SITC 2016 Mid-Conference Report
As the premier advocate and resource for cancer immunotherapy for more than 30 years, SITC is proud to again provide a global forum for all stakeholders to examine cutting-edge data, engage in scientific exchange and build relationships that help propel the field forward. Today, with a number of approaches demonstrating clinical benefit to patients in a variety of cancer types, it is no surprise that SITC 2016 has yet again broken society records.
For the first two days, over 1,600 delegates attended the associated programs, positioning SITC 2016 to be the most-attended SITC conference in history.
Wednesday Programming
New Cancer Immunotherapy Agents in Development
Kicking off SITC 2016, attendees were introduced to several novel pre-clinical and clinical cancer immunotherapy agents. This session sparked conversation on new drug developments coming from industry, and inspired a lively extended panel discussion, that included comments and insights from the US Food and Drug Administration representatives. During the exchange, attendees and panel members deliberated about the implications of having >800 cancer immunotherapy combination trials currently underway.
Following the session, attendees continued the discussion and networked during a festive evening reception.
Thursday Programming
Primer on Tumor Immunology and Cancer ImmunotherapyTM
The Primer provided a foundation for understanding core immunology principles related to basic and clinical research in cancer immunotherapy. The program was well attended and participants came away with valuable understanding of how to treat tumors using passive immunotherapy, as well as insights on how patients' immune systems can be harnessed to treat malignancy.
Workshop on Challenges, Insights, and Future Directions for Mouse and Humanized Models in Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy
The workshop proved to be thought-provoking and engaging for attendees. A common theme throughout the session was the need to better understand the mode of action of current agents in order to develop additional drug targets and inform combination approaches. Since the antitumor immune response is complex and very dynamic, developing and utilizing appropriate models will be key to the future success of cancer immunotherapy.
Meet-the-Expert Lunch
SITC was pleased to again offer a unique experience for our Early Career Scientists by hosting the Meet-the-Expert lunch. With over 75 attending, experts in the field disseminated knowledge and wisdom on nine different topics to those in the early years of their career.
Early Career Scientist Committee Vice Chair, Stephanie Spranger, began the lunch with an introductory presentation about the committee and its activities and initiatives.
Presidential Reception & State of SITC: Membership Business Meeting
Finishing off the day, SITC President Howard Kaufman, MD, FACS and Secretary/Treasurer F. Steven Hodi Jr., MD presented on the state of the society to a packed room of attendees. Dr. Kaufman then gave a touching farewell and introduction of incoming President Lisa H. Butterfield, PhD. Dr. Butterfield expressed her gratitude to the members and excitement about leading the society during this time of growth.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the Annual Meeting, Friday through Sunday, we are excited to provide more opportunities for education and networking to our attendees.
Stay up-to-date on what's going on by downloading the SITC 2016 meeting app, visiting our Live page and following our Tweetbeam wall.
