iSBTc NewsPress ReleaseFor more information, contact: MelissaKaye Shekoski For Immediate Release NOTE: Members of the media are encouraged to attend the iSBTc 23rd Annual Meeting free of charge by presenting their press credentials at the iSBTc registration desk. iSBTc Annual Meeting to Highlight Latest Advances in Cancer Immunotherapy Milwaukee, WI---The International Society for Biological Therapy of Cancer (iSBTc) will be holding its 23rd Annual Meeting at the Westin Gaslamp Quarter Hotel from October 31-November 2, 2008 in San Diego, CA. The meeting will provide the latest information on current clinical trials, methodologies, and new initiatives in tumor immunology and biological therapy between all stakeholders within cancer research. In 2008, the field of cancer immunotherapy has entered a swell of optimism. With two anti-CTLA4 antibodies showing significant clinical activity in patients with melanoma, and with adoptive T cell therapy generating clinical response rates of up to 50%, this excitement seems well justified. Both of these topics will be discussed in depth at this year's iSBTc Annual Meeting. Beyond these clinical efficacy studies, the field has developed an increasing understanding of mechanisms by which tumors can resist an anti-tumor immune response. The regulatory function of specific T cell subsets, tumor escape within the tumor environment, the involvement of innate immune signals, and the biology of cancer stem cells all represent opportunities for therapeutic intervention to improve upon clinical efficacy of immunotherapy approaches against cancer. Thomas F. Gajewski, MD, PhD of the University of Chicago and one of the organizers of this year's program, noted that, "The 2008 meeting will highlight key areas of translational cancer immunology that have direct relevance for understanding and improving clinical outcomes in patients. We are particularly delighted to have our Keynote Address delivered by Dr. Robert Schreiber, whose laboratory has developed the notion of immune editing of tumors, as well as the participation of Dr. Max Wicha, one of the pioneers in the area of cancer stem cells." This year's meeting will consist of over 50 high-quality scientific lectures from leaders in the field and 140 abstract posters related to topics in biological therapy and cancer immunology, including:
Details and a complete schedule for iSBTc's 23rd Annual Meeting can be found on the Society's website at www.isbtc.org. Founded in 1984, the International Society for Biological Therapy of Cancer is a not-for-profit organization of clinicians, researchers, students, post-doctoral fellows, and allied health professionals dedicated to improving cancer patient outcomes by advancing the development and application of biological therapy through interaction, innovation and leadership. ### |
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