Targets for Cancer IO – A Deep Dive Series

Program Summary

Key expert leaders in the field of immuno-oncology will provide an overview of the current state of the science and address questions about its future. Current topics to be addressed in the 2026 series include updates on the mechanisms and clinical development of PD-1/VEGF bispecifics, clinical data and future directions for immuno-oncology in microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer and the rational use of chemotherapy and antibody drug conjugates as immune modulators. 

The interactive Q&A session will follow the topic overview, providing participants with the opportunity to ask in-depth questions of the faculty as well as offering a forum for networking and initiating collaborations with others working in a similar field.

Program Goals and Objectives

The primary objective of the SITC Sixth Deep Dive series is to foster a greater understanding of the current challenges in the field of immuno-oncology. Secondary goals include providing a forum for researchers and clinicians to address important unanswered scientific questions surrounding the mechanisms of action and clinical development of the next generation of cancer immunotherapy agents, strategic development of combination therapies that modulate anti-cancer immunity, and mechanisms of resistance and approaches to overcome them. Insights gained will enhance cancer outcomes and make these revolutionary therapies more accessible to a wider range of patients.

Target Audience

Basic, clinical and translational researchers in academia and industry and members of the investment community.

Problem Statement

While cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment and management of cancer, many patients with cancer will not respond to immunotherapy, and response rates are not equally effective in all types of cancer, highlighting a need for clinicians and researchers to collaborate and develop new therapeutic strategies that effectively target and activate the anti-cancer immune response in larger patient populations. Clinicians and researchers need to engage in in-depth discussion about challenges in immuno-oncology that are not fully understood, including next-generation immunotherapies and their mechanisms of action, combination therapy strategies that modulate anti-cancer immunity, and mechanisms of resistance and therapeutic approaches to overcome them. 

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Describe the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of emerging immunotherapy drugs or immunotherapy-based approaches
• Identify methods to address key scientific questions for emerging immunotherapy drugs or immunotherapy-based approaches
• Compare the strengths and weaknesses of various cancer immunotherapy approaches