What's Hot in 2026: Oncology Research Well Beyond mRNA

From ADCs and CARs to PROTACs and neoantigen-based vaccines, a new crop of oncology tools is redefining standards of care

The oncology landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by breakthroughs that extend far beyond mRNA-based approaches. Next-generation immunotherapies are at the forefront, with CAR-T and CAR-NK cells expanding into the realm of solid tumors, and off-the-shelf solutions promising scalability and facilitated access. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are gaining increasing momentum, too. The fact that newer molecules avoid immunogenicity by Fc silencing increased their superior mode of action tremendously. Along those lines, radioligand therapies, as a modified version of ADCs, are redefining targeted radiotherapy, bringing unprecedented accuracy to prostate and neuroendocrine cancer treatment. 

Personalization remains a key theme, as neoantigen-based peptide vaccines are emerging as powerful tools for individualized therapy, often combined with checkpoint inhibitors to enhance efficacy. In the compound class of small molecules, protein degraders such as PROTACs and molecular glues are unlocking previously “undruggable” targets, expanding the therapeutic arsenal. In the field of tumor load determination and diagnosis, liquid biopsy, specifically ctDNA monitoring, is transforming cancer screening and real-time treatment adaptation by detecting minimal residual disease and mutations that indicate the development of resistance. 

Collectively, these advances are not only broadening the therapeutic arsenal but also redefining standards of care, paving the way for more effective, individualized, and accessible cancer treatments.

-- Julia Schueler, DVM PhD, Therapeutic Area Lead Oncology, Charles River