Virtual Patient Advocate Forums

The AACR is committed to providing educational programming to patients with cancer and patient advocacy communities to support their collective mission to find cures for all cancers. AACR Patient Advocate Forums invite leaders from patient advocacy, academia, industry, and health care communities to discuss pressing topics and the latest discoveries in cancer research.  Forums are provided quarterly, at no cost to attendees, and open to the public. 

2022 Patient Advocate Forums

The Science of Cancer Survivorship

Tuesday, June 28, 2022; 1 – 3:30 p.m. ET/ 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. PT

Recent studies highlight the growing number of cancer survivors and the unique challenges that come from the late and long-term effects of cancer treatments. Accordingly, cancer survivorship is gaining recognition as an important, albeit understudied, area of research. The AACR Patient Advocate Forum will explore research studies advancing the field of cancer survivorship, identify gaps in knowledge, and explore the future direction of cancer survivorship research.

Can biomarker testing improve outcomes?

Tuesday, August 23, 2022; 1 – 3:30 p.m. ET/ 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. PT

Each person’s cancer has a unique pattern of biomarkers, making biomarker testing a critical part of diagnostics and treatment. This Forum will explore where and how biomarkers are changing cancer research and care to benefit patients with cancer.

Does the Tumor MicroenvironmenT matter?

Tuesday, September 27, 2022; 1 – 3:30 p.m. ET/ 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. PT

revolution in cancer clinical trials

special thanks to our 2022 supporters

2021 Patient Advocate Forums

How Evolution Shapes Cancer

Monday, December 13, 2021; 1 – 3:30 p.m. ET

Evolutionary theories are shaping how we understand the evolution of cancer and cancer metastasis. Integrating evolutionary theory into cancer treatment is key to recognizing and controlling therapeutic resistance and developing proactive therapy regimens. This Patient Advocate Forum explores how cancer evolution will develop new biomarkers and more effective therapeutic targets.

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The Potential of Big Data and Machine Learning for Oncology

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Data science and machine learning promise to revolutionize cancer treatments, but the role of patients has yet to be clearly defined in this new world of large datasets and real-world evidence. This Patient Advocate Forum explores how scientists are translating data into clinically relevant knowledge, discusses the role of patients in these efforts, and highlights the opportunities for using big data to advance cancer care.

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The Promise of Immuno-Oncology

May 4, 2021

The rapid development of immuno-oncology therapies for cancer is transforming the cancer treatment landscape and bolstering hope for many cancer patients. But why doesn’t it create a durable response for all patients with cancer? This Patient Advocate Forum explores the field of immuno-oncology, highlights how immuno-oncology harnesses the body’s immune system to prevent and fight cancer, and discusses why some cancers are resistant to this approach.

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Precision Oncology Advances in 2020: Looking Ahead to 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic dominated headlines in 2020. The response by the research community was marked by unprecedented scientific collaboration and rapid research advances culminating in the authorization of two vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, less than 12 months after the first reported COVID cases. But there were also a number of advances made in cancer research that should be highlighted as we look forward to 2021. Most notably in new targeted agents, advanced diagnostic technologies, and a renewed commitment to increase public understanding of cancer health disparities. A number of cancer communities also saw years of commitment to cancer research pay off with a record number of drug approvals. This virtual AACR Patient Advocate Forum highlights some of the recent breakthroughs in cancer research and showcases what we might be able to expect in the year 2021.

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COVID-19 AND CANCER

October 1, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has sickened more than 22.8 million people globally and claimed the lives of more than 796,000 people around the world. It threatens to reverse decades of research progress in the fight against cancer and jeopardize the future care and treatment of patients with cancer. The AACR is working diligently to keep all members of the cancer community informed and safe from infection. Advocates from across the cancer community joined this free virtual forum to get the latest information on COVID-19 and cancer.

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special thanks to our 2021 supporters