MDPI Subject Workshop Summary | Cutting-Edge Advances in Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy: From Basic Science to Clinical Impact

This past 8 May 2026, MDPI Canada & USA welcomed over 40 researchers, clinicians, and oncology professionals to our Subject Workshop, “Cutting-Edge Advances in Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy: From Basic Science to Clinical Impact”, held at the HSC Conference Center in Los Angeles, California. As part of MDPI’s growing North American Subject Workshop series, our second subject workshop welcomed specialists from across academia and healthcare for a day of discussion centered on the latest developments in cancer immunology and immunotherapy.

Chaired by Dr. W. Martin Kast of the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, presentations explored topics including immune checkpoint blockade therapy, CAR-T and CAR-macrophage therapies, therapeutic vaccines, multimodal single-cell analysis, imaging treatment response criteria, and publishing trends across cancer immunology.

Beyond the presentations themselves, the workshop created valuable space for connection and dialogue among professionals working across diverse areas of cancer research and healthcare, all united by a shared commitment to advancing oncology research and clinical impact.

Featured Subject Workshop speakers included: 

·      Dr. Abhinava Mishra, University of Louisville  

·      Dr.  Alan L. Epstein, M.D., Ph.D., Keck Medicine of USC  

·      Dr.  Dechen Lin, PhD, University of Southern California  

·      Dr. Casey O'Connell, Keck School of Medicine, USC 

·      Dr. Henry K. Wong, University of California San Diego and San Diego Veterans Administration Health System  

·      Dr.  Hossein Jadvar, MD, PhD, MPH, MBA, MSL, FACNM, FSNMMI, University of Southern California  

·      Dr.  Kawaljit Kaur, PHD, MS, BDS, Immune Link LLC 

·      Dr.  Lili Yang, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) 

·  (Chair) Dr. W. Martin Kast, USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, USA 

·      Dr.  Sonia Sharma, La Jolla Institute for Immunology 

Throughout the workshop, scholars engaged in discussions surrounding translational oncology, molecular mechanisms in cancer biology, and the future of immunotherapy research and clinical practice. The event provided space for attendees to engage in interdisciplinary exchange and networking among researchers, clinicians, and professionals working across diverse areas of cancer research and healthcare, united by a shared subject. Feedback from attendees highlighted the value of bringing together experts across academic, clinical, and industry settings in an environment designed to encourage meaningful scientific dialogue and community building. The event provided a platform not only for scientific exchange, but also for building new connections and fostering conversations likely to continue beyond the workshop itself. 

MDPI Canada & USA extends our sincere thanks to all speakers, participants, and attendees who contributed to the success of this workshop and helped foster meaningful dialogue within the cancer immunology and immunotherapy community! We look forward to continuing this Subject Workshop series across North America.