Pre-Conference Programs: Nov. 1-2

SITC 2023 Pre-Conference Programs

Wednesday, Nov. 1–Thursday, Nov. 2

SITC offers a variety of pre-conference programming prior to our 38th 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.

RegistrationAnnual Meeting ScheduleAbstract Information

Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023

Pre-Conference Programs   |   San Diego Convention Center   |   8 a.m.–5:45 p.m. PDT

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

World Immunotherapy Council (WIC) Young Investigator Symposium

Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023 | 8 a.m.–12:45 p.m. | Upper Level - Ballroom 6AB - San Diego Convention Center | Download Schedule

Click the button below to view or purchase available presentations.

View On-Demand

The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) and the World Immunotherapy Council (WIC) are dedicated to advancing cancer immunotherapy and, likewise, the future leaders of the field. This program will provide the opportunity for young scientists and future leaders from throughout the world to interact, fulfilling the World Immunotherapy Council’s mission to facilitate rapid development and global dissemination of cancer immunotherapies through scientific exchange.

The young investigators, each chosen for exemplary work in the field of cancer immunotherapy, will contribute insight and perspectives into present and future issues, challenges, and improvements as cancer immunotherapy is integrated into mainstream cancer treatment. This program and its participants will ultimately highlight worldwide initiatives in cancer immunotherapy and facilitate scientific exchange and networking between today’s and tomorrow’s leaders. Additionally, this forum will provide a unique opportunity to showcase the world’s young, talented scientists and provide an opportunity for knowledge exchange and networking for these selected representatives.

Program Organizers

Bernard Fox, PhD
Earle A. Chiles Research Institute

Tanja de Gruijl, PhD
Amsterdam University Medical Centers

Joe Yeong, MD, PhD 
Singapore General Hospital

    Target Audience

    The target audience for this program consists of individuals from academic institutions, industry and regulatory agencies, including clinicians, basic and translational researchers, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and allied health professionals who wish to learn more about the future of cancer immunotherapy research across the globe.

    Learning Objectives

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

    • Recognize ongoing cancer immunotherapy research across the globe

    • Translate worldwide state-of-the-art cancer immunotherapy strategies into practice

    • Identify the unique challenges and future issues as cancer immunotherapy is integrated into mainstream cancer treatment modalities

    Introduction 

    8:00 a.m.

    Opening Statement
    Bernard Fox, PhD – Earle A. Chiles Research Institute

    Session I: Clinical Studies 

    8:05 a.m.

    Combined immunotherapy improves outcome for replication repair deficient (RRD) high-grade glioma failing antiPD1 monotherapy: a report from the international RRD Consortium
    Anirban Das, MD – Canadian Cancer Immunotherapy Consortium (CCIC)
    8:15 a.m.

    RANK/RANKL, ERBB-2 and immunotherapy as a putative treatment strategy in ERBB-2 positive breast carcinomas 
    Evangelos Koustas, MD, PhD – University of Athens (National Greek Organization)
    8:25 a.m.

    Synergistic antitumor activity of pan-PI3K inhibition and immune checkpoint blockade in bladder cancer: from bench to a phase II clinical trial 
    Lesley Wu, MD – Chinese American Hematology Oncology Network (CAHON)
    8:35 a.m. Total neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer (OCTASUR)
    Mykyta Pepenin, MD – Ukraine (Peace & Development Foundation)
    8:45 a.m. Deciphering the molecular and immunological interaction in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma of viral and non-viral etiologies
    Vincent Chien-Huai Chuang, MD – The Taiwanese Oncology Society (TOS)
    8:55 a.m.

    Panel Q&A Moderators:
    Paolo Ascierto, MD – Instituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale
    Rieneke van de Ven, PhD – Amsterdam University Medical Centers 
    9:15 a.m. Break

    Session II: NK/T-Cells 

    9:25 a.m.

    Tumor-redirected iNKT cells induce robust antitumor response by dual targeting cancer and suppressive myeloid cells 
    Gloria Delfanti, PhD – Italian Network for Tumor Biotherapy (NIBIT)
    9:35 a.m. Targeting HLA-E positive cancers with a novel NKG2A/C switch receptor
    Lamberto Torralba Raga, PhD – Scandinavian Network for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SNIC)
    9:45 a.m. High salt diet promotes NK cells and gut microbiotadependent anti-tumor immunity
    Zaigham Abbas Rizvi, PhD – Immuno-Oncology Society of India (I-OSI)
    9:55 a.m.

    Panel Q&A Moderators:
    Pamela Sumiko Ohashi, PhD, FRSC –​ Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto
    Joe Yeong, MD, PhD – Singapore General Hospital
    10:10 a.m. Break 

    Session III: T-Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment 

    10:20 a.m. CD8-IL2v potentiates intratumoral CD8 T cells to functionally respond to antigen recognition
    Paulien Kaptein, PhD candidate – KWF working society-Dutch Tumor Immunology Meeting (KWF-DTIM)
    10:30 a.m. Metabolic manipulation reveals heterogeneity in development of TCF1+ progenitor populations
    Geoffrey Markowitz, PhD – Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC)
    10:40 a.m. Intratumoral regulatory T cell clones originate from regulatory T cells in tumor-draining lymph nodes
    Hiroyasu Aoki, MD/PhD candidate – Japanese Association of Cancer Immunology (JACI)
    10:50 a.m. An integrated prognostic and immunotherapeutic predictive model based on comprehensive single celloriginated signature of tumor microenvironment in lung adenocarcinoma
    Jiachen Xu, MD – Chinese Society for Clinical Oncology (CSCO)
    11 a.m. Panel Q&A Moderators:
    Pamela Sumiko Ohashi, PhD, FRSC –​ Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto
    Joe Yeong, MD, PhD – Singapore General Hospital
    11:15 a.m. Break

    Session IV: New Avenues

    11:25 a.m. Chimeric DNA vaccination against the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 as an effective strategy to induce targeted immunity for the treatment of melanoma and osteosarcoma
    Federica Riccardo, PhD – Progress in Vaccination Against Cancer (PIVAC)
    11:35 a.m. CD84 a novel target for CAR T-cell therapy for acute leukemia
    Lorena Pérez-Amill, PhD – Spanish Group of Immuno-Biological Therapeutics in Cancer (GETICA)
    11:45 a.m. Adverse events of anti-PD-1 treatment and the impact of sex—what we know and what we are looking for
    Margaret Ottaviano, MD, PhD – Società Campana di ImmunoTerapia Oncologica (SCITO)
    11:55 a.m. The versatility of proteomics: enabling immunomonitoring and personalized medicine in immunotherapy
    Parthiban Periasamy, PhD – Singapore Society of Oncology - Cancer Immunotherapy Consortium (SSO-CIC)
    12:05 p.m.

    Panel Q&A Moderators:
    Paolo Ascierto, MD – Instituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale
    Rieneke van de Ven, PhD – Amsterdam University Medical Centers 

    Conclusion 

    12:20 p.m.

    Awards
    Joe Yeong, MD, PhD – Singapore General Hospital
    12:35 p.m.

    Closing Statement
    Bernard Fox, PhD – Earle A. Chiles Research Institute
    SITC's World Immunotherapy Council Young Investigator Symposium is supported in part by grants from Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. and Pfizer, Inc.
    (as of October 6, 2023)

    Approaches to Early-stage Malignancies, Driving to a Cure

    Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023 | 2–5:45 p.m. PDT | Upper Level - Ballroom 6CD - San Diego Convention Center | Download Schedule

    Click the button below to view or purchase available presentations.

    View On-Demand

    The SITC 2023 Industry Program, “Approaches to Early-stage Malignancies, Driving to a Cure,” will advance the science and application of cancer immunotherapy by bringing together high-level experts to provide high-level perspective surrounding cancer immunotherapy for early-stage disease. The program will explore recent translational and clinical studies of immunotherapy in the perioperative setting and the knowledge gained from these studies, including the identification and validation of predictive biomarkers and the development of surrogate endpoints for clinical trials. The program will also address statistical and regulatory considerations when designing clinical trials of cancer immunotherapy in the perioperative setting. Armed with a deeper understanding of cancer immunotherapy as treatment for early-stage malignancies, attendees will be equipped to develop cancer immunotherapy-based treatment strategies that are cost-efficient, faster, safer, and more effective for patients.

    Program Organizers

    Nicholas Botwood, MD 
    Bristol Myers Squibb

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

    Giovanni Melillo, MD 
    AstraZeneca

    no_symbol.pngIndicates that the presentation is not available on-demand.

    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 completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

     

    •          Summarize recent updates in the use of cancer immunotherapies to treat early-stage disease, especially in the perioperative setting

     

    •          Discuss predictive biomarkers and surrogate endpoints and their relevance to studies investigating cancer immunotherapy for early-stage disease

     

    •          Address specific statistical and regulatory considerations pertaining to clinical trials of immunotherapy for early-stage disease and explain how they affect trial design and/or interpretation of trial results

     

    Session I: Review of Early-stage Disease, What We've Learned, Recent Approvals in the Perioperative Setting 

    2 p.m.

    Introduction

    Jane Anne Healy, MD, PhD – Merck Sharp & Dhome LLC
    2:05 p.m. 

    Immunotherapy in Resectable Lung Cancer: Pre-op, Post-op, Both, or Neither?

    Mark Awad, MD, PhD – Dana Farber Cancer Institute 
    2:25 p.m. 

    Expanding Adjuvant Therapy to Earlier Stage Melanoma: The Risk is in the Biology of the Primary Lesion - Not the Nodes!

    Jason J. Luke, MD, FACP – UPMC Hillman Cancer Center 
    2:45 p.m.  Panel Discussion, Q & A

    Session II: Predictive Biomarkers and Surrogate Endpoints 

    3:10 p.m. 

    Introduction

    Giovanni Melillo, MD – AstraZeneca 
    3:15 p.m. 

    no_symbol.pngPredictive Biomarkers and Surrogate Endpoints: The Role of ctDNA

    Christian Rolfo, MD, PhD, MBA – Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
    3:35 p.m. 

    Pathologic Complete Response

    Julie R. Brahmer, MD – Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins 
    3:55 p.m.  Panel Discussion, Q & A 
    4:20 p.m. 

    Break 

    Session III: Trial Design, Endpoint Validation, Statistical and Regulatory Considerations 

    4:30 p.m. 

    Introduction

    Nicholas Botwood, MD – Bristol Myers Squibb
    4:35 p.m. 

    Exploring the use of ctDNA for Monitoring Treatment Response

    Jeff Allen, PhD – Friends of Cancer Research 
    4:55 p.m.

    no_symbol.pngFDA Contribution of Components

    Marc Theoret, MD – Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  
    5:15 p.m.  Panel Discussion, Q & A 
    5:40 p.m. 

    Concluding Remarks

    Nicholas Botwood, MD – Bristol Myers Squibb
    SITC's Approaches to Early-stage Malignancies, Driving to a Cure (SITC's Industry Program) is supported in part by grants from Bristol Myers Squibb and Merck Sharp & Dohme, Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.
    (as of October 6, 2023)

    Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023

    Pre-Conference Programs  |  San Diego Convention Center  |  8 a.m.–10:30 p.m. PDT

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

    Primer on Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy™

    Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 | 8 a.m.–5:25 p.m. PDT | Upper Level - Ballroom 6AB - San Diego Convention Center | Download Schedule

    Click the button below to view or purchase available presentations.

    View On-Demand

    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

    Sumit K. Subudhi, MD, PhD
    The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center   

    no_symbol.pngIndicates that the presentation is not available on-demand.

    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 bispecific antibodies

    • 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 Introduction

    8 a.m.    Introduction 
    Tullia C. Bruno, PhD - University of Pittsburgh 

    Session I: The Cancer Immunity Cycle

    8:15 a.m. Adaptive Immune Responses to Cancer 
    Robert D. Schreiber, PhD – Washington University School of Medicine
    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. no_symbol.pngThe 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

    Tullia C. Bruno, PhD – University of Pittsburgh
    10:30 a.m.  Break

    Session II: Tumor Microenvironment

    10:40 a.m. Targeting Tregs in Tumors 
    Dario A.A. Vignali, PhD – University of Pittsburgh 
    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 
    Greg M. Delgoffe, PhD – University of Pittsburgh
    11:55 a.m. Immunosuppressive Myeloid Cells: Unraveling Complexity to Achieve Rational Therapeutic Targeting 
    Michelle M. Williams, PhD – University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
    12:20 p.m.

    Lunch 

    Session III: Driving T Cells to the Tumor

    2:05 p.m. Introduction
    Sumit K. Subudhi, MD, PhD – The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 
    2:10 p.m. Immune Checkpoint Therapy in Cancer 
    Sangeeta Goswami, MD, PhD – The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 
    2:35 p.m. Efficacy and Toxicity with CAR-T and CAR-NK Cell Therapies 
    Vivek Narayan, MD, MSCE – University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine 
    3 p.m.

    Modulating the Tumor Microenvironment with T Cell Bispecifics
    Sumit K. Subudhi, MD, PhD – The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 
    3:25 p.m. Break 

    Session IV: Influencers of the Response to Immunotherapies

    3:40 p.m. Immune Checkpoint Therapy: Biomarkers of Response and Resistance  
    Padmanee Sharma, MD, PhD – The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 
    4:05 p.m. Developing Personalized Cancer Vaccines 
    Catherine J. Wu, MD – Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 
    4:30 p.m. Cancer and the Microbiota: Understanding its Role in Immunotherapy Response
    Susan Bullman, PhD – Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center 
    4:55 p.m. Modifiable Physiological Factors that Impact Response to Immunotherapy  
    Keri Schadler, PhD – The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 
    5:20 p.m.

    Closing Remarks 
    Sumit K. Subudhi, MD, PhD – The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 

    SITC's Primer on Tumor Immunology and Cancer ImmunotherapyTM is supported in part by grants from Incyte Corporation, and Merck Sharp & Dohme, Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.
    (as of October 6, 2023)

    Targeting Myeloid Cells in Immuno-Oncology

    Provided by the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer, in collaboration with The Myeloid Network

    Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 | 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. PDT | Upper Level - Ballroom 6CD - San Diego Convention Center | Download Schedule

    Click the button below to view or purchase available presentations.

    View On-Demand

    As part of the 38th Annual Meeting & Pre-Conference Programs (SITC 2023), the SITC Targeting Myeloid Cells in Immuno-Oncology pre-conference program provides an opportunity for an in-depth discussion on a specific topic in the field. This program on myeloid cells helps SITC to advance the science and application of cancer immunotherapy by providing novel, relevant and engaging content to basic, translational, and clinical researchers and physicians. This program will explore the recent advances in the field including underlying biology and diversity of myeloid cells, myeloid signaling pathways, regulation of myeloid cell metabolism in cancer, therapeutic approaches to target myeloid cells in immuno-oncology and the potential for the use of myeloid cell biomarkers for stratification of patients. The program aims to bring the field together to educate and promote myeloid cell targeting with the overall goal of making the tumor microenvironment more permissive and expanding tumor specific T cells. Armed with a deeper biological understanding of myeloid cell biology within the tumor and strategies to modulate the function and activity of myeloid cells, attendees will be equipped to effectively target myeloid cells for anti-cancer therapy, potentially impacting clinical care and leading to better patient outcomes.

    Program Organizers

    Dmitry I. Gabrilovich, MD, PhD 
    AstraZeneca

    Jennifer L. Guerriero, PhD 
    Brigham and Women's Hospital

    Judith A. Varner, PhD 
    University of California, San Diego

     

    no_symbol.pngIndicates that the presentation is not available on-demand.

    Target Audience

    The target audience for this program includes basic, translational, and clinical researchers from all work settings with an interest in myeloid cell biology and myeloid cell-based therapeutics for cancer.

    Learning Objectives

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

    • Describe characteristics of myeloid cells and summarize the biological mechanisms underlying myeloid cell-mediated immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment

    • Detail approaches to modulate myeloid cell function and promote anti-cancer immunity

    • Analyze cutting-edge basic, translational, and clinical studies of myeloid cells to incorporate new research and techniques into clinical applications for cancer immunotherapy 

    Session I: Myeloid Cells in Cancer: Recent Advances

    9 a.m. Introduction: Myeloid Cells in Immune Oncology 
    Judith A. Varner, PhD – University of California, San Diego
    9:05 a.m. Tumor-associated Macrophage Heterogeneity
    Florent Ginhoux, PhD – Gustave Roussy
    9:30 a.m. Targeting the PDAC Tumor Microenvironment to Improve Anti-tumor Immunity  
    David G. DeNardo, PhD – Washington University, St. Louis
    9:55 a.m. Pre-metastatic Niche and Myeloid Cells 
    Rosandra N. Kaplan, MD – National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute
    10:20 a.m.

    no_symbol.pngUnleashing the Antitumor Potential of Neutrophil in the Context of Immune Based Intervention

    Taha Merghoub, PhD – Weill Cornell Medicine
    10:45 a.m. Break 


    Session II: Myeloid Cell Signaling

    10:55 a.m. Introduction/Overview 
    Dmitry I. Gabrilovich, MD, PhD – AstraZeneca
    11 a.m. no_symbol.pngHow do anti-TREM2 and anti-PD1 Treatments Work Together Synergistically? 
    Marco Colonna, MD – Washington University School of Medicine
    11:25 a.m. PI3 Kinase Gamma and Upstream Regulators of Immune Suppression 
    Judith A. Varner, PhD – University of California, San Diego
    11:50 a.m. Arginase 1 in Neutrophil Extracellular Traps constrains Antitumor T Cell Immunity 
    Vincenzo Bronte, MD – Veneto Institute of Oncology 
    12:15 p.m. Lunch 

    Session III: Regulation of Myeloid Cell Metabolism in Cancer 

    1:40 p.m. Introduction/Overview 
    Vincenzo Bronte, MD – Veneto Institute of Oncology 
    1:45 p.m. Reprogramming of Tumor-associated Immunosuppressive Myelopoiesis for the Benefit of Immunotherapy 
    Paulo C. Rodriguez, PhD – Moffitt Cancer Center
    2:10 p.m. Ferroptosis in Tumor Microenvironment
    Dmitry I. Gabrilovich, MD, PhD – AstraZeneca
    2:35 p.m. Metabolic Switch of Immunosuppressive Myelopoiesis in Cancer 
    Antonio Sica, PhD – University of Eastern Piedmont, Italy
    3 p.m. Targeting Macrophage Lipid Metabolism to Enhance Anti-tumor Responses 
    Jennifer L. Guerriero, PhD – Brigham and Women's Hospital
    3:25 p.m. Break

    Session IV: Therapeutic Targeting of Myeloid Cells in Cancer 

    3:40 p.m. Introduction/Overview 
    Jennifer L. Guerriero, PhD – Brigham and Women's Hospital
    3:45 p.m. no_symbol.pngDendritic Cells 
    Ira Mellman, PhD – Genentech
    4:10 p.m. Enhanced Targeting of Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells in Melanoma with ATRA and Checkpoint Inhibitors 
    Martin McCarter, MD – University of Colorado School of Medicine
    4:35 p.m. no_symbol.pngDevelop a Novel Class of Myeloid Checkpoint Inhibitors by Targeting LILRB Family of Myeloid Inhibitor Receptors 
    Charlene Liao, PhD – Immune-Onc Therapeutics, Inc. 
    5 p.m. Learning from the Clinic to Improve Success of Myeloid Cell Targeting Therapies  
    Simon Barry, PhD – AstraZeneca
    5:25 p.m.

    Closing Remarks

    Jennifer L. Guerriero, PhD - Brigham and Women's Hospital 

    SITC's Workshop on Targeting Myeloid Cells in Immuno-Oncology is supported in part by grants from AbbVie and Bristol Myers Squibb
    (as of October 6, 2023)

    Meet-the-Expert Lunch

    Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 | 12:20–1:40 p.m. PDT | Upper Level - Meeting Room 2 and 3 - San Diego Convention Center

    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

    Aitziber Buque Martinez, PhD 
    Weill Cornell Medicine

    Daniel Michaud, PhD 
    Brigham and Women's Hospital

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

    Abdul Rafeh Naqash, MD 
    Stephenson Cancer Center Oklahoma University

    Abigail E. Overacre-Delgoffe, PhD
    University of Pittsburgh

    Aleksei Tikhonov, PhD
    Gustave Roussy

    Target Audience

    The audience for 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

    1. Basic Research
      • Avery D. Posey, Jr., PhD – University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
      • E. John Wherry, PhD – University of Pennsylvania 
    2. Basic Research: How to Make an Impact Using Animal Models
      • Greg M. Delgoffe, PhD – University of Pittsburgh
      • Nikhil Joshi, PhD – Yale School of Medicine 
    3. Bioinformatics & Big Data: Career Development
      • Riyue Bao, PhD – UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
      • Aik Choon Tan, PhD – Huntsman Cancer Institute
    4. Bioinformatics & Big Data: Harnessing Big Data to Inform Research and Clinical Trials
      • David Liu, MD – Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
      • Benjamin Vincent, MD – University of North Carolina School of Medicine
    5. Careers Outside Academia and Industry – Careers in Government FDA/NIH
      • Rosandra N. Kaplan, MD – National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute
      • Marc Theoret, MD – Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
    6. Careers Outside Academia and Industry – Careers in Policy, Advocacy and Non-Profit Organizations
      • Joseph Alvarnas, MD – City of Hope
      • John E. Connolly, PhD – Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy
    7. Clinical Trials: Building Bridges to Bring Research from the Bench to the Bedside
      • Silvia Formenti, MD – Weill Cornell Medicine
      • Jason J. Luke, MD, FACP – UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
    8. Collaborating with Industry
      • Praveen K. Bommareddy, PhD, MS, BPharm – Replimune Inc
      • Vivek Subbiah, MD – Sarah Cannon Research Institute
    9. Finding the Right Mentor, Sponsor or Advocate
      • Kristin G. Anderson, PhD – University of Virginia
      • Naoko Takebe, MD, PhD – National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute
    10. How to Navigate a Clinical Trainee to a Clinical Investigator Position
      • Allison Betof Warner, MD, PhD – Stanford Cancer Center
      • Abdul Rafeh Naqash, MD – Stephenson Cancer Center Oklahoma University
    11. How to Navigate the Postdoc to PI Transition (Table 1)
      • Jennifer L. Guerriero, PhD – Brigham and Women's Hospital
      • Marco Ruella, MD – University of Pennsylvania
    12. How to Navigate the Postdoc to PI Transition (Table 2)
      • Saman Maleki, PhD – Western University
      • Abigail E. Overacre-Delgoffe, PhD – University of Pittsburgh
    13. Industry: Building Your Career in Industry (Big Pharma)
      • Zachary A. Cooper, PhD – AstraZeneca
      • Kristen M. Hege, MD
    14. Industry: Building Your Career in Industry (Startup and Midsize Pharma)
      • Paul Frohna, MD, PhD, PharmD – ImCheck Therapeutics
      • Zhen Su, MD, MBA – Marengo Therapeutics
    15. Patient Advocates and Cancer Survivors: Importance of Communication
      • Lee Jones, MBA – Fight Colorectal Cancer, SWOG
      • Jamie Ledezma, JD – National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
    16. Publishing and Science Writing
      • Montserrat Rojo de la Vega, PhD, MS – Cell Press
      • Aliyah M. Weinstein, PhD – Fortis Life Sciences
    17. Setting Up a Successful Biotech (Midsize Pharma and Small Startups)
      • Shiva Bolourchi, PhD – Marengo Therapeutics
      • Rachel W. Humphrey, MD – Normunity, Inc.
    18. To Postdoc or Not Postdoc: Pros and Cons of a Postdoctoral Position
      • Nicholas Durham, PhD – AstraZeneca
      • Ping-Chih Ho, PhD – University of Lausanne & University Hospital of Lausanne
    19. Translational Research: Human Samples to Lab and Back to the Clinic
      • Joshua Brody, MD – Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
      • Lorenzo Galluzzi, PhD – Weill Cornell Medicine
    20. Translational Research: Mice to Humans
      • Tullia C. Bruno, PhD – University of Pittsburgh
      • Susan M. Kaech, PhD – Salk Institute

    Grant Writing Workshop

    Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 | 6–8:15 p.m. PDT | Lobby Level - San Diego Ballroom - Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina | Download Schedule

    Click the button below to view or purchase available presentations.

    View On-Demand

    This program opens with an overview of grant opportunities outside the NIH, followed by NIH grant application strategies, optimizing strategies for NIH grant writing and biostatistics. It also will consist of a panel discussion where panelists will discuss their experiences with grants including tips on writing an effective resubmission letter, addressing reviewer concerns and patient perspectives. The program concludes with 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

    Robyn Gartrell, MD, MS
    Columbia University/New York Presbyterian

    Sarah B. Gitto, PhD 
    University of Pennsylvania

    Rongze "Olivia" Lu, PhD
    University of California, San Francisco

    Geoffrey J. Markowitz, PhD
    Weill Cornell Medicine 

    Ravi Patel, MD, PhD
    University of Pittsburgh

     

    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 will 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: 

      Moderator: Robyn Gartrell, MD, MS – Columbia University/New York Presbyterian 
    6 p.m. Overview of Grant Opportunities Outside the NIH 
    Marco Ruella, MD – University of Pennsylvania 
    6:10 p.m.  Getting a Grant from the NCI 
    Lillian Kuo, PhD – National Cancer Institute 
    6:25 p.m. 

    Strategies for NIH Grant Writing 

    Christian M. Capitini, MD – University of Wisconsin Madison
    6:45 p.m. 

    Statistical Considerations for Effective Grant Proposal Writing

    Annette Molinaro, MA, PhD – University of California, San Francisco
    6:55 p.m. 

    Question and Answer 

    Session II: 

    7:10 p.m.  Experiences with Grants – Panel Discussion 
    Moderator: Ravi Patel, MD, PhD – University of Pittsburgh
    Panelists: 
    Robyn Gartrell, MD, MS – Columbia University/New York Presbyterian
    Rongze "Olivia" Lu, PhD – University of California, San Francisco
    Claire I. Vanpouille-Box, PhD – Weill Cornell Medicine 
    7:30 p.m. 

    Question and Answer Breakout Tables (Various Types of Grants) 

    DOD Awards
    Robyn Gartrell, MD, MS – Columbia University/New York Presbyterian 

    F Grants and T Grants for Medical Students/Predoc/Early Postdocs

    Geoffrey J. Markowitz, PhD – Weill Cornell Medicine 

    Foundation Young Investigator and Clinical Investigator Awards; Fellowships and Career Development Awards for Clinicians and Translational Scientists 
    Saman Maleki, PhD – Western University 

    Government Career Development Awards for PhD Researchers 
    Kristin G. Anderson, PhD – University of Virginia 

    Government Career Development Awards for Physician-Scientists
    Ravi Patel, MD, PhD – University of Pittsburgh 

    K Grants to R Grants Transition 

    Christian M. Capitini, MD – University of Wisconsin Madison 

    K99/R00 Grants 
    Marco Ruella, MD – University of Pennsylvania 

    R01 Grants and SBIR Biotechnology Grants  – Alternative Funding Opportunities 
    Rongze "Olivia" Lu, PhD – University of California, San Francisco

    R21, High Risk/High Reward Grants
    Claire I. Vanpouille-Box, PhD – Weill Cornell Medicine 

    8:10 p.m. 

    Closing Remarks

    Ravi Patel, MD, PhD – University of Pittsburgh 

    Early Career Scientist Speed Mentoring Event

    Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 | 8:30–9:30 p.m. | Lobby Level - Grand Ballroom 11, 12 and 13 - Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

    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

    Kristin G. Anderson, PhD 
    Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

    Allison Betof Warner, MD, PhD 
    Stanford Cancer Center

    Zachary A. Cooper, PhD
    AstraZeneca

    Brendan L. Horton, PhD 
    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Ashley K. Koegel, MD 
    Bristol-Myers Squibb

    Nicole E. Scharping, PhD 
    University of California San Diego

    Early Career Scientist Networking Reception

    Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 | 9:30–10:30 p.m. | Lobby Level - Grand Ballroom Terrace - Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

    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.

    Program Organizers

    Praveen K. Bommareddy, MS, PhD, Bpharm
    Replimune Inc

    Tanya Keenan, MD, MPH
    Merck Research Laboratories

    Jessica D. Mackert, PhD
    Wake Forest Health Science

    Quaovi Sodji, MD, PhD
    University of Wisconsin-Madison

    Maria Zagorulya
    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    SITC Onsite Registration Hours

    Badge and Materials Pick-Up Desk - San Diego Convention Center Outside Hall D

    Tuesday, Oct. 31
    3 p.m.–6 p.m.

    Wednesday, Nov. 1
    6:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

    Thursday, Nov. 2
    6:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

    Friday, Nov 3
    6:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

    Saturday, Nov. 4
    6:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

    Sunday, Nov. 5
    7 a.m.–11 a.m.

    Exhibitor Registration & Lead Retrieval - Pick-Up Desk (Hall B Registration)

    Wednesday, Nov. 1
    10 a.m.–4 p.m.

    Thursday, Nov. 2
    7 a.m.–4 p.m.

    Friday, Nov 3
    7 a.m.–2 p.m.

    Saturday, Nov. 4
    7 a.m.–2 p.m.