A Message from the President

The Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (JITC) has long been integral to SITC’s mission to advance the science and application of cancer immunotherapy. As the field continues to evolve rapidly, JITC serves as a trusted global platform for advancing scientific understanding across the entire translational research spectrum from basic tumor immunology to clinical practice.

My connection to JITC is long-standing and deeply personal. I first became involved with the journal as a founding editor and, over nearly a decade, have had the privilege of serving as a Section Editor, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and, for a time, Interim Editor-in-Chief. Through these roles, I have witnessed JITC’s steady growth in scientific impact, editorial excellence and global reach.

At its core, JITC is the official fully open-access journal of SITC, dedicated exclusively to tumor immunology and cancer immunotherapy. The journal publishes original research across the full translational continuum, from discovery and preclinical work to clinical investigation, alongside commentaries, case studies, guidelines, position papers and high-impact reviews. This breadth ensures JITC serves as a trusted home for the diverse scholarship driving our field forward.

That commitment to excellence is reflected in the journal’s performance and reach. With a current Impact Factor of 10.6, JITC ranks in the top 7 percent of all immunology journals and the top 9 percent of all oncology journals. Its influence and reach are truly global, exemplified by an editorial board led by Editor-in-Chief Michael T. Lotze, MD, FAIO - University of Pittsburgh, and composed of international leaders in the field, as well as manuscripts from leading researchers around the world. Together, this breadth enables the exchange of ideas essential to progress across health systems, patient populations and areas of study.

JITC also curates special series that spotlight high-priority and emerging areas in cancer immunotherapy. These collections bring together authoritative perspectives on topics shaping the future of the field, from novel scientific approaches to pressing research challenges. The most recent series featured in the journal includes the SITC 40^th Anniversary Series, The Next Wave of IO: A Roadmap from SITC, Computational Immuno-Oncology and Cancer Immunotherapy in Understudied Populations. Together, these series reflect JITC’s commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, inclusivity and long-term impact.

I encourage you to explore these collections, submit your research and consider engaging as a reviewer. SITC members receive discounted Article Processing Charges (APCs), though submissions from both members and non-members are welcome. Reviewers benefit from APC discounts, CME credits, formal recognition and opportunities that support a path to leadership within JITC and SITC. The journal also offers a Peer Review Mentorship Program that provides early-career investigators with training on how to review manuscripts for scientific journals. Applications for this innovative program will be collected through Feb. 28.

Thank you for your continued dedication to this field and to the shared mission of advancing and amplifying the science we pursue through JITC.

Program Spotlight
2026 Women in Cancer Immunotherapy Network (WIN) Leadership Institute Applications Open

WIN is back! This noteworthy program seeks to promote and elevate women in the cancer immunotherapy field. Championed by SITC Past President Lisa H. Butterfield, PhD, the society's first female president, WIN provides a forum for women to discuss important topics relevant to their advancement in the field. WIN is scheduled to be held in-person from July 30–31, 2026 in Boston, MA or virtually from Sept. 10–11, 2026. Applications are due March 27, 2026, at 12 p.m. EST.

Next Month: Spring Scientific: Next-generation Cellular Therapies, T cell Engagers, and Combinations

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