Biography

Shari Pilon-Thomas, PhD, is a Senior Member of the Immunology Department at Moffitt Cancer Center. She is currently the Co-Director of the Center for Immunization and Infection Research in Cancer (CIIRC). She received her PhD in Immunology/Microbiology from Wayne State University and completed her Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Surgery, Tumor Immunology, Immunotherapy from University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Her research focuses on the advancement of immunotherapy, specifically vaccine-based approaches and adoptive T cell therapy for a wide variety of solid tumors.  

Dr. Pilon-Thomas’ research program is one of the leading efforts in bridging the space between basic science and clinical immunotherapy trials for patients with solid tumors. She has spearheaded the optimization of TIL expansion protocols and translation of TIL therapy at Moffitt Cancer Center. She develops immunotherapeutic treatment strategies in murine models and collaborates with clinicians to develop clinical trial protocols based on her laboratory research. Her collaborations have resulted in TIL-based trials for patients with melanoma, sarcoma, bladder cancer, H&N squamous cell carcinoma, and cervical cancer. Her lab leads the immune monitoring effort on these trials for the measurement of suppressive factors and tumor-specific immune responses; results of which inform subsequent trial design. She currently serves as the Co-Chair of the SITC Cellular Therapy Committee and is an active member of the SITC Regulatory Subcommittee.

SITC Election Platform Statement

What are the two or three critical issues facing the field of cancer immunotherapy?

1. There are many critical regulatory topics concerning cellular therapies that need to be addressed. One of these is potency assays. Currently, as most potency assays for cellular therapy products do not align with clinical responses or onset of adverse events, the field needs clear and consistent guidance that includes available data to define rational and meaningful assays. 

2. Developing cell therapy strategies for all solid tumors is another critical issue in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Recognizing the degree of heterogeneity for these diagnoses, this effort should include understanding the tumor microenvironment and the role of lymphodepletion, defining valid tumor targets, and enhancing the efficacy of cell therapy products.

What is Your Vision for SITC?

SITC is unique in that it represents the full translational spectrum. This includes basic scientists, translational scientists, and physician scientists both in academics and industry all working together to propel the field of cancer immunotherapy forward. My vision is to capitalize on these relationships to translate cutting-edge science for the implementation of novel and meaningful clinical trials. Ultimately, SITC has the opportunity to position itself as the leader in cellular therapies, especially for solid tumors. 

2023 SITC Election Homepage