A Message from the President

Dear Colleagues,

As those who attended the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) 2017 Annual Meeting earlier this month can attest, the field of cancer immunotherapy continues to explode, with more than 80 immunotherapy educational sessions and abstract presentations over five days, and many poster presentations. Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a clinically beneficial option for many patients.

For more than 33 years, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) has been the leader in cancer immunotherapy – long before the world would see the impact this treatment modality has made in the fight against cancer. The society’s Annual Meeting & Pre-Conference Programs (SITC 2017) is the largest meeting dedicated solely to the field. This premier conference brings together leading cancer immunotherapy experts from around the world. SITC 2017 promises unparalleled cutting-edge research and networking opportunities. Register today for SITC 2017, scheduled on Nov. 8-12.   You can look forward to five days of state of the science presentations at the SITC annual meeting this fall, where each presentation and poster revolves around cancer immunotherapy.

SITC has always strongly supported the growth and development of young investigators, as the future of cancer immunotherapy is rooted in research and education. Take a look at these opportunities designed to ensure that talented, innovative professionals continue to be attracted to careers in this treatment modality.

Get involved and share these opportunities with a young investigator in your network.

• Submit an abstract to the SITC 32^nd Annual Meeting – Aug. 1 deadline
• Participate in Early Career Scientist activities at the SITC 32^nd Annual Meeting
  • Meet-the-Expert Lunch
  • Grant Writing Workshop
  • Networking/Social Gatherings
• Apply for one of 32 SITC Young Investigator Awards
• Become a Scientist-in-Training/Student SITC member
• Follow the activities of the SITC Sparkathon
• Learn about SITC Fellowships
• Learn about the World Immunotherapy Council Young Investigators Symposium

Cancer immunotherapy saves lives and is forever changing what it means to have cancer. Early career scientists provide critical support in the research and innovation in this evolving field.
Thank you for your continued support.

Best wishes,

Lisa H. Butterfield, PhD

SITC President

Education

NOW THAT JUNE IS ALMOST THROUGH, WHEN IS MY SITC ABSTRACT DUE?

In Five (5) Weeks!
Submit your abstract by Aug. 1, 2017, at 5 p.m. PT for a chance to present your work to over 2,500 of the world’s leading oncologists, researchers and luminaries in the field at the SITC 32nd Annual Meeting. This is the premier conference dedicated solely to cancer immunotherapy where cutting-edge research is presented. Young investigator abstract submitters are also eligible for one of 32 travel awards, including the coveted SITC Presidential Award.

Will you have novel, innovative data collected or analyzed after the official abstract deadline? Complete an application by Aug. 1, 2017, at 5 p.m. PT and you may be invited to submit a late-breaking abstract between Aug. 25 and Sept 14.

Are you developing biomarkers or related technologies? Submit an application by Aug. 1, 2017, at 5 p.m. PT to be considered for a presentation spot in the Immuno-Oncology Biomarkers: Today’s Imperatives for Tomorrow’s Needs pre-conference program, scheduled on Wednesday, Nov. 8.

SITC connectED ADDS NEW OPEN ACCESS ONLINE EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Introduction to Immunology

This new, interactive online educational activity provides an overview of the immune system and is hosted by Dr. Christian Capitini (University of Wisconsin). This course focuses on mechanisms used by the immune system to eliminate foreign pathogens and cancerous cells. The activity provides the foundational knowledge to understand how the immune system can be harnessed to treat cancer through immunological therapies. CE Credits - Maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™, CNE Credit - 1.0 Contact Hour, CPE Credit - 1.0 Contact Hour (0.10 CEU) for physicians.

Immunotherapy for Advanced Bladder Cancer: A Giant Step in the Right Direction?

This activity is the online version of the live presentation delivered at the 2017 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium. Participants will gain insight on the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of advanced bladder cancer. Faculty summarize their symposium presentations and share commentary on results of recent clinical trials, patient selection, patterns of response, adverse event management and ongoing trials. A downloadable slide set from the live meeting accompanies each video. CME Credits - Maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ for physicians.

Optimizing Outcomes in mRCC: Finding the Balance of Immune Inhibition

SITC is continuing its partnership with Medscape to develop online activities around current issues in immunotherapy. In this newest activity, Dr. Michael Atkins (Georgetown-Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center) and Dr. Toni Choueiri (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute) discuss the latest advances in the use of immunotherapy in patients with mRCC. CME Credits - Maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ for physicians.

Forward Fund

ANNOUNCING THE 2017 FELLOWSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS

SITC congratulates the recipients of the 2017 Fellowship Awards. These awards support the development of the next generation of immunotherapy experts through the dedicated funding of novel research

2017 SITC-Merck Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer Clinical Fellowship Recipient

Arnab Ghosh, MD, PhD
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

AMOUNT: $100,000 for one year
PROJECT: "Enhancing antitumor immunity mediated by costimulatory agents through reprogramming myeloid infiltrating cells"

Made possible by an educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc.

2017 SITC’s Holbrook Kohrt, MD, PhD Cancer Immunotherapy Translational Memorial Fellowship Recipient

Nathan Singh, MD, MS
University of Pennsylvania

AMOUNT: $100,000 for one year
PROJECT: "Enhancing CAR T cell efficacy by disrupting immune inhibition"

Made possible by an educational grant from Genentech.

2017 NCI Immunotherapy Fellowship Recipient

Ariel E. Marciscano, MD
Johns Hopkins University

Co-sponsored by National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and SITC and made possible in part by an educational grant from EMD Serono.

Science, Research & Publications

SITC'S "NEW CANCER IMMUNOTHERAPY AGENTS IN DEVELOPMENT" MEETING REPORT PUBLISHED IN JITC

This month, the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (JITC) published a report from the “New Cancer Immunotherapy Agents in Development” program, held in association with SITC’s 2016 Annual Meeting. This report summarizes the 14 rapid-fire presentations on clinical and preclinical new cancer immunotherapy agents in development, as well as the presentation and panel discussion on strategic considerations in the use of combinations and biomarkers. Read more here.

NOW AVAILABLE: CANCER IMMUNOTHERAPY GUIDELINES – RENAL CELL CARCINOMA POCKET GUIDE

SITC is pleased to offer a convenient and new pocket-sized summary of the society’s Cancer Immunotherapy Guidelines for renal cell carcinoma. The pocket guide can be purchased in print and digital versions from the Guideline Central store. Access key information to help implement cancer immunotherapy in your practice.

Purchase your print and/or digital pocket card today.

 Society

CANCER IMMUNOTHERAPY MONTH

June is winding down, but you can still take steps to participate in Cancer Immunotherapy Month events and activities! Visit the SITC Cancer Immunotherapy Month webpage to learn how you can help promote cancer immunotherapy research and SITC, including joining the conversation in the Open Forum, taking a free online class in SITC connectED and more! Get started:
http://www.sitcancer.org/cancer-immunotherapy-month