A Message from the President
In a little over a month, we will gather in a familiar place – the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, MD – for a milestone event: SITC’s 40th Anniversary Annual Meeting & Pre-Conference Programs. I look forward to celebrating both our society and the incredible progress of our field with all of you.
Anniversaries often bring a sense of reflection. For us as immuno-oncology scientists and clinicians, the road has not always been smooth, but together we’ve built something extraordinary, laying down the pathways and raising the structures that now define our field.
In that spirit, SITC is thrilled to invite you to the 40th Anniversary Party featuring The CheckPoints on Saturday, Nov. 8. This celebration will bring together researchers, clinicians, and supporters from across disciplines for a night of MAD SCIENCE. Once dismissed as dreamers, the “mad scientists” who defied convention transformed cancer treatment and proved that brilliance often wears the mask of madness. Tickets can be purchased when you register for the Annual Meeting, or, if you’re already registered, you can log back in to add them. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate with colleagues and IO luminaries!
Of course, the heart of our meeting is the latest and greatest science. It will be inspiring to hear from keynote speaker, Jennifer A. Wargo, MD, MMSC – The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, on “Targeting the Microbiome to Promote Health and End Cancer,” and dive into the Richard V. Smalley Memorial Award & Lectureship, “The Coming Renaissance of Cancer Immunotherapy,” presented by Ira Mellman, PhD, FAACR, FAIO – Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy & Medici Therapeutics.
The always-anticipated Hot Topic Symposium will focus on Rheumatology for the Oncologist: B Cell Targeted Therapies in Immune Mediated Inflammatory Diseases, co-chaired by Cassandra Calabrese, DO – Cleveland Clinic, Laura Cappelli, MD, MHS – Johns Hopkins University, Marcela V. Maus, MD, PhD – Massachusetts General Hospital and Marco Ruella, MD – University of Pennsylvania.
And there’s more to come – on Oct. 3 at 9 a.m. ET, Regular and YIA abstract title and author information will be released. Full abstract details will follow on Nov. 4. It was a strong year for submissions with over 1,300!
As someone who has been part of this society for over half of its history, I could not be prouder of what we’ve built together. I cannot wait to celebrate with you at the 40th Anniversary Annual Meeting, a meeting that will honor our past, showcase the brilliance of the present and set the stage for the future.
Program Spotlight
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. Dive into the discussion addressing the advancement of novel immuno-oncology agents and how these agents can be combined with other therapies to overcome tumor evasion of immunity.
Spring Scientific offers opportunities for oral and poster presentations – submit your abstract for consideration by Jan. 15, 2026!