Pre-Conference Programs: Nov. 6-7

SITC 2024 Pre-Conference Programs

Wednesday, Nov. 6–Thursday, Nov. 7

SITC offers a variety of pre-conference programming prior to our 39th Annual Meeting. Topics range from grant writing to in-depth discussions on industry topics. We also have a number of events for early career scientists.

SITC Member RegistrationAnnual Meeting ScheduleAbstract Information

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024

Pre-Conference Programs   |   George R. Brown Convention Center   |   8 a.m.–6 p.m. CST

Additional registration is required for Pre-Conference Programs. Times and program schedules subject to change.

Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL) Program

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 6, 2024 | 8–12:30 P.M. CST | Grand Ballroom B

As part of the 39th Annual Meeting & Pre-Conference Programs (SITC 2024), the SITC Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL) pre-conference program provides an opportunity for an in-depth discussion on a specific topic in the field of IO. This program will provide an overview of the path to approval for TIL therapy, current clinical management, and the impact of recent FDA-approved therapies while exploring next generation TILs and innovative pre-clinical development. Through didactic presentations and panels to engage an interdisciplinary audience, the program aims to bring the field together to educate and promote the continued utilization and development of TIL therapies to address hurdles in cancer immunotherapy. 

Program Organizers

Chantale Bernatchez, PhD 
The Cell Therapy Manufacturing Center

Stephanie Goff, MD, FACS 
National Cancer Institute

Shari Pilon-Thomas, PhD 
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute

 

Target Audience

The target audience for this program includes researchers from academia and industry involved in basic, translational and clinical research, as well as clinicians and those from regulatory and funding agencies.

Learning Objectives

  • Summarize current clinical management processes for TIL therapy and understand the regulatory history of current approved agents
  • Characterize ongoing clinical studies of TIL therapy in new diseases and settings
  • Discuss pre-clinical studies concerning development of novel TIL-focused strategies

Session I: The Path to TIL Approval and Current Clinical Management 

8:00 a.m.

Introduction
Stephanie Goff, MD, FACS – National Cancer Institute
8:05 a.m. 

The History of TIL and the Road to Approval
TBD
8:25 a.m. 

Melanoma and Beyond: Clinical Management of Patients Treated with TIL Therapy
Amod Sarnaik, MD – Moffitt Cancer Center
Stephanie Goff, MD, FACS – National Cancer Institute
8:45 a.m. 

The International TIL Experience
Sebastian Klobuch, MD – Netherlands Cancer Institute
9:05 a.m. 

Industry Presentation
 Friedrich Graf Finckenstein, MD – Iovance Biotherapeutics
9:25 a.m. Break 

Session II: Next Generation TILs

9:35 a.m.

Introduction
Chantale Bernatchez, PhD – The Cell Therapy Manufacturing Center
9:40 a.m. 

Industry Presentation 
Parameswaran Hari, MD – Obsidian Therapeutics
10:00 a.m. 

Update from NCI GI Cohort Treated with TIL 
Stephanie Goff, MD, FACS – National Cancer Institute
10:20 a.m. 

Industry Presentation 
TBD – Turnstone Biologics 
10:40 a.m.  Open Discussion 
All session speakers
10:55 a.m. Break 

Session III: Innovative Pre-Clinical TIL Development 

11:05 a.m.

Introduction
Shari Pilon-Thomas, PhD – H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute
11:10 a.m. 

Industry Presentation 
Eduardo Davila, PhD – TrAMPoline Pharma
11:30 a.m. 

Industry Presentation 
Micah Benson, PhD – KSQ Therapeutics 
11:50 a.m. 

TIL Therapy for Pediatric Cancers and Sarcomas
John E. Mullinax, MD, FACS – Moffitt Cancer Center
12:10 p.m.  Open Discussion 
All session speakers
12:25 p.m.

Closing Remarks
SITC's Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL) Program is supported in part by grants from CTMC+, and KSQ Therapeutics, Inc. (Luncheon). (as of May 8, 2024)

Beyond Checkpoint Inhibitors: New Immuno-oncology Modalities and Approaches  

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024 | 2–6 p.m. CST | Level 3 – Grand Ballroom C – George R. Brown Convention Center 

The SITC 2024 Industry Program, “Beyond Checkpoint Inhibitors: New Immuno-oncology Modalities and Approaches,” will advance the science and application of cancer immunotherapy by bringing together some of the top experts in industry and academia to provide high-level clinical and scientific perspectives surrounding new, emerging modalities of cancer immunotherapy. The program will explore promising new modalities of cancer immunotherapy, applications of these modalities in the clinical setting, and preclinical and translational studies of future applications of these modalities, including studies surrounding patient selection and indicators of response or resistance. The program will also address clinical and scientific considerations combining these modalities with other cancer therapies. Armed with a deeper understanding of the clinical and scientific information around the newest modalities of cancer immunotherapy, attendees will be better equipped to develop and utilize cancer immunotherapy-based treatment strategies that are cost-efficient, safer, and more effective for patients.

Program Organizers

Nicholas Botwood, MD 
Bristol Myers Squibb

Ivan Diaz-Padilla, MD, PhD 
GSK

Charles G. Drake, MD, PhD
Janssen R&D

Jane Anne Healy, MD, PhD 
Merck Sharp & Dhome LLC

Priti Hegde, PhD
Kite Pharma 

Stephen Lim, MD
Novartis 

Giovanni Melillo, MD 
AstraZeneca

Target Audience

The target audience for this program includes researchers from academia and industry involved in basic, translational and clinical research, as well as clinicians and those from regulatory and funding agencies.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to: 

  • Summarize recent clinical development of new modalities of cancer immunotherapies, specifically immune cell engagers, adoptive cellular therapies, and antibody-drug conjugates
  • Discuss ongoing preclinical and translational studies of these new modalities and their relevance to patient selection or detecting response or resistance to immunotherapy
  • Address specific considerations when these new modalities are used in clinical settings as monotherapy or in combination with other cancer therapies

Session I: Emerging – What's Next – Promising New Modalities 

2 p.m.

Introduction
Charles G. Drake, MD, PhD – Janssen R&D
2:05 p.m. 

T cell Engagers
TBD

2:25 p.m. 

Cell Therapies TILS, TCRs
TBD 
2:45 p.m. 

ADCs + RLTs
TBD
3:05 p.m.  Panel Discussion, Q & A

Session II: Pre-Clinical and Translational 

3:25 p.m. 

Introduction 
Ivan Diaz-Padilla, MD, PhD – GSK

3:30 p.m. 

Pre-Clinical 
TBD
3:50 p.m. 

Biomarker and Translational Topic from Clinical Data
TBD

4:10 p.m.  Panel Discussion, Q & A 
4:35 p.m. 

Break 

Session III: Putting New Modalities into Practice 

4:50 p.m. 

Introduction 
Giovanni Melillo, MD – AstraZeneca
4:55 p.m. 

Rational Combinations
TBD

5:15 p.m.

T cell Engagement
TBD 
5:35 p.m.  Panel Discussion, Q & A 
Beyond Checkpoint Inhibitors: New Immuno-oncology Modalities and Approaches is supported in part by a grant from Bristol Myers Squibb. (as of April 24, 2024)

Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024

Pre-Conference Programs  |    8 a.m.–11 p.m. CST

Additional registration is required for Pre-Conference Programs. Times and program schedules subject to change.

Primer on Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy™

Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 | 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m. CST | Level 3 – Grand Ballroom C – George R. Brown Convention Center

The field of cancer immunology and immunotherapy has driven novel therapeutic options for cancer patients. However, the complexity of the field continues to grow, thus, 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 Primer on Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy™ will also touch on emerging therapies and technologies to ensure attendees at all levels stay updated in our expanding field, while also laying a comprehensive foundational base for all SITC attendees. 

Program Organizers

Tullia C. Bruno, PhD
University of Pittsburgh

Eric L. Smith, MD, PhD
Dana-Farber Cancer Center   

Target Audience

The target 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 cancer immunology and immunotherapy, pharmacists and registered nurses. Patient advocates are also welcome to attend and learn basic concepts within the field.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

  • Describe the key principles of cancer immunology and immunotherapy in the context of the cancer immunity cycle
  • Review current approaches to immunotherapy including immune checkpoint blockade, vaccines, CAR-T cells, CAR-NK cells, activation of myeloid cells, modulation of tumor metabolism, T/NK cell adoptive transfer, and T cell bispecific therapies
  • Outline immune monitoring techniques as well as biomarker strategies and their role in trial design and patient selection
  • Enhance scientific exchange with colleagues and collaborators on research and application of cancer immunotherapies to improve outcomes of patients with cancer 

Continuing Education

The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) is pleased to offer opportunities for physicians, nurses and pharmacists to obtain continuing education (CME, CNE, CPE) and ABIM MOC credits for their participation in the Primer on Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy™ program.

Session I: The Cancer Immunity Cycle

8 a.m. 

Introduction
Tullia C. Bruno, PhD – University of Pittsburgh 
8:15 a.m. Adaptive Immune Responses to Cancer 
Ana Carrizosa Anderson, PhD – Harvard Medical School
8:45 a.m.

T Cell Infiltration and Function in Solid Tumors
Kristin G. Anderson, PhD – University of Virginia
9:15 a.m. Innate Lymphocytes and Natural Killer Cells in Cancer Immunity  
Lewis L. Lanier, PhD – University of California, San Francisco
9:40 a.m. The Role of Dendritic Cells in Cancer 
Niroshana Anandasabapathy, MD, PhD – Weill Cornell Medicine 
10:05 a.m.

B Cells and Tertiary Lymphoid Structures in Cancer: The Knowns and the Knowledge Gaps
Daniel Hollern, PhD – The Salk Institute for Biological Studies
10:30 a.m.  Break

Session II: Tumor Microenvironment

10:40 a.m. Targeting CD4 T Cells in Tumors 
TBD
11:05 a.m. Stromal Modulation of the Immune Tumor Microenvironment 
Lan Coffman, MD, PhD – University of Pittsburgh
11:30 a.m. Metabolism in Cancer Immunology 
Jeffrey C. Rathmell, PhD – Vanderbilt University Medical Center 
11:55 a.m. Immunosuppressive Myeloid Cells 
Michelle M. Williams, PhD – University of Pittsburgh
12:20 p.m.

Lunch 

Session III: Driving T Cells to the Tumor

1:45 p.m. Introduction
Eric L. Smith, MD, PhD – Dana-Farber Cancer Center 
1:50 p.m. CAR NK/NK Effectors in Cancer 
Jeffrey S. Miller, PhD – University of Minnesota 
2:15 p.m. Immune Checkpoint Therapy in Cancer 
Gordon J. Freeman, PhD, FAIO – Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 
2:40 p.m. Update on CAR-T Cell Therapies 
Eric L. Smith, MD, PhD – Dana-Farber Cancer Center
3:05 p.m.

Immune Checkpoint Therapy: Biomarkers of Response and Resistance
Padmanee Sharma, MD, PhD – The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
3:30 p.m. Break 

Session IV: Influencers of the Response to Immunotherapies

3:45 p.m. (Modulating the Tumor Microenvironment) with T cell Bispecifics  
Sumit K. Subudhi, MD, PhD – The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 
4:10 p.m. Developing Personalized Cancer Vaccines 
Stephen P. Schoenberger, PhD – La Jolla Institute for Immunology
4:35 p.m. External Factors Affecting Anti-cancer Immunity 
Urvi A. Shah, MD – Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center 
5 p.m. Factors that Impact Response to T cell Redirection Immunotherapy  
Joseph Melenhorst, PhD – Cleveland Clinic 
5:25 p.m.

Closing Remarks 
Eric L. Smith, MD, PhD – Dana Farber Cancer Center

SITC's Primer on Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy is supported in part by grants from Genmab US Inc and Merck Sharpe & Dohme, Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.
(as of April 24, 2024)

Immune Engineering Workshop: Building Bridges Between All Aspects of Engineering and Immuno-oncology

Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. CST | Level 3 – Grand Ballroom AB – George R. Brown Convention Center

The SITC Immune Engineering Workshop helps SITC to advance the science and application of engineering and cancer immunotherapy by providing relevant and engaging content to basic, translational, and clinical researchers. This Workshop will explore the recent advances in engineering, artificial intelligence, and cancer immunology and how these fields can converge to effectively address current hurdles in immuno-oncology. The Workshop will explore practical solutions to clinical problems via interdisciplinary collaboration between engineers, clinicians, and scientists. Armed with a deeper understanding of engineering and artificial intelligence in the context of immuno-oncology, attendees will be equipped to effectively collaborate and develop more effective tools and treatments in immuno-oncology, potentially impacting clinical care and leading to better patient outcomes. 

 

New this Year - Immune Engineering Workshop Abstracts 

Abstracts that focus on immune engineering and related topics will be eligible for additional opportunities for poster and oral presentations during the Immune Engineering Workshop Pre-Conference Program on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Immune Engineering Abstracts must be submitted through the Regular or YIA submission portal by June 27 at 5 p.m. PDT. Abstract submitters will be able to select if they would like their abstract considered for the Immune Engineering Workshop within the submission portal. 

Submit AbstractImmune Engineering Abstract FAQs

Program Organizers

Daniel S. Chen, MD, PhD
Synthetic Design Lab, Inc.

Elana J. Fertig, PhD, FAIMBE
Johns Hopkins University

Kole T. Roybal, PhD
University of California, San Francisco

Stefani Spranger, PhD
Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT

Target Audience

The target audience for this workshop includes engineers, chemists, material scientists, and AI computer scientists as well as basic, translational, and clinical researchers from all work settings with an interest in advances in engineering and immuno-oncology.  

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

  • Describe key or critical issues in engineering that can be addressed by collaborative approaches between engineers and immuno-oncologists 
  • Detail engineering-based approaches to modulate the immune response and promote anti-cancer immunity 
  • Analyze cutting-edge basic, translational, and clinical studies of engineering to incorporate new research and techniques into clinical applications for cancer immunotherapy

 

Session I: The Future of Immune Engineering 

9 a.m. Introduction 
9:05 a.m. Immune Engineering 
TBD
9:25 a.m. Immune Engineering  
TBD
9:45 a.m. Immune Engineering 
TBD
10:05 a.m. Panel Discussion
10:45 a.m. Break 
 

Session II: Successful Interdisciplinary Collaborations

11 a.m. Immune Engineering 
TBD
11:20 a.m. Protein Engineering 
Naiyer A. Rizvi, MD – Synthekine
11:40 a.m. Clinical/Translational + Comp Bio 
TBD
12 p.m. Panel Discussion
12:20 p.m. Lunch 

Session III: Breaking Through Therapeutic Barriers 

1:45 p.m. Abstract Presentation 
TBD
2:05 p.m. Abstract Presentation 
TBD
2:25 p.m. Abstract Presentation 
TBD
2:45 p.m. Using Engineering/Data Science Methods 
Elizabeth M. Jaffee, MD, FAIO – Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University 
3:05 p.m. Closing Remarks 

Session IV: Poster Session 

3:10 p.m. Viewing Poster Abstracts 
SITC's Immune Engineering Workshop is supported in part by a grant from Bristol Myers Squibb. (as of April 24, 2024)

Meet-the-Expert Lunch

Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 | 12:20–1:40 p.m. CST | Level 3 – Meeting Room 332 – George R. Brown Convention Center 

   | Learn more

The Meet-the-Expert Lunch will focus on unique issues related to early career scientist career development and will provide attendees the opportunity to interact with experts in key areas of immunotherapy. The Meet-the-Expert Lunch will address different relevant topics in a setting that fosters attendee/expert interactions and provides networking opportunities with leaders in the field. Experts will answer questions and lead informal dialogue to help provide guidance and career advancement advice.

Lunch will be provided to all participants. 

Program Organizers

Allison Betof Warner, MD, PhD
Stanford University School of Medicine

Praveen K. Bommareddy, PhD
Replimune Inc.

Youngseok Cho, PhD, PharmD
University of Michigan

Zachary A. Cooper, PhD
AstraZeneca 

Rongze O. Lu, PhD
UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center

Nicole E. Scharping, PhD
University of California, San Diego

Maria Zagorulya, BS
The Francis Crick Institute

Target Audience

The audience for the Meet-the-Expert Lunch includes graduate, medical, and post-baccalaureate students; clinical fellows; post-doctoral fellows; tenure-track investigators, government employees, and scientists in general; and industry/pharma scientists and employees. Space for this event is limited and priority will be given to early career scientists.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

  • Address most of their open questions and concerns on the selected topic
  • Make informed decisions about their career development and research projects 
  • Establish connections with experts in their field of interest

Table Topics

Bioinformatics & Big Data: Career Development 

Bioinformatics & Big Data: Harnessing Big Data to Inform Research and Clinical Trials 

Career Paths for Physician Scientists

Careers Outside Academia and Industry – Careers in Government FDA/NIH

Careers Outside Academia and Industry – Careers in Policy, Advocacy and Non-Profit Organizations 

Clinical Trials: Building Bridges to Bring Research from the Bench to the Bedside  

Collaborating with Industry 

Finding the Right Mentor, Sponsor or Advocate

How to Navigate a Clinical Trainee to a Clinical Investigator Position

How to Navigate the Postdoc to PI Transition (Table 1) 

How to Navigate the Postdoc to PI Transition (Table 2) 

Industry: Building Your Career in Industry (Big Pharma) (Table 1)

Industry: Building Your Career in Industry (Big Pharma) (Table 2)

Industry: Building Your Career in Industry (Startup and Midsize Pharma) 

Navigating a Career in Academia: Grants and Collaborations

Setting Up a Successful Biotech (Midsize Pharma and Small Startups) 

Translational Research: Human Samples to Lab and Back to the Clinic 

Translational Research: Mice to Humans 

 

 

Grant Writing Workshop

Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 | 6–8:15 p.m. CST | Level 2 – Houston Ballroom, Salon 2 – Marriott Marquis 

This program will feature two sessions. The first session opens with a program officer's perspective from application to funding, followed by an overview of grant opportunities outside the NIH, strategies for grant writing, statistical considerations for effective grant proposal writing and it concludes with a patient advocate panel. The second session will consist of breakout question and answer sessions on various types of grants. Attendees will be able to select the table they would like to sit in on for discussion. 

Program Organizers

Kristin G. Anderson, PhD
University of Virginia

Aitziber Buque Martinez, PhD
Weill Cornell Medicine

Geoffrey J. Markowitz, PhD
Weill Cornell Medicine 

Golnaz Morad, DDS, PhD
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Ravi Patel, MD, PhD 
University of Pittsburgh

Aleksei Tikhonov, PhD
Gustave Roussy

Target Audience

The target audience for this educational program includes graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior to midlevel faculty, which encompasses instructors and assistant professors who wish to solidify their understanding of grant writing.


Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to: 

 

  •          Evaluate funding opportunities
  •          Identify critical strengths and fatal flaws of a grant proposal
  •          Optimize the process of grant re-submission

Session I 

6 p.m. From Application to Funding: A Program Officer's Perspective 
Patrick H. Brown, PhD – National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
6:15 p.m.  Overview of Grant Opportunities Outside the NIH 
Saman Maleki, PhD – Western University
6:30 p.m. 

Strategies for Grant Writing
Niroshana Anandasabapathy, MD, PhD – Weill Cornell Medicine
6:50 p.m. 

Statistical Considerations for Effective Grant Proposal Writing and Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Xi Kathy Zhou, PhD, MS – Weill Cornell Medicine
7 p.m. 

Question and Answer 
7:10 p.m. 

Patient Advocate Perspective - Effectively Connecting with Patient Advocate Resources
Kristin G. Anderson, PhD – University of Virginia
Sachia S. Powell, JD – Powell-Drescher Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation
Kimberly Richardson, MA – Black Cancer Collaborative 
7:30 p.m.  Question and Answer 
7:35 p.m.  Break 

Session II

7:40 p.m. 

Question and Answer Breakout Tables (Various Types of Grants) 

Career Development Awards (K Awards, K99/R00 Grants, Late Postdocs) Breakout Table 
Ravi Patel, MD, PhD – University of Pittsburgh

F Grants and T Grants for Predoctoral/Medical Students and Early Postdocs Breakout Table
Geoffrey J. Markowitz, PhD – Weill Cornell Medicine 

Foundation Grants Breakout Table 
Kristin G. Anderson, PhD – University of Virginia

Grants for Physician Scientists Breakout Table 
Allison Betof Warner, MD, PhD – Stanford University School of Medicine 

Grant Opportunities for non-US Attendees (K99, Society Grants, European-based Opportunities) Breakout Table 
Saman Maleki, PhD – Western University 

Interfacing with Industry (Biotech Grants) Breakout Table 
Zachary A. Cooper, PhD – AstraZeneca 

Low-preliminary Data Grants (DP5, R21, High Risk/High Reward Grants) Breakout Table 
Golnaz Morad, DDS, PhD – The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Transition from Mentored to Independent Grants (Getting Your First R01) Breakout Table 
Claire I. Vanpouille-Box, PhD – Weill Cornell Medicine 

8:10 p.m. 

Closing Remarks 
Aleksei Tikhonov, PhD – Gustave Roussy

Early Career Scientist Speed Mentoring Event

Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 | 8:30–9:30 p.m. CST | Marriott Marquis Level 3

The ECS Speed Mentoring Event will provide early career scientists the opportunity to receive mentorship from an expert in the field of cancer immunotherapy in a one-on-one setting. Hosted by SITC's Early Career Scientist Committee, mentees will be matched with an expert mentor allowing time for a discussion with an expert mentor. Also, during this event we will provide an opportunity for networking in an adjoining area. Mentees are required to indicate interest to attend this event when registering for SITC's annual meeting. Mentees are selected on a first come first serve basis and will be contacted for participation. 

Program Organizers

Ardit Feinaj, MD
Johns Hopkins University

Robyn Gartrell, MD
Johns Hopkins University

Sarah Gitto, PhD
University of Pennsylvania

Tanya Keenan, MD, MPH
Merck Research Laboratories

Ashley Koegel, MD
Bristol Myers Squibb

Daniel Michaud, PhD
Brigham & Women’s Hospital

Abdul Rafeh Naqash, MD
Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma University

Abigail Overacre-Delgoffe, PhD
University of Pittsburgh

Quaovi Sodji, MD, PhD
University of Wisconsin-Madison 

Early Career Scientist Networking Reception

Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 | 9:30–11:00 p.m. CST | Hunters Creek – Marriott Marquis Houston

This event, hosted by the Early Career Scientist Committee, will allow all early career scientist attendees to meet colleagues and make early connections that can be fostered throughout the rest of the conference. Join us to learn about the yearly activities of the Early Career Scientist Committee, the society’s year-round commitment to young investigators, and how you can get involved.