Comis Symposium – Spring 2025

Robert L. Comis, MD Translational Science Symposium
Application of Technology in Studying Tumor Evolution and Targeting Different Types of Tumors
May 13, 2025
Tampa, FL
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 and Mitchell D. Schnall, MD, PhD
ECOG-ACRIN Group Co-Chairs, University of Pennsylvania

Segment 1: Introduction and Overview of General Strategies for Circulating Markers

Tumor-Informed and Tumor-Uninformed ctDNA Approaches for Minimal Residual Disease Detection
Charu Aggarwal, MD, MPH
University of Pennsylvania/Abramson Cancer Center

Segment 2: Latest Technology

Applications of Circulating Marker Technology: Capabilities and Limitations
Gad Getz, PhD
Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

Segment 3: Real World Examples

Integration of Circulating Markers into Clinical Trial Design; Methodology, Challenges, and Benefits of Incorporating Circulating Markers
Dustin A. Deming, MD
University of Wisconsin/UW Carbone Cancer Center
Chair, ECOG-ACRIN Developmental Therapeutics Committee
ECOG-ACRIN Young Investigator of the Year for 2024

Segment 4: Future Thinking

Design Considerations for a Trial in MRD-Positive Patients Following Initiation of Conventional Adjuvant Therapy
Dr. O'Dwyer

Segment 5: Panel Discussion

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

Panelists
Segment presenters named above, along with:

Barbara A. Burtness, MD
Yale University/Yale Cancer Center
Chair, ECOG-ACRIN Head and Neck Cancer Committee
Chair, ECOG-ACRIN Task Force on Career Advancement

Download the printed program to read speaker bios.