Immune Monitor - November 2025

By SITC Communications posted 20 hours ago

A Message from the President

SITC’s 40^th Anniversary Annual Meeting & Pre-Conference Programs (SITC 2025) marked a milestone for our society. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to its success, including attendees, faculty, supporters, staff and volunteers. The meeting convened the immuno-oncology community in National Harbor, MD and virtually for several days of meaningful dialogue and groundbreaking science. With more than 1,300 abstracts presented, this year’s program demonstrated the continued momentum driving the field forward.

Jennifer Wargo, MD, MMSc, delivered an excellent keynote address on the role of the microbiome in cancer, immunotherapy response, and overall health and provided exciting new insights to how this information can be used to improve patient outcomes in the future. Ira Mellman, PhD, FAACR, FAIO, recipient of the 2025 Richard V. Smalley Memorial Award and Lectureship, presented “The Coming Renaissance of Cancer Immunotherapy,” a comprehensive view of

scientific and clinical successes in immuno-oncology over the last 15 years and highlighted unanswered questions and exciting new directions for the future of cancer immunotherapy.

The Presidential Session highlighted the highest ranked, innovative work of four award-winning early-career scientists, Daniel Michaud, PhD – Brigham & Women's Hospital, Robert Saddawi-Konefka, MD, PhD – The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Jayadev Mavuluri, PhD – St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Kelly Coutant, PhD – Fox Chase Cancer Center. Their presentations did not disappoint, featuring novel research that could someday improve the efficacy and safety of cancer immunotherapies for all patients. Congratulations to Robert Saddawi-Konefka, MD, PhD, on receiving the Presidential Award, SITC's most prestigious Young Investigator Award, for the quality of his research and presentation on immune cell migration in radioimmunotherapy regimens for head and neck cancers.

If you’re keen to review sessions or science presented at the meeting, SITC 2025 registrants can access presentations on-demand through Jan. 13, 2026 on the virtual platform.

Looking ahead, we can’t wait to see you at SITC’s in-person events, including: Cancer Immunotherapy Winter School in Boston, MA, Feb. 16–18, 2026, Spring Scientific in Tucson, AZ, March 25–27, 2026 (abstract submissions close Jan. 15, 2026) and the 41^st Annual Meeting & Pre-Conference Programs (SITC 2026), Nov. 4–8, 2026, in Phoenix, AZ.

Program Spotlight

SITC-Led Advocacy Day in Washington, DC

On Nov. 5, SITC celebrated an exciting achievement with a dedicated Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, held in conjunction with the 2025 SITC Annual Meeting. 15 volunteers from across the country came together in Washington, DC, to meet with 20 congressional offices and share how federal investment in cancer immunotherapy has been transforming patient care, advancing research, and fueling innovation in communities nationwide. Together, members highlighted the momentum of the field, emphasized the critical need for sustained federal support, and showcased how continued investment ensures breakthroughs for patients, fosters the next generation of scientists, strengthens the U.S. economy, and secures America’s leadership in biotechnology. By uniting voices in the nation’s capital, SITC shone a spotlight on the power of cancer immunotherapy and the importance of ensuring the next wave of discoveries reaches patients everywhere.

NEW! SITC Webinar on Bispecifics and T cell Engagers: Practical Strategies for Recognizing and Managing Toxicities
Dec. 17, 2025, 1–2 p.m. ET

Bispecifics and T cell engagers have revolutionized the treatment of hematologic malignancies, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, certain lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. Gain guidance on preventing, identifying, and managing toxicities in order to improve patient outcomes.

Spring Scientific: Next-generation Cellular Therapies, T cell Engagers, and Combinations, March 25–27, 2026

This program will feature in-depth exploration of recent scientific breakthroughs related to next-generation cellular therapies, T cell engagers, and combinations. You won't want to miss the newly announced Keynote Speaker, Kristen M. Hege, MD – Board Member, Mersana, Adaptimmune, Kelonia, KSQ and EvolveImmune.

Spring Scientific offers opportunities for oral and poster presentations – submit your abstract for consideration (including encore abstracts!) by Jan. 15, 2026!

Submit Abstract or Register

CANCER IMMUNOTHERAPY WINTER SCHOOL

2026 Cancer Immunotherapy Winter School, Feb. 16–18, 2026 in Boston, MA
or Virtually

Cancer Immunotherapy Winter School offers essential IO education, the latest advancements in the field and ample opportunities to expand your professional network and develop new relationships with faculty – including program organizers Kristin Anderson, PhD – University of Virginia, Chrystal Paulos, PhD – Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University, Ryan J. Sullivan, MD – Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital and program advisor Daniel J. Powell Jr., PhD – University of Pennsylvania – and other thought leaders through small group breakout sessions.

Register before Dec. 19 to save up to $250 off regular rates — secure your spot today!

Learn More & Attend

Additional Programming and Events