ASCO highlights include cancer drug news from Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Merck KGaA, Novartis and Eisai

A wide variety of clinical evidence on novel cancer treatments, as well as potential additional uses for existing drugs, were presented at this year's annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, one of the most prestigious events for the sector, taking place over the weekend and through tomorrow in Chicago.

One thing that is apparent from the hundreds of presentations is that cancer is not a single disease, and the products that are coming through the research pipeline will, if brought to market, be essentially expensive therapies and so will add to the global burden of health care financing. Several of these are covered by individual stories today, but herewith a summary of some others of importance.