Blogs

Immune Monitor - February 2024

By SITC Communications posted 02-27-2024 15:55

  

A Message from the President

It’s that time of year when the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) and the Forward Fund unveil their 2024 fellowship opportunities. Over $600,000 in funding is available to bolster the growth of early career investigators, nurturing the future cohort of experts in cancer immunotherapy. Since 2014, SITC has granted over $6 million in fellowships. I encourage you to take advantage of this chance to explore the available fellowships, whether you are eligible to apply or can share the opportunities with someone you know. Applications remain open until March 18.
In addition to the annual fellowships, the Forward Fund attracts the brightest minds to the cancer immunotherapy field through other special awards, SITC’s Women in Cancer Immunotherapy Network (WIN) Leadership Institute and the one-of-a-kind Sparkathon experience. Hear firsthand the impact the Forward Fund has on up-and-coming investigators in the field, and how your donations inspire the next generation by watching this video:

 
In addition to Forward Fund initiatives for young investigators, SITC hosts programs geared toward this group, two of which recently wrapped up – the Clinical Immuno-Oncology Network (SCION) Workshop (SCION) and Cancer Immunotherapy Winter School. I want to thank the organizers and advisors of these programs including: Deborah Collyar, Bsci, Patient Advocates in Research, Elizabeth Garrett-Mayer, PhD, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Isabella C. Glitza Oliva, MD, PhD, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michael T. Lotze, MD, FACS, University of Pittsburgh, Yana Najjar, MD, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Chris Takimoto, MD, PhD, IGM Biosciences, Christian Capitini, MD, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Justin Eyquem, PhD, University of California – San Francisco, Chrystal Paulos, PhD, Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University and Daniel Powell Jr., PhD, University of Pennsylvania.

At SCION, participants spent the week developing new cancer immunotherapy protocols alongside emerging immuno-oncology researchers from around the globe. From there, SCION participants merged with the Cancer Immunotherapy Winter School group for three days of profound insights into the fundamental tenets of tumor immunology and cancer immunotherapy through engagement with esteemed leaders in the field. I look forward to hearing the feedback from these programs. 
SITC holds a paramount regard for early career and transitioning scientists in the field of Immunotherapy. I am profoundly grateful for the dedication and commitment of our early career and transitioning scientists who opt to pursue their professional growth with SITC. Do you know of an early career scientist who would benefit from any of our programs? Use the Connect-a-Colleague tool to refer them to SITC! I eagerly look forward to advancing cancer immunotherapy alongside each and every one of you.

Leisha A. Emens, MD, PhD
SITC President

Program Spotlight

Advances in Cancer Immunotherapy™ (ACI)
SITC’s 2024 ACI Live Programs are now available! The 2024 series features seven topic-driven virtual programs (approximately 4 hours long) offering CME, CNE, CPE, or MOC credit. Three in-person sessions are also scheduled and hosted at subspecialty meetings.
Spring Scientific

Metabolism at the Hub of Cancer and Immunity

March 10–12, 2024 | Miami, FL and Virtually

It’s not too late to register to attend SITC’s Spring Scientific! This program will address the critical roles of immune, microbiome, and tumor metabolism in the treatment of cancer with immunotherapy. Featuring leading presenters in the field, in-depth discussions, over 90 abstracts, and two interactive workshops, you’ll want to attend this exciting program.

New Bladder Cancer Clinical Trial Design Webinar!
Definitions, End Points, and Clinical Trial Designs for Bladder Cancer: Recommendations from the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer and the International Bladder Cancer Group.
March 18, 2024 | 4–5 p.m. CST
This webinar is based on a published manuscript from SITC and the International Bladder Cancer Group (IBCG). The webinar will feature the manuscript authors serving as faculty for the program, which include: Andrea Apolo MD, Shilpa Gupta, MD, Seth Lerner, MD, FACS and Sarah P. Psutka. Join these experts to discuss the publication in-depth and ask questions.
Additional Programming and Events

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