Thousands of Cancer Researchers to Attend Major Scientific Conference in San Diego, April 17-22

SAN DIEGO – The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the world’s first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research, will host the AACR Annual Meeting 2026 at the San Diego Convention Center from Friday, April 17 through Wednesday, April 22. This eminent scientific conference will bring more than 22,000 cancer researchers, physicians, survivors, patients, and advocates to San Diego to discuss the latest advances in cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.

The meeting will have an estimated $86 million economic impact on the San Diego region. 

MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

2026 AACR Runners for Research 5K Run/Walk  

When: Saturday, April 18, 7:30-9:30 a.m. PT 
Where: Marriott Marquis Marina Terrance (333 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101) 

• The 2026 AACR Runners for Research 5K will bring together more than 800 runners who have raised over $225,000 for lifesaving cancer research. 

• AACR Foundation President and Chair Stephen D. Ryan will be available for interviews at the event.

• B-roll footage and photos will be available after the race.

Special Program for High School Students

When: Tuesday, April 21, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. PT 
Where: Grand Hall CD – Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego (1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101) 

• More than 300 high schoolers will participate in The Conquest of Cancer and the Next Generation of Cancer Researchers, a special program for students to learn about cancer from world-renowned experts in the field. Most participants attend San Diego schools. 

• More than 95 students will present posters of their research during the program. 

Innovative Scientific Research that Benefits Patients

When: Friday, April 17 to Wednesday, April 22
Where: San Diego Convention Center (111 Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101) 

• The AACR Annual Meeting will feature distinguished speakers from around the world, hundreds of invited talks, and more than 7,000 proffered papers. The scientific program will include results from late-breaking clinical trials that highlight how cancer research is expanding options and improving outcomes for patients. 

• The AACR will host three press conferences featuring noteworthy research from the Annual Meeting in Room 26 of the convention center at the following times:
  • Sunday, April 19, 11 a.m. PT  
  • Monday, April 20, 8 a.m. PT  
  • Tuesday, April 21, 8 a.m. PT  

To attend the press conferences or request embargoed press releases, contact Kathleen Medora at [email protected].

For more information about the AACR Annual Meeting, please visit the AACR website.

CONTACT 

Contact Kathleen Medora at [email protected] or 215-290-5408 or Julia DeMalto at [email protected] or 215-446-7127 to attend the above events, register for the AACR Annual Meeting, or schedule interviews.