The oncology landscape is rapidly evolving, entering a phase of exponential development defined by incremental innovation. As tumor biology becomes better understood at single-cell and spatial resolution level, target selection is no longer driven exclusively by differential expression; it is guided by functional relevance, resistance biology, and microenvironmental context. A new generation of high-interest oncology targets is emerging across three strategically important domains: ADC-enabling surface antigens, metabolic pathways, and immune-modulatory molecules.

Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) represent a promising cancer therapeutic strategy that has achieved remarkable clinical and commercial success in recent years. As of early 2026, 15 ADCs have received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A robust and expanding pipeline across the pharmaceutical industry is poised to deliver additional candidates in the near future. The global ADC market size is projected to grow to $64.7 billion in value by 2030, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) plays a pivotal role in ADC program development by enabling precise and quantitative characterization of target expression within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The utility of IHC assays in this setting is highly dependent on the specific ADC target. In clinical trials evaluating ADCs directed against overexpressed transmembrane targets, such as B7-H3 (a type I transmembrane immune checkpoint protein) or TROP2 (Trophoblast surface antigen 2), IHC is routinely employed to quantify target-antigen expression and support patient selection and stratification strategies. Longitudinal assessment is particularly critical, as dynamic modulation or downregulation of the target antigen represents a well-recognized mechanism of resistance to ADC therapy. Given that heterogeneous TROP-2 expression within tumors is associated with disease prognosis, accurately capturing this variability through immunohistochemical analysis can help distinguish treatment responders from non-responders.

The next frontier in oncology innovation lies in therapeutically targeting cancer-specific metabolic dependencies (disrupting the bioenergetic and biosynthetic pathways that sustain tumor growth, immune evasion, and treatment resistance). In the context of intracellular epigenetic regulators such as PRMT5 and EZH2, IHC enables biomarker-driven stratification by assessing nuclear protein expression, downstream pathway activation states (e.g., H3K27me3 as a surrogate of EZH2 activity), and tumor versus stromal compartmentalization, factors that may critically inform rational combination strategies and therapeutic positioning.

A third category of emerging targets comprises immune-modulatory molecules such as 4-1BB (CD137). As these targets exert their therapeutic effects by modulating immune cell activation rather than directly targeting tumor cells, a precise understanding of their cellular context within the tumor microenvironment becomes essential. In this setting, IHC plays a critical role in characterizing the distribution, density, and spatial localization of target-expressing immune cell subsets (including T cells and NK cells) within the tumor microenvironment, thereby informing both efficacy expectations and safety considerations. Across these programs, IHC supports pharmacodynamic assessments, positioning this technology as a critical translational bridge between target biology and clinical response prediction. Importantly, the value of IHC extends beyond the analysis of isolated protein expression. The spatial distribution of immune cells within the TME (specifically their localization within the intratumoral core versus the peritumoral stroma or invasive margin) can decisively influence the efficacy of immunotherapies, including 4-1BB/CD137 agonists. A highly immunosuppressive peri-tumoral barrier characterized by elevated expression of markers such as PD-1, TGF-beta, and FAP-alpha may attenuate the activity of 4-1BB-mediated immune activation. Accordingly, integrating spatial context into biomarker analysis is essential for elucidating mechanisms of immune resistance and optimizing the overall therapeutic strategy.

To support the accelerating complexity of oncology drug development, NeoGenomics continues expanding its portfolio with a comprehensive suite of next-generation IHC targets aligned to today’s most innovative therapeutic classes (including ADCs, immune modulators, and epigenetic regulators). Complementing this menu, we have recently launched an advanced spatial biology solution, Paletrra™that integrates whole-slide imaging with AI-driven analytical capabilities, preserving tissue architecture while delivering high-dimensional, spatially resolved insights into tumor–immune interactions, cellular phenotypes, and microenvironmental dynamics. Building on this menu, NeoGenomics offers a fully integrated biomarker ecosystem designed to de-risk oncology programs from discovery through late-phase development.

Explore our end-to-end capabilities

Molecular Profiling Made Simple

We’re excited to announce that the PanTracer portfolio is expanding again with the launch of PanTracer Pro, a streamlined solution delivering comprehensive genomic and tailored biomarker insights for optimal therapy selection in a single order.

In the evolving landscape of precision oncology, accessing tumor-specific biomarker information is critical for patient care. PanTracer Pro combines comprehensive genomic profiling of 500+ cancer-related genes with cancer type-directed ancillary testing*, including IHC and HRD scoring, to provide personalized insights for therapy selection.

We are proud to introduce PanTracer Pro to you, the latest addition to the PanTracer family, delivering on our promise of powerful, simple solutions for therapy selection.

*The diagnosis information you provide will determine tumor type-directed IHC and ancillary testing. See neogenomics.com/pantracer-portfolio#pro for associated add-ons by cancer diagnosis

With highly sensitive MRD technology that detects circulating tumor DNA in blood before imaging, RaDaR ST reveals evidence of recurrence. Wherever the signal starts, find it with RaDaR ST.

RaDaR ST analyzes each patient’s unique tumor profile to develop a personalized panel – then uses that panel to detect the presence or absence of circulating tumor DNA in the patient’s bloodstream.

When cancer leaves only molecular traces, RaDaR ST brings them into view.

Learn more

Are you using NGS testing for patients with myeloid disorders? 

Guidelines recommend next-generation sequencing (NGS) at diagnosis for precise risk stratification, emphasizing its superior diagnostic value and cost-effectiveness compared to single-gene testing.¹

Comprehensive NGS testing at diagnosis changes everything for myeloid patients:

• Detects 74% more actionable biomarkers
• Boosts targeted therapy use by 12%
• Cuts non-targeted chemo by 40%²

Neo Comprehensive^® – Myeloid Disorders, a CGP assay, uses DNA and RNA NGS to detect relevant aberrations for diagnostic evaluation, prognosis, risk stratification, and therapy guidance for a wide range of myeloid disorders.

Recent advancements in targeted therapy for NSCLC patients: HGFR (MET) is a new actionable biomarker with an FDA-approved targeted therapy for NSCLC patients.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines have recently been updated to use the term "HGFR" (Hepatocyte Growth Factor Receptor) for the c-MET protein biomarker.

In the era of precision medicine, the number of FDA-approved targeted therapy options has accelerated; this is particularly true for lung cancer.³ HGFR (MET) is a new actionable biomarker with an FDA-approved targeted therapy for NSCLC patients that could improve patient outcomes.

NeoGenomics is proud to offer c-MET CDx for NSCLC to support precision oncology in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This advanced immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay enables precise detection of HGFR (MET) protein expression, empowering oncologists to identify patients with NSCLC who may benefit from a new targeted therapy.

1. Levine RL, Valk PJM. Next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis and minimal residual disease assessment of acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica. 2019 May;104(5):868-871. doi: 10.3324/haematol.2018.205955. Epub 2019 Mar 28. PMID: 30923100; PMCID: PMC6518900. 
2. Rosenquist R, Bernard E, Erkers T, et al. Novel precision medicine approaches and treatment strategies in hematological malignancies. J Intern Med. 2023;294(4):413-436. 
3. https://www.lungcancerresearchfoundation.org/research/why-research/treatment-advances/