I'm starting to think the ASCO submission went through the normal abstract process. I think Trials in Progress ("TIP") are reserved for blinded trials. Earlier, I was mostly going on the premise that NWBO filed under the "trial in progress" procedure:
"Trials submitted to this session are ongoing and have not reached prespecified endpoints for analysis. As such, inclusion of results would be improper and is strictly forbidden."
-- ASCO
"Pre-specified endpoints" sounds like blinded trials.
I don't see why NWBO would not have submitted under the standard abstract procedure?
If they did go through the normal route, then we are likely to learn a lot at ASCO if NWBO's abstract is accepted. However, as Linda said, the data is not very mature yet, and as such their abstract may not be accepted for this conference.
This gives us another insight as to why NWBO spent so much upfront at the conference. Namely, It couldn't hurt their chances for ASCO abstract acceptance. That seems perfectly legitimate, and an ethical way to move things forward.