Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy

PICI researcher @yvonneychan of @UCLA joined @FoxNews to discuss how CAR-T cell therapy is transforming treatment for patients with some of the toughest blood cancers. By engineering a patient’s own immune cells to recognize and attack cancer, CAR-T therapy has already helped many patients with previously treatment-resistant blood cancers to achieve long-term remission. Dr. Chen also shared how researchers are working to extend the promise of this approach to solid tumors, including pancreatic and brain cancers. As research continues, advances in CAR-T cell therapy are bringing us closer to making all cancers curable. Watch the full segment: foxnews.com/video/63998759…

Excited to share new research from PICI Center Director @wolchokj, PICI researchers Taha Merghoub, Mohamad Hamieh, and other researchers from @WeillCornell Medicine, where they highlight a promising new approach to treating bladder cancer. Published in the @JExpMed, the study identifies MUC16 as a promising target for CAR T cell therapy and demonstrates that delivering CAR T cells directly into the bladder effectively controls tumors in preclinical models while minimizing systemic toxicity. These findings could help pave the way for new bladder-sparing treatment options for patients with therapy-resistant disease. Learn more here: rupress.org/jem/article/22…

New research from @StanfordMed describes a new approach to improving CAR T cell therapies. Led by Dr. Crystal L. Mackall, Director of the PICI Center at Stanford Medicine, the study introduces a molecular "switch" that helps engineered T cells regulate their activity, reducing exhaustion and enhancing antitumor responses in preclinical models. The findings show how leveraging the body's natural biology may help create safer, more effective cell therapies for patients with cancer. Read more here: med.stanford.edu/cancer/about/n…

Researchers at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and @Penn's Abramson Cancer Center recently developed an AI-powered framework that dramatically accelerates the discovery of new targets for CAR T-cell therapies, reducing a process that traditionally takes months or even years to just a few weeks. The research was published in @Cancer_Cell , and is among the first to demonstrate how large language models (LLMs) can be applied to cell and gene therapy, including CAR T cell therapy, to help accelerate scientific discovery and identify promising new targets. Read more about the news: pennmedicine.org/news/ai-framew…

Thank you to @Inside_PM’s @GrinsteinJ for speaking with @DrKarenKnudsen and Kristen Dahlgren about the future of cancer vaccines and the urgent need to close the gap between scientific discovery and patient impact. As cancer vaccines enter a new era, advances in genomics, immune biology, and personalized medicine are opening new opportunities to harness the immune system against cancer. Karen and Kristen discuss the importance of accelerating promising research into clinical trials so breakthroughs can reach patients faster. Read more here: insideprecisionmedicine.com/topics/oncolog…

Thank you to Peter Garrett and @TheCancerLetter for highlighting the critical role patient stories play in advancing cancer research. At PICI’s recent congressional briefing on cancer vaccines, Peter heard firsthand from vaccine recipients about the promise of cancer vaccines. His piece underscores an important truth - when we center on patients and their experiences, we not only build greater awareness and support for innovation, but also help accelerate progress and bring promising discoveries closer to the people who need them most. Thank you, Peter Garett, for capturing why the patient voice remains essential to the future of cancer research. Read his piece: cancerletter.com/trials-and-tri…

Next week, leaders across academia, research, and clinical care will gather for @MSKCancerCenter and @NYASciences’ Frontiers in Cancer Immunotherapy conference. PICI is proud to be represented throughout the program: 🔵PICI President of Research @mellmani is a keynote speaker, 🔵PICI Member Researcher, Taha Merghoub, and PICI Network Investigator @NinaBhardwaj are on the scientific organizing committee, 🔵PICI Project Member, Antonio Marzio, is presenting new research, 🔵Trainees from PICI-supported labs are sharing poster presentations, including Anca Apavaloaei, Mamadou Bah, Mariam George, Jonathan Khan, and Rachana Maniyar. From cancer vaccines and cell therapies to AI-driven discovery, the meeting will spotlight emerging approaches that will shape the future of cancer treatment. Join the conversation June 22–23 in NYC! Register here: events.nyas.org/cancerio26/115…

This Cancer Immunotherapy Awareness Month, we celebrate the scientists, clinicians, patients, and partners advancing one of the most promising approaches in cancer treatment. Since our founding in 2016, PICI has worked to accelerate the development of breakthrough immunotherapies by bringing together leading researchers, nonprofit partners, and industry collaborators to overcome barriers that have historically slowed progress. Through this unique model, we help move promising discoveries from the laboratory to patients faster. Every day, we're working to unlock the full potential of immunotherapy and move closer to a future where all cancers are curable. Read more about our mission and impact here: parkerici.org

Congratulations to PICI member Magnus Hoffmann of @GladstoneInst on being selected as a 2026 Pew Biomedical Scholar by @pewtrusts! We're thrilled to see this recognition of his innovative work advancing cancer vaccines and immunotherapy!

As we recognize Cancer Immunotherapy Month, new research from @WCM_MeyerCancer demonstrates the potential of engineered silica nanoparticles to both directly kill prostate tumor cells and activate powerful antitumor immune responses. Published in @AACR’s Cancer Research, the preclinical study found the approach transformed “cold” prostate tumors into “hot” tumors and significantly enhanced responses to immunotherapy. Study co-author @wolchokj, PICI Center Director at @WCM_MeyerCancer, noted the findings may help unlock more durable immunotherapy responses in prostate cancer. Read more on the research here: news.weill.cornell.edu/news/2026/06/e…

Yesterday, PICI convened a congressional briefing on Capitol Hill exploring the transformative potential of cancer vaccines. We were honored to be joined by cancer vaccine recipients and advocates from across the country, Congresswoman @DWStweets, @TheVinodLab from @MSKCancerCenter, and other leaders committed to advancing research and innovation. Several cancer vaccine recipients and PICI leaders also met with Senator Todd Young to discuss the promise of cancer vaccines and help raise awareness of their potential impact on patients. Hearing these powerful stories and conversations serves as a reminder of what is possible when scientific innovation, patient advocacy, and public investment come together to drive progress against cancer. PICI is proud to help advance conversations and collaborations needed to bring these promising therapies to more patients.

PICI CEO @DrKarenKnudsen joined @statnews' Science vs. Cancer event at ASCO this past weekend, alongside @DrRoyHerbst, Ensign Professor of Medicine and Chief of Medical Oncology and Hematology at @YaleMed and STAT News cancer reporter @angRchen. The discussion explored key themes from ASCO, including the most significant developments in oncology and what lies ahead for the future of cancer research. Thank you @statnews for bringing together an insightful conversation and including PICI in the discussion. Read more on the event: statnews.com/event/stat-at-…

PICI is proud to host a breakfast briefing on Capitol Hill tomorrow at 9:00 AM, bringing together cancer vaccine recipients whose lives have been transformed by these breakthrough immunotherapies. Attendees will hear firsthand stories from patients, highlighting the hope, resilience, and real-world impact of cancer vaccine research. The discussion will also explore the national efforts underway to advance these innovative treatments and expand access for future patients. Leaders from @parkerici, @MSKCancerCenter, Congresswoman @DWStweets, and more will join cancer vaccine recipients from across the country for this important conversation. To reserve a spot, please reach out to info@parkerici.org

PICI is hiring an Assistant Controller to help drive financial integrity behind our high-impact mission to cure cancer. This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives at the intersection of accounting, operations, and mission-driven work. Read more information on the role: careers.jobscore.com/careers/parker…

Nearly 90% of large employers now cite cancer as one of their top three cost drivers. In a new Nasdaq.com op ed, PICI CEO @DrKarenKnudsen and @Color CEO @othman discuss what they call“the triple wave” driving this trend: rising cancer diagnoses among younger populations, increased complex and costly treatments, and a growing survivor workforce requiring long-term treatment. In the piece, they outline steps employers can take to move from reactive management to proactive cancer care strategies. Read the full piece here: nasdaq.com/articles/how-c…

PICI CEO @DrKarenKnudsen will be speaking tomorrow at the @statnews @ ASCO 2026 event. Karen will join @DrRoyHerbst, Ensign Professor of Medicine and Chief of Medical Oncology and Hematology at Yale School of Medicine, along with @angRchen, cancer reporter at STAT, for a conversation on the biggest debates shaping oncology today, the data still to come, and what's ahead for the future of cancer research. Join industry leaders, scientific experts, and STAT reporters for an in-depth look at the latest frontiers of cancer care and research, along with a preview of the news emerging from ASCO. Learn more here: statnews.com/event/stat-at-…

Next week, cancer vaccine recipients and advocates will be front and center on Capitol Hill. Join PICI on June 3 from 9-10:00 AM ET in the SVC for a special breakfast briefing bringing together cancer vaccine recipients, researchers, and policymakers to discuss the urgent need to accelerate cancer vaccine research and development. We’re deeply grateful to the recipients traveling from across the country to share their experience and advocate for the future of cancer care. We look forward to seeing you there! To reserve a spot, please reach out to info@parkerici.org

PICI has named Rebecca Sager, urologic oncology fellow at @MSKCancerCenter, the inaugural recipient of the Conquer Cancer - Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy Endowed Young Investigator Award. Dr. Sager is being recognized for her important research exploring tumor immunology and how treatments shape the tumor immune microenvironment in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Her work represents the kind of innovative science that continues to advance the future of cancer immunotherapy and improve outcomes. Congratulations to Dr. Sager on this well-deserved recognition! parkerici.org/the-latest/dr-…

The PICI Network will be driving key conversations at the @ASCO Annual Meeting, showcasing the latest advances in cancer immunotherapy and translational research. PICI leaders, investigators, and collaborators are contributing to over 50 oral sessions, posts, and publications across #ASCO26, highlighting the momentum of the network’s research and work on glioblastoma, melanoma, prostate, breast, lung, and urothelial cancers. Learn more about PICI’s presence at ASCO: parkerici.org/the-latest/par…