Comis Symposium – Fall 2025

Robert L. Comis, MD Translational Science Symposium
How do we know what we know? Approaches Using AI and Other Electronic Methods in Clinical Trials
October 22, 2025
Philadelphia, PA
A highlight of the ECOG-ACRIN Group Meeting

This symposium is named for the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group’s late Group Co-Chair Robert L. Comis, MD (pictured at left). The potential of translational science to advance cancer diagnosis, prevention, and treatment was a guiding passion for Dr. Comis, and the symposium honors him in this way. Learn more about Dr. Comis here.

Agenda

Welcome

Peter J. O’Dwyer, MD
ECOG-ACRIN Group Co-Chair, University of Pennsylvania

Exploring Alternative Approaches to Phase II/III Therapeutic Questions
Mitchell D. Schnall, MD, PhD
ECOG-ACRIN Group Co-Chair, University of Pennsylvania

Segment 1

Use of AI and Machine Learning in Clinical Trials
Jon A. Steingrimsson, PhD
Brown University

Segment 2

External Controls from Real-World Data in Therapeutic Trials
Rebecca A. Hubbard, PhD
Brown University

Segment 3

Regulatory Considerations On Use of AI and Other Modeling Approaches in Clinical Trials
Paul J. Catalano, ScD
Harvard University and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Segment 4

Imaging and AI for Tissue/Metabolic Phenotyping Analysis
Walter R. Witschey, PhD
University of Pennsylvania

Segment 5: Panel Discussion

Moderator
David A. Mankoff, MD, PhD
University of Pennsylvania

Panelists
Segment presenters named above, along with:

Jordan D. Berlin, MD

Mary Lou Smith, JD, MBA

Download the printed program to read speaker bios.