Events

The clinical management of cancer is being revolutionized by agents that activate the immune system against the tumor. Nevertheless, many of these therapies benefit only a minority of patients. In this context, radiotherapy is holding great promises to complement immunotherapy in the management of malignant disorders. In particular, radiotherapy can generate an “in situ vaccination” effect that is at the foundation of optimal immune responses against cancer cells. Thus, the clinical potential of combining immunotherapy with radiotherapy is extraordinary. Starting in September 2016, Weill Cornell Medicine and Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus have partnered to establish a joint yearly conference that gathers international experts to present cutting edge findings spanning from basic to translational and clinical research on the subject of “Radiotherapy Immunotherapy Combinations”. The first meeting was held at Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, and since then locations were alternated between Paris and New York City to best promote the field by facilitating international interactions and collaborations. The number of attendees has been growing steadily since the first edition of the meeting, witnessing a growing interest from a heterogeneous community of basic investigators, translational scientists, and clinicians. The meeting has demonstrated to be an ideal covenant for multidisciplinary exchanges between experts in oncology, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, facilitating networking, enabling direct interaction of industry with academia, and spurring new collaborations. Educational support from industry sponsors contributed to the travel and housing of around thirty speakers each year, and to travel awards for junior investigators, students, post-docs and fellows. The next meeting at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City is scheduled October 3-5, 2024. The preliminary meeting program and faculty will be available soon. WCM Employees and Students are allowed free ZOOM admission and should register. They will be sent the link on the day of the conference. Outside members of WCM should register and are required to pay.