SITC Primer on Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy^TM

October 25, 2012
Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
North Bethesda, MD

Program Purpose

Understanding of tumor immunobiology has increased dramatically in recent years, leading to the successful development of new immune-based treatment options to improve cancer outcomes. The SITC Primer on Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy™ was designed to provide a foundation for understanding core immunology principles as they relate to basic and clinical research in immunotherapy of cancer.

Prominent investigators summarized central themes and recent research in tumor immunology and cancer immunotherapy including innate immunity, dendritic cells, T cell differentiation, antibody therapy, and the tumor microenvironment as well as recent advances in the clinical application of cancer vaccines, coinhibition and costimulation of immune cells for immunotherapy, adoptive immunotherapy, and immune monitoring in clinical trials of cancer immunotherapies. These topics were addressed in a series of lectures by thought leaders in the field and through interactive question and answer discussions.

Intended Audience

The audience for this annual, one-day educational program included students, postdoctoral fellows, and technicians from academia and industry as well as physicians and scientists at more senior levels who wanted to solidify their understanding of tumor immunology and immunotherapy.

Program Goals

• Interpret a framework of basic immunology to facilitate understanding of more sophisticated principles of tumor immunology and immunotherapy
• Provide a common terminology and knowledge base for participants from many different areas
• Review the biology of innate immunity, dendritic cells, T cell differentiation and intracellular signaling, and the tumor microenvironment as related to recent advances in cancer immunotherapies
• Summarize the principles of and recent advances in the application of tumor antigens for immunization, coinhibition and costimulation of immune cells, adoptive immunotherapy, and immune monitoring in clinical trials of cancer immunotherapies
• Provide the opportunity for dialogue and professional interactions that promote collaboration and scientific exchange

Expected Learner Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the participants were able to:

• Understand the key principles of tumor immunology and immunotherapy
• Describe the role of innate immunity, T cell differentiation and signaling, and the tumor microenvironment in cancer immunotherapies
• Discuss recent research and clinical applications of tumor immunization, immune coinhibition and costimulation, adoptive immunotherapy, and biomarkers
• Enhance scientific exchange with colleagues and collaborators on research and application of cancer immunotherapies to improve outcomes of patients with cancer

Organizers

Charles Drake, MD, PhD - Johns Hopkins University
Mario Sznol, MD - Yale University School of Medicine