Program Purpose

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June 1, 2012
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago, IL
Leading into the 2012 ASCO Annual Meeting

The SITC Primer on Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy™ From Biology to Treatment was designed to provide a foundation for understanding core immunology principles as they relate to basic and clinical research in immunology and the immunotherapy of malignancy. It aimed to advance successful immune-based treatments provided by practicing oncologists quickly and efficiently in point-of-care patient applications for positive outcomes.

Prominent investigators summarized central themes and recent research advances in such areas as innate immunity and inflammation in cancer biology, dendritic cells, T cell function, antibody therapy, and the host-tumor relationship as well as recent advances in the clinical application of cancer vaccines, coinhibition and costimulation of immune cells, and adoptive cellular therapy of cancer.  These topics were addressed in a series of lectures by thought leaders in the field and through interactive question and answer sessions.

Intended Audience

The audience for this half-day educational program included clinical oncologists working directly with patients as well as other oncology health care practitioners who wished to solidify their understanding of recent advances and the biologic basis of tumor immunology and immunotherapy.  In addition, other audiences who found this program of value were basic scientists and clinical investigators (clinicians, researchers, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and allied health professionals) from academic institutions, industry and regulatory agencies.

Program Goals

• Provide a framework of basic immunology for clinical oncologists and facilitate understanding of more sophisticated principles of tumor immunology and immunotherapy
• Facilitate the translation of cancer immunotherapy research into medical practice by clinical oncologists
• Provide a common terminology and knowledge base for clinical oncologists from all oncology disciplines and sub-specialties
• Provide a common terminology and knowledge base for clinical oncologists from all oncology disciplines and sub-specialties
• 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, and adoptive immunotherapy of malignant disease
• 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:

• Interpret the key principles of tumor immunology and immunotherapy
• Describe the role of tumor biology, antigens, T cell differentiation and signaling, and the host-tumor relationship in cancer immunotherapies
• Discuss recent research and clinical applications of tumor immunization, immune coinhibition and costimulation, adoptive immunotherapy, and biomarkers
• Participate in scientific exchange with colleagues and collaborators on research and application of cancer immunotherapies to improve outcomes of patients with cancer

The SITC Primer on Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy^TM From Biology to Treatment  is a non-accredited continuing education event.  No credits are offered for physician participation in this educational program.