Mission and Scope

Our mission is to bring cutting-edge immunology-related research discoveries to clinical trials for cancer patients.  

The Immuno-Oncology program encompasses all aspects of immunology related to solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, including basic immunobiology of cancer, cancer therapeutics, and immune-related toxicities of cancer immunotherapy.

Aims and Focus Areas

The Immuno-Oncology program has three aims:

• Basic science discovery and translation of novel aspects of the immunobiology of cancer.
• Development and assessment of innovative immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer.
• Investigation of immune-mediated toxicities.

The Immuno-Oncology program has four major focus groups led by experienced and accomplished basic, translational, and clinical research scientists:[CA1] 

• Focus Group 1:  Cancer Immunobiology – Brent Hanks, M.D., Ph.D.
• Focus Group 2:  Adoptive Cell Therapies – Mitchell Horwitz, M.D., and Scott Antonia, M.D., Ph.D.
• Focus Group 3:  Non-Cell Based Immunotherapy – Smita Nair, Ph.D.
• Focus Group 4:  Immune Toxicity – Stefanie Sarantopoulos, M.D., Ph.D.

Activities

The activities of the Immuno-Oncology Program fosters team science and support professional development by bringing together scientists, researchers, clinicians, and trainees across the university as well as other academic institutions.  Faculty and staff with different backgrounds and expertise collaborate with one another to advance the Immuno-Oncology Program mission.

The Immuno-Oncology Program hosts a monthly Work-in-Progress seminar series in addition to an annual scientific retreat.  For more information, contact Christy Arrowood.

The Immuno-Oncology Program focus group leaders also hold regular meetings to facilitate collaborative science and keep up-to-date on cutting-edge research topics in immuno-oncology.  For more information, contact Christy Arrowood or the respective focus group leaders. 

Resources

DCI Center for Cancer Immunotherapy facilitates the translation of basic science findings to the conduct of clinical trials by connecting key resources and stakeholders within the university and with external collaborators.  The Center is embedded within the Immuno-Oncology Program and serves as its clinical translational pillar. 

DCI Shared Resources provide access to technologies, services, and scientific consultation that enhance scientific interaction and productivity. The support of shared services provides stability, reliability, cost-effectiveness, access to specialized technology and methodology, and quality control. DCI Shared resources are supported by the P30 Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG).  The following DCI Shared Resources are of special interest to the Immuno-Oncology program.

Program Leaders