MASCC 2025 Annual Meeting Recap – Cancer Treatment Highlights

Published: July 01, 2025

The 2025 annual conference of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) just wrapped up. This annual event brings together the MASCC and the International Society for Oral Oncology for the multinational event featuring around 1600 attendees from more than 70 countries.

With so many global experts gathering together for the annual conference, it can be challenging to catch all the cutting-edge science and insightful research presented. We put together a rundown of some of the exciting research presented at MASCC 2025.

Characteristics of Oral Mucositis in Patients Undergoing Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplantation with Posttransplant Cyclophosphamide

Description: The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of conditioning regimens on oral mucositis in haploidentical donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with posttransplant cyclophosphamide.
Result: Researchers found that the risk of oral mucositis in patients undergoing haploidentical donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with posttransplant cyclophosphamide is the highest with a MAC-Bu conditioning regimen, followed by RIC-Bu, and then RIC-Mel being the lowest.

Outcome and Toxicity of Stereotactic Radiotherapy in Patients with Brain Metastases from Gastrointestinal Cancer

Description: The study sought to determine if stereotactic radiotherapy could be used to improve symptoms and lengthen disease control.
Result: Stereotactic Radiotherapy yielded satisfactory intracranial control rates at 1-year. Additionally, to extend intracranial control, multiple courses of treatment can be delivered. Less than 5% of cases may experience symptomatic radionecrosis.

Evaluating Pregabalin in Terminal Cancer Patients with Chronic Neuropathic Pain and Depression: An Observational Case Series

Description: The study’s purpose was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using the anticonvulsant medication for neuropathic pain and observe how it impacts depression, among other side effects in terminal cancer patients.
Result: Pregabalin was found to cause a significant reduction in pain intensity and depression severity. Notable side effects included dizziness, drowsiness, weight gain, and dry mouth. No severe effects were noted.

Predictors of Weight Gain After Breast Cancer: Findings From a Longitudinal Population-based Study

Description: Researchers sought to identify predictors of weight gain in women diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as comparing weight trajectories of women with and without breast cancer.
Result: Breast cancer has a small, additional impact associated with the weight gain midlife women commonly experience. Premenopausal status when diagnosed predicts weight gain. Additional research is needed in the context of menopausal changes for a more developed interventional plan.

Skeletal Muscle Quantity and Quality at Diagnosis and Overall Survival in Young Women with Breast Cancer

Description: Women younger than 40 who have been diagnosed with breast cancer represent a unique demographic with distinct prognosis. Researchers evaluated CT-derived body composition measures from women in this demographic to determine thresholds for overall survival prediction.
Result: Researchers found that higher volumes of muscle fat content and lower volumes of muscle mass at breast cancer diagnosis were associated with worse overall survival.

What Have We Learned From Clinical Trials To Guide Exercise Recommendations for Older Adults Living with and Beyond Cancer?

Description: A systematic review of exercise trials in cancer survivors was conducted to evaluate efficacy, safety, feasibility values in cancer survivors older than 65.
Result: Barriers to participation impede clinical trial research, thus there remains a limited number of studies that can be used to inform evidence-based guidelines.