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™ 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, post-doctoral 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.

Prominent investigators will summarize central themes and recent research in tumor immunology and cancer immunotherapy, including innate immunity, dendritic cells, T cell differentiation and intracellular signaling, and the tumor microenvironment as well as recent advances in the clinical application of tumor antigens for immunization, co-inhibition / co-stimulation of immune cells, adoptive immunotherapy, and immune monitoring in clinical trials of cancer immunotherapies. These topics will be addressed in a series of lectures by thought leaders in the field and through interactive question and answer discussions.

INTENDED AUDIENCE

The target audience for this program includes individuals engaged in the research and practice of clinical immunology who wish to learn increasingly sophisticated principles of tumor immunology and immunotherapy, as well as the role of inflammation in cancer development. Included in this audience are basic scientists and clinical investigators from academic institutions, industry and regulatory agencies, including clinicians, researchers, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows and allied health professionals.

PROGRAM GOALS

- Provide a framework of basic immunology for practitioners and researchers in clinical 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, co-inhibition / co-stimulation 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 participant will be able to:

- Interpret 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 co-inhibition / co-stimulation, 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

- Michael T. Lotze, MD - University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
- Crystal L Mackall MD - National Cancer Institute
- Hideho Okada, MD, PhD - University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute

The SITC Primer on Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy™ is in conjunction with the Clinical Immunology Society (CIS) Annual Meeting which takes place May 17-20, 2012. For more information such as registration fees or to register for the SITC Primer on Tumor Immunology & Cancer Immunotherapy™ visit the Clinical Immunology Society website at http://www.clinimmsoc.org/meetings/annual-meeting/2012-annual-meeting/si...

Location