Workshop on Single Cell Techniques in Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy

November 9, 2017 • 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

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Program Purpose

Historically, molecular analyses have been performed on heterogeneous populations of cells, where observed patterns represent a combination of the unique characteristics of each individual cell. In the last few years, single cell techniques combined with high-throughput technologies, such as multiplex quantitative PCR, next generation DNA and RNA sequencing, and state-of-the-art flow cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF), have revolutionized the field, allowing for high-dimensional analysis of isolated subpopulations of individual cells.

With these techniques, researchers have the opportunity to address key challenges barring advancements in the field of cancer immunotherapy, including resolving intratumoral heterogeneity, understanding rare tumor and immune cell populations, tracing cellular lineages and mutational rates, and elucidating complex cellular interactions within the tumor microenvironment both before and after treatment. To demonstrate the potential of single cell techniques in cancer immunotherapy research, this day-long workshop will focus on recent technical and analytical advances specific to single cell techniques to help drive the field forward.

Specifically, this program will begin with an overview of tumor heterogeneity and evolution under immune pressure, with a focus on neoantigen presentation, recognition, and evolution. In the second session of this workshop, changes in myeloid cell populations within the tumor microenvironment both prior to and after immunotherapy treatment will be presented. Moreover, predictors of response to therapy as well as the analysis of liquid tumor biopsies will also be discussed. In order to provide attendees guidance on how to apply single cell techniques to their own research, this workshop will conclude with a panel-led discussion with audience participation focused on experimental approaches and computational methods for single cell techniques.

Intended Audience

The intended audience for this annual, one-day program includes basic scientists and clinical investigators from academic institutions, industry and regulatory agencies. Additional audiences benefiting from this program include clinicians, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows involved in cancer research and its translation into clinical practice.

Educational Objectives

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

  • Define how immunotherapy alters T cell and myeloid cell populations in the tumor microenvironment
  • Describe neoantigen presentation and its dynamics during tumor evolution
  • Demonstrate familiarity with potential predictors of response to cancer immunotherapy and basics of analyzing circulating tumor DNA and tumor cells using single cell techniques
  • Apply single cell techniques to individual research objectives

For information on continuing medical education credits available through SITC's Workshop on Single Cell Techniques in Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy, please visit our Continuing Education Credit webpage.


Americans with Disabilities Act

handicap.pngEvent staff will be glad to assist you with any special needs (i.e., physical, dietary, etc.). Please contact SITC prior to the live event at +1 414-271-2456.

Program Organizers

  • Gordon J. Freeman, PhDDana-Farber Cancer Institute
  • Nir Hacohen, PhDMassachusetts General Hospital
  • Nicholas McGranahan, PhDUniversity College London
The SITC Workshop on Single Cell Techniques in Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy is supported in part by grants from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Merck & Co., Inc., and Pfizer, Inc.