Cancer Neuroscience: Crossing Disciplines to Revolutionize Cancer Treatment

Accelerated understanding of nervous system functions and cancer has led to cancer neuroscience evolving into a new frontier of discovery in cancer biology and therapy. The 3rd Cancer Neuroscience: Crossing Disciplines to Revolutionize Cancer Treatment biennial symposium. It will build on the remarkable success of our previous meetings, which attracted over 2,400 participants from 70 countries and resulted in high-impact publications in Advanced Biology (2022) and Cancer Cell (2024). Survey results of past symposia have indicated overwhelming satisfaction with the meeting and have consistently identified a critical, unmet need for the field: increased understanding of neuro-immune interactions in cancer. The 2026 meeting will address this by making neuroimmuno-oncology its centerpiece at a time when both immunotherapy and neuromodulation are demonstrating unprecedented clinical potential. This focus reflects the symposium's commitment to remaining responsive to participant feedback while driving forward cutting-edge research at the nexus of these disciplines. Building on our track record of fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue, we will create a platform that brings together oncologists, neuroscientists, immunologists, cancer biologists, and a wide array of other disciplines. The program will feature keynote sessions on neural regulation of anti-tumor immunity, in both central and peripheral nervous systems, pioneering research on neuro-immune crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment, and translation of findings to clinical applications that address healthcare disparities for marginalized populations. Our overall goal is to accelerate advances in cancer neuroscience by facilitating dialogue between established leaders while nurturing a new generation of scientists. We aim to 1) advance understanding of neuroimmune interactions in cancer through cross-disciplinary integration; 2) support early-career investigators through mentorship and career development; and 3) Accelerate scientific discovery through strategic cross-institutional collaboration. This meeting comes at a critical time when understanding neural regulation of cancer immunity could transform treatment. The Cancer Neuroscience Symposium will catalyze discoveries at the intersection of neurobiology, immunology, and cancer biology. By breaking down the barriers that have separated these fields, we will ultimately improve outcomes for all patients.