SITC Primer on Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy™

November 7, 2013
Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center
National Harbor, MD

Program Purpose

Our understanding of tumor immunobiology has increased dramatically in recent years, leading to the successful
development of novel immune-based treatment options to improve cancer patient outcomes. The SITC Primer on Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy™ is designed to provide a foundation for understanding core immunology principles as they relate to basic and clinical research in immunotherapy of cancer. The audience for this annual, one-day educational program includes students, postdoctoral fellows, and technicians from academia and industry, as well as physicians and scientists at more senior levels who wish to solidify their understanding of tumor immunology and immunotherapy.

The 2013 program began with a brief but up-to-date review of the immune system. Then, prominent investigators summarized central themes in cancer immunotherapy, including adoptive T cell transfer, monoclonal antibody therapy, cancer vaccines and immune checkpoint blockade. An overview of current immune monitoring techniques was also provided, in addition to a discussion on the use of pre-surgical trials to assess the immune response to experimental agents. These topics were also addressed in a series of lectures by thought leaders in the field and through interactive question and answer sessions.

Session Topics Included:

Overview of Adaptive Immunity
Adoptive T Cell Therapy
Anti-Tumor Antibodies
Cancer Vaccines
Introduction to Dendritic Cells
Immune Checkpoint Blockade
Introduction to Innate Immunity
Monitoring T and B Cell Response
Obstacles to Driving an Immune Response
Pre-Surgical Clinical Trial Design for Immune Monitoring

Intended Audience

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

The Primer for SITC 2014 will be held November 6, 2014 - once again at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, MD. Please stay tuned for more information to come!

Program Goals Included:

Provide a framework of basic immunology to facilitate a better understanding of more sophisticated principles of tumor immunology and immunotherapy
Provide a common terminology and knowledge base for participants from many different backgrounds
Review the biology of innate immunity, dendritic cells, adaptive immune responses and the tumor microenvironment as related to recent advances in cancer immunotherapy
Summarize recent advances in the application of tumor antigens for immunization, immune checkpoint blockade, adoptive immunotherapy, and immune monitoring in clinical trials of cancer immunotherapies
Provide an opportunity for dialogue and professional interactions that promote collaboration and scientific exchange

Educational Objectives Included:

Upon completion of this meeting, participants should be able to:

Describe the key principles of tumor immunology and immunotherapy
Summarize the basic principles of passive immunotherapy, in which antibodies or T lymphocytes generated outside of the patient are administered with therapeutic intent
Discuss the techniques involved in active immunotherapy, including tumor antigen vaccination and immune checkpoint blockade
Outline immune monitoring techniques, both in peripheral blood and sera and in patient samples collected in pre-surgical trials
Enhance scientific exchange with colleagues and collaborators on research and application of cancer immunotherapies to improve outcomes of patients with cancer