI’s current applications: "The first applications are already a reality, particularly in radiotherapy with contouring, planning, and adaptive radiotherapy. More broadly, AI can contribute to improving pathway coordination, patient selection, and treatment monitoring." However, she cautioned about the need for rigorous implementation: "These evolutions will, however, need to be supported by validated tools, quality data, and an ethical framework that guarantees algorithm transparency, health data protection, and the maintenance of medical responsibility."

Evolving Professional Roles and Collaborative Care

Ifods 2026 also placed a significant emphasis on the evolving roles of healthcare professionals in oncology, with dedicated sessions on Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs), Medical Imaging Technicians (Merm), and patient partners.

Professor Spano explained the rationale: "Innovation in oncology concerns not only treatments; it also transforms the organization of care. Pathways are becoming more complex, and precision medicine mobilizes increasingly numerous skills. Ifods aimed to highlight this evolution by valorizing the role of APNs, Merm, and patient partners, who have become essential actors in patient management."

Professor Mornex concurred, stating, "The evolution of professions accompanies the evolution of practices. APNs strengthen follow-up and pathway coordination, Merm see their skills expand with new technologies, while patient partners enrich care, research, and training thanks to their experience. The oncology of tomorrow will be both more technological and more collaborative, relying on the complementarity of all actors for the benefit of patients."

Nurturing the Next Generation of Oncologists

A core tenet of Ifods is the integration and support of young professionals. "Integrating young professionals is part of the DNA of Ifods," Professor Spano affirmed. "We are keen to foster their presence, particularly through sessions organized by the Association for the Education and Research of Oncology Interns (Aerio), the French Society of Young Radiotherapist-Oncologists (SFJRO), and other specialty associations." He highlighted their critical role: "Interns, clinical fellows, young oncologists, PhD students, and young researchers are the future actors of oncology. Their critical perspective, their dynamism, and their sensitivity to new technologies enrich discussions, particularly concerning artificial intelligence, the stakes of which they understand far better than their elders and are more capable of integrating into clinical practice."

He also emphasized the recognition of doctoral students’ contributions: "This year, we wished to honor the journey of doctoral students, which is often long, demanding, and unrecognized. They constitute the essential link between fundamental research, translational research, and clinical practice, contributing significantly to the international renown of French oncology. Ifods is also a time for encounters where the medical and scientific community mobilizes to value and support these journeys, to foster exchanges between researchers and clinicians, and to inspire new collaborations."

Addressing Gender Equity in Oncology

A significant new initiative at Ifods 2026 was a dedicated session on women in oncology. Professor Mornex explained its importance: "Despite the progress made, women continue to face specific challenges in their medical journey, and oncology is no exception to this reality. For several years, I wanted Ifods to move beyond a simple observation to open a real debate and to bring forth concrete solutions. Johanna Wassermann helped me bring this project to fruition." She outlined the key issues discussed: "The stakes are well identified: access to responsibilities, scientific visibility, mentoring, but also the reconciliation between professional and personal life. Without ever opposing women and men, the discussions were particularly rich, sincere, and constructive, with the wish to improve the professional environment." Professor Mornex concluded by emphasizing the session’s impact: "Ifods opened a real space for dialogue that will continue through concrete actions and that we wish to perpetuate in future editions."

Summary of Key Trial Results Presented at Ifods 2026 (Table 1)

The congress also featured a detailed review of significant clinical trial results, providing a snapshot of recent progress across various cancer types:

• Colorectal Cancer: The updated Galaxy trial reaffirmed the strong prognostic value of ctDNA after surgery and during adjuvant chemotherapy, although a therapeutic adaptation guided by ctDNA clearance was not yet demonstrated.
• Lung Cancer: The Libretto-432 trial confirmed the benefit of selpercatinib in the adjuvant setting for patients with RET fusions. The updated Crown trial confirmed the durable benefit of lorlatinib in ALK+ patients. For metastatic pancreatic cancer with a KRAS mutation, daraxonrasib emerged as a major advance in the second-line setting.
• Antibody Advancements: New generations of bispecific antibodies showed promise in lung and ENT cancers (Harmoni-6 and Origami-4, respectively). Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) expanded their indications in lung, ENT, urothelial, and triple-negative breast cancers (e.g., Optitrop-Lung 05, Mythos, EV-302, Ascent-04).
• Head and Neck Cancers: The Arest trial supported the benefit of postoperative radiotherapy in early-stage squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity. Conversely, the Nivopostop analysis did not permit a reduction in the extent of lymph node dissection in patients treated with postoperative radio-immunotherapy.
• Breast and Prostate Cancer Strategies: In breast cancer, Senomac opened the door to de-escalation, potentially allowing omission of nodal irradiation in certain patients. For high-risk prostate cancer, Proteus expanded therapeutic options by combining prostatectomy with intensified neoadjuvant and adjuvant hormone therapy.

The 9th edition of Ifods concluded with a clear vision for the future of oncology: one that is increasingly collaborative, technologically integrated, and deeply personalized, driven by continuous innovation and a commitment to improving patient outcomes.