Oncology Experts Gather in San Antonio for 28th Annual PANAO Conference

San Antonio, TX – Oncology and hematology experts are convening in San Antonio for the 28th annual Practical Applications of New Agents in Oncology (PANAO) conference, highlighting advancements in cancer care. The event, which began on February 12, 2026, and concluded on February 13, 2026, featured a keynote presentation from Daniel D. Von Hoff, MD, of TGen.

Keynote Address and Focus on Emerging Therapies

Dr. Von Hoff’s keynote address, titled “Unexplored Frailties of Cancer,” explored critical aspects of cancer research. PANAO serves as a national forum for translating scientific discoveries into clinical practice, connecting physicians, researchers, and healthcare teams dedicated to improving patient care. The conference offers accredited continuing medical education (CME), pharmacy education (CPE), and nursing education (CNE) for healthcare professionals specializing in oncology and hematology.

Sukeshi Arora Honors Daniel Von Hoff

Sukeshi Arora, MD, Medical Oncologist at UT Health San Antonio, publicly acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Von Hoff, stating, “What an honor to be in the presence of Dr. Daniel Von Hoff, always sharing pearls of wisdom to clinical researchers. Proud to work in a place that he literally built from the ground up.” Source

Expert Insights and Program Highlights

The PANAO agenda included sessions focused on therapeutic advances in gastrointestinal cancers, with Sukeshi Arora, MD, presenting on advances in liver cancer. Source Other topics covered novel agents in drug development and CAR T-cell therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma.

About Sukeshi Patel Arora, MD

Sukeshi Patel Arora, MD, is a professor in the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology at The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio and leads the gastrointestinal malignancies and geriatric oncology program at Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center. Source She specializes in medical oncology treatments for gastrointestinal cancers, including gallbladder, bile duct, pancreas, liver, and neuroendocrine cancers. Her research focuses on drug development for hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers and improving care for older adults with cancer.

Looking Ahead

While PANAO 2026 has concluded, organizers are already looking forward to the 2027 conference, continuing its mission to advance cancer care through collaboration and the dissemination of cutting-edge research. Source