Public invited to informative evening with cancer immunotherapy experts 

Breakthrough Cancer Research, in partnership with the Irish Society of Immunology, led by Prof Joanne Lysaght and Dr Aideen Ryan, is inviting the public to a very special event on 31 August at the Clayton Hotel, Cardiff Lane, Dublin city.

The event will feature panel interviews and open Q&A session with world-renowned scientists, physicians and researchers, focusing on the role of immunology in cancer treatment, a field that has shown immense promise over the past two decades. 

The event is a precursor to the prestigious 7th European Congress of Immunology (ECI), taking place in Dublin from September 1-4 in the Convention Centre, Dublin with over 3,000 delegates due to attend.

The conference, organised by the European Federation of Immunological Societies (EFIS), will bring together leading experts from around Europe to discuss the latest advancements in immunology and its impact on cancer treatment.

It includes a one-day satellite meeting organised by two Irish Cancer Immunologists, Dr Aideen Ryan and Prof Joanne Lysaght, focused specifically on ‘New Frontiers in Cancer Immunology’. Participants will include Nobel Prize winner Dr. James Allison whose groundbreaking work has revolutionized our understanding of immunology and its applications in cancer therapy. 

Immunology has emerged as one of the most promising areas in cancer research, offering new frontiers such as CAR-T cell therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. At the public event in the Clayton Hotel, Pat Byrne, the second person in Ireland to receive CAR-T treatment will share his personal experience followed by panel discussions from distinguished panelists: 

• Dr. James P Allison, PhD – MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 

• Dr. Padmanee Sharma, MD, PhD, – MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 

• Dr. Jennifer Guerriero, PhD – Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 

• Dr. Alberto Mantovani, MD – Humanitas University, Milan, Italy 

• Dr. Bernard Fox, PhD – Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Center, Portland, Oregon. 

• Dr Thomas Marron, Mount Sinai, New York. 

• Dr. Kristin Anderson, PhD – University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 

• Dr. Joachim Aerts, MD, PhD – Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands 

• Professor Owen Smith – Trinity College Dublin 

• Professor Larry Bacon – National Adult CAR-T therapy programme, St. James Hospital, Dublin 

• Professor Jarushka Naidoo – Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland 

• Professor Nicki Panoskaltsis, Trinity College Dublin 

The event will be moderated by Jonathan McCrea (Newstalk/Whipsmart Media). 

When immunotherapy was first introduced, it generated tremendous excitement for its potential to transform cancer treatment.

By harnessing the body’s own immune system to treat cancer, it offers a targeted and potentially less toxic alternative to traditional therapies.

Modern cancer immunotherapies are focused on harnessing cells of the immune system to eliminate cancer cells.

These are prized approaches as the immune system can be used to recognise cancer cells wherever they are in the body, even if they have metastasised (spread) and the response can be long-lasting.

Cancer immunotherapies offered to patients today typically involve stimulating and boosting T-cells, an adaptive response where the immune system learns to recognise and kill the target.  

However, despite great success for some patients with curative outcomes, it is not yet working for all patients and cancers.

Current research is focused on unlocking this powerful treatment for more people or stimulating other cells of the immune system to attack and eliminate the cancer.

These groundbreaking approaches will be discussed in detail at ‘New Frontiers in Cancer Immunotherapy’ on September 1st. 

Delegates at the panel event will explore the future of cancer treatment and the role immunology will play for people with cancer around the world. 

Public Event Details: 

•            Saturday 31st August 2024, 4.30-7:00pm
•            Clayton Hotel, Cardiff Lane, Dublin City
•            Free admission- but tickets must be reserved in advance due to limited space
•            Registration Link: https://bit.ly/31stAugust

This is a unique opportunity for people with a personal or professional interest in cancer research, immunology, and medical advancements. Whether you are a person impacted by cancer, interested in science, a healthcare professional, a researcher or a student, this is an opportunity to hear directly from world-renowned experts about the cutting-edge developments in cancer immunotherapy. 

The main conference (1-4th Sept) will provide a platform for the presentation of cutting-edge research, collaborative discussions, and networking opportunities. 

For more information on the main conference, please visit www.eci2024.org 

Breakthrough Cancer Research is Ireland’s leading cancer research charity.  

They work with researchers and scientists throughout Ireland and fund exceptional patent focused translational research throughout Ireland and beyond.

They particularly focus on poor prognosis or low survival cancers which are often diagnosed at an advanced stage and are poorly served by current treatments.