Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer to Host Fundamental Two-Day Workshop Focused on Cytokines in Cancer Immunotherapy

MILWAUKEE, April 22, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) will host a new workshop Oct. 12–13, 2020, in New York, which will focus on providing a deeper understanding of cytokines in immune cell proliferation, differentiation, and function, as they pertain to tumor immunobiology and cancer immunotherapy approaches.

The SITC Cytokines in Cancer Immunotherapy Workshop is intended for basic, translational and clinical researchers with a vested interest in the topic of cytokine immunology and the impact of cytokines in cancer immunotherapy. The program is organized by prominent members of the immuno-oncology community, including Susan M. Kaech, PhD, from Salk Institute, Anne O'Garra, PhD, from The Francis Crick Institute and Aaron Ring, MD, PhD, from Yale University, the workshop will feature oral presentations by leading experts in the field, including keynotes by Warren J. Leonard, MD, from National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute and Harriett Kluger, MD, from Yale University.

"Because cytokines control many aspects of immune cell biology, we see a resurgent interest in developing these agents either alone or in combination with immune checkpoint modulators for anti-cancer therapy," said SITC President Mario Sznol, MD. "However, there is a great deal we don't yet know about optimal application of the many different cytokines in the clinic, for example how cytokines interact with each other or with agents such as the PD-1/PD-L1 antagonists. We plan to cover current knowledge in this conference and identify potential areas of research that will lead to rational clinical development. The conference will also provide opportunities for young investigators to present their research and to interact with leading senior investigators in the field."

The workshop will aim to foster renewed exchange and research on the promising topic of cytokines and their interactions in cancer development and therapy, lead to further research and provide a solid scientific foundation for future clinical interventions to modulate anti-tumor immunity with combinations of cytokines and other immunotherapies.

The program will also provide an intimate opportunity for attendees to discuss their work with experts in the field, develop collaborations and learn about novel studies of cytokines. Abstract submissions are being accepted through Sept. 1, 2020, from young investigators working with cytokines in their research, including several oral abstract presentation opportunities. These presentations will be judged on scientific merit, and the top presenter from each category will receive a research funding award. Abstract submitters not selected for oral presentation will have the opportunity to present their research as a poster.

The SITC Cytokines in Cancer Immunotherapy Workshop will take place on Oct. 12–13, 2020, at the Millennium Times Square New York hotel. Registration rates, criteria for abstract submissions and program schedule are available on SITC Cancer Immunotherapy CONNECT.

About SITC
Established in 1984, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) is a nonprofit organization of medical professionals dedicated to improving cancer patient outcomes by advancing the development, science and application of cancer immunotherapy and tumor immunology. SITC is comprised of influential basic and translational scientists, practitioners, health care professionals, government leaders and industry professionals around the globe. Through educational initiatives that foster scientific exchange and collaboration among leaders in the field, SITC aims to one day make the word "cure" a reality for cancer patients everywhere. Learn more about SITC, our educational offerings and other resources at http://www.sitcancer.org and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

SOURCE Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer