The last decade and a half has seen transformative advancements in cancer immunotherapy, reshaping oncology and offering extended clinical benefits to some patients. Concurrently, substantial scientific advancements have illuminated the immunobiology of tumor microenvironments, propelling the field to a pivotal juncture. Recognizing the potential for exponential growth in the coming decade, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer convened a diverse panel of experts. This group, which included representatives from academia, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, patient advocacy, and regulatory bodies, aimed to identify and prioritize areas with the highest clinical impact.
The consensus group pinpointed seven high-priority areas of opportunity within cancer immunotherapy. These include understanding mechanisms of antitumor activity and toxicity, mechanisms of drug resistance, development of biomarkers and biospecimens, unique aspects of novel therapeutics, interactions between host and environment, premalignant immunity and immunoprevention, and the intricacies of clinical trial design and conduct.
Challenges and Cross-Cutting Tools
Several potential roadblocks to progress were also identified. Additionally, the group highlighted various cross-cutting tools that could optimize multiple scientific priority areas. These tools encompass preclinical models, data curation and sharing, biopsies and biospecimens, diversification of funding sources, standardized definitions, and enhanced patient engagement. These tools are essential for overcoming existing challenges and ensuring the seamless progression of cancer immunotherapy research.
Guiding Principles for Future Progress
The group also underscored three guiding principles to maximize advancements in the field. These principles include active engagement with the patient community, fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and leveraging artificial intelligence to accelerate research and development. Embracing these principles is crucial for driving significant progress and ensuring that the benefits of cancer immunotherapy are broadly accessible.
Concrete Inferences for Stakeholders
– Enhanced collaboration between academia and the pharmaceutical industry can accelerate the development of novel therapeutics.
– Investment in preclinical models and data sharing can streamline the transition from research to clinical application.
– Prioritizing patient engagement can lead to more effective and personalized treatment strategies.
– Diversifying funding sources can mitigate financial risks and sustain long-term research initiatives.
The presented strategic vision encapsulates the outcomes of these discussions, aiming to galvanize the field of cancer immunotherapy for the next decade. By adhering to the identified priorities and principles, stakeholders can collectively drive exponential progress, ultimately transforming patient care and outcomes in oncology.
Original Article: J Immunother Cancer. 2024 Jun 19;12(6):e009063. doi: 10.1136/jitc-2024-009063.

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