A Message from the President

Immunotherapies have clearly transformed cancer treatments in recent years. However, the increased focus on developing more effective cancer immunotherapies has highlighted some of the biological, clinical, and regulatory hurdles in developing new immunotherapy agents. Collaborative efforts among regulators, preclinical researchers, clinical investigators, and industry stakeholders are essential to sustain the momentum in our field and ensure the prompt and appropriate clinical testing of innovative immunotherapies. To address the needs of the cancer immunotherapy community and streamline the immunotherapy drug development and approval process, SITC has designed the SITC Immuno-oncology Drug Development Summit, taking place Sept. 30–Oct. 1 in Boston, MA. 

The program will serve as a vital platform for ongoing exploration and dialogue on optimal approaches to global cancer immunotherapy development. The summit will feature presentations by experts in the field, highlighting key information about important aspects of the immuno-oncology drug development process, including preclinical models, clinical trial design, and FDA approval. One can’t miss portion of the summit is the Fireside Chat – The Future of IO with participants Priti Hegde, PhD – Kite Pharma and Jedd D. Wolchok, MD, PhD – Weill Cornell Medicine, moderated by Alexandra Snyder, MD – Generate Biomedicines.

This intensive and dynamic program will foster multidisciplinary perspective, encourage open exchange, and delve into the most effective practices for contemporary immuno-oncology drug development. I encourage you to learn more and register today! A sincere thank you to the program organizers: Amy McKee, MD – Parexel, Pedro J. Romero, MD – Novigenix, Luisa Salter-Cid, MD – Flagship Pioneering, Alexandra Snyder, MD – Generate Biomedicines and Jon M. Wigginton, MD – Bright Peak Therapeutics.

As with any challenge in the field of immuno-oncology, a multi-faceted approach is required to solve a multi-faceted hurdle. This spring, SITC again advocated for continued momentum in IO drug development by traveling to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. to speak with lawmakers regarding increased support for immunotherapy research and drug development through the appropriations process. SITC's advocacy for the inclusion of IO-centric language within the annual appropriation bills is a unique and impactful mechanism to direct the FDA and NCI to focus efforts on volunteer-identified priorities. This year, SITC volunteers advocated for the inclusion of specific language focused on advancing immunotherapies into novel disease settings and earlier lines of therapy. You can find SITC’s specific language in its entirety here, and we look forward to working with our policy partners to continue promoting the advancement of life-changing treatments.