National cancer experts publish report on future of immunology research

Georgia Cancer Center Director Dr. Samir N. Khleif chairs advisory workshop

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Dr. Samir N. Khleif, director of the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University, chaired a National Academy of Medicine workshop on policy issues in the development and use of immunotherapy – the enhancement of the body’s natural defenses – for cancer treatment. The workshop included clinicians, researchers, policy makers and representatives from the pharmaceutical health care industries. A new publication based on that workshop was published by the National Academies Press this week.

Topics explored in the publication include:

  • the most recent immunotherapy findings
  • the current state of cancer vaccine, cell therapy and combination immunotherapy science
  • Immunotherapy drug development challenges
  • Opportunities for collaboration
  • Strategies for clinical implementation of immunotherapies
  • Assessment of immunotherapies and the development of a sustainable economic model

“I’m proud to have been called to lead this important national effort,” Dr. Khleif said. “The goal of this workshop and this publication is to advise on policy and research priorities as they relate to this revolutionary new field. This report will be essential in terms of establishing policy and developing programs and collaborative opportunities within the cancer community. Cancer cannot be cured by any one of us. It can be cured by all of us.”

About the National Academy of Medicine

The National Academy of Medicine (NAM), established in 1970 under the name Institute of Medicine (IOM), is an independent organization of eminent professionals from diverse fields including health and medicine; the natural, social, and behavioral sciences; and beyond. It serves alongside the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering as adviser to the nation and the international community. Through its domestic and global initiatives, the NAM works to address critical issues in health, medicine, and related policy and inspire positive action across sectors. The NAM collaborates closely with its peer academies and other divisions within the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 

About the Georgia Cancer Center

The Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University is a multidisciplinary academic cancer center with a mission to reduce the burden of cancer in Georgia and across the globe through superior care, innovation and education. Its patient-centered approach includes first-in-the-nation treatment protocols, an experimental therapeutics program and specialized clinics for state-of-the-art drug and immunotherapy clinical trials. augusta.edu/cancer

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Steven Uhles

Steven Uhles is Director of Media and Marketing for the Georgia Cancer Center. Contact him to schedule an interview on this topic or with one of our experts at 706-723-0096 or suhles@augusta.edu.

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Written by Steven Uhles

Jagwire is your source for news and stories from Augusta University. Daily updates highlight the many ways students, faculty, staff, researchers and clinicians "bring their A games" in classrooms and clinics on four campuses in Augusta and locations across the state of Georgia.

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