Fellows’ Forum

The Society for Translational Oncology Fellows’ Forum was developed to advance the next generation of oncology leaders through focused, high-impact education in translational cancer research. Its origins trace back to the Cancer Education Consortium (CEC), a not-for-profit organization known for pioneering innovative oncology education programs. In 2013, CEC partnered with the Society for Translational Oncology (STO) to evolve and modernize these efforts, laying the foundation for what became the Fellows’ Forum.

The Fellows’ Forum was an intensive 3-day forum that brought together 25 fellows and junior cancer researchers within five years of training completion from leading medical, surgical, radiation, and pediatric oncology programs, as well as subspecialty fellowships. The program was designed to equip these rising stars with the tools to navigate the complexities and barriers of successful translational cancer research.

This annual forum received consistent praise from alumni and faculty for its focused, practical, and highly personalized approach to preparing oncologists to conduct cancer drug research. It provided guidance to oncology fellows and junior cancer researchers regarding how to apply translational research findings in tumor biology to improve patient outcomes.

The broad-based curriculum covered a range of topics related to new drug development. In addition, it addressed key issues that early-career oncologists may face, such as identifying an important research topic and organizing a project; working closely with industry and aligning objectives; working within the legal framework of US Food & Drug Administration requirements; and applying guidance regarding conflicts of interest.

A defining feature of the Fellows’ Forum was its emphasis on one-on-one engagement. With a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:1.5, participants had unique opportunities to connect with other scientists and clinicians regarding translational research efforts that benefit from multidisciplinary and interprofessional investigation.

The faculty featured prominent research scientists, clinical investigators, industry representatives, and biotech investors who served as mentors to attendees and also led discussions on the following topics:

• Preclinical and clinical evaluation
• Validation of targets and biomarkers
• Confirmation of mechanism of action and resistance in clinical trials
• Racial and age-related disparities in clinical trials
• Mechanics of grant-writing
• Guidelines for good basic research
• Approaches to establishing networks of peer oncologists

Upon completion of this training, participants were expected to be able to:

• Identify the importance of translational research and define its value in clinical medicine.
• Describe the process of drug development in oncology.
• Apply the mechanics of grant writing and guidelines for sound research practices.

“Educating young oncologists in the field of clinical and translational research is an investment in the future and is likely to impact the quality of cancer patient care for years to come,” said Bruce A. Chabner (Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School), founder of the Fellows’ Forum.

After more than two decades, over 665 physicians and scientists have graduated into this esteemed alumni community. 665 physicians and scientists have graduated into this esteemed alumni community.

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Notice: Society for Translational Oncology Fellows’ Forum

The Society for Translational Oncology Fellows’ Forum has been a cornerstone in launching the careers of many emerging oncology professionals. As we look ahead to the future of oncology education, we’ve made the thoughtful decision to transition away from this transformative program.

To carry this mission forward, we have proudly partnered with the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC), entrusting them to build on the Fellows’ Forum strong foundation through their SITC Clinical Immuno-oncology Network (SCION) Workshop and Cancer Immunotherapy Winter School. These programs offer targeted education and mentorship, equipping early-to-mid career oncologists with the tools to lead in the evolving field of cancer immunotherapy.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Fellows’ Forum founder, Bruce Chabner, MD, and Co-Chairs Keith Flaherty, MD, Ross Levine, MD, and Stacey Berg, MD, for their visionary leadership and the esteemed faculty for their unwavering commitment to advancing oncology and the program. 

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Fellows’ Forum success. We look forward to this next chapter with SITC.