ESMO Congress 2025: Highlights From Berlin

By Beata Zukowska, Project Director

This year’s ESMO Congress drew more than 37,000 participants, gathering clinicians, researchers, industry leaders, and patient advocates for five days of rich data, discussion, and debate. The meeting showcased the rapid evolution of cancer care, with precision oncology, next-generation immunotherapies, and meaningful, patient-centered endpoints taking center stage. Alongside the science, conversations on global equity, access to innovation, and long-term survivorship underscored the field’s growing commitment to delivering progress to all patients — not just those in well-resourced settings.

For sponsors, a clear message emerged: the pace of innovation is accelerating, and the winners will be those who adapt accordingly. Success will increasingly depend on thoughtful, forward-looking trial design; robust biomarker and diagnostic strategies; and deep collaboration across regions, disciplines, and health systems. In this environment, agility and partnership are no longer optional — they are strategic advantages.