This year’s meeting will conclude with the “AACR Annual Meeting 2026 Highlights” Plenary Session, offering a unique opportunity for attendees to learn about some of the biggest advances reported at the meeting across the continuum of cancer research.
Chaired by AACR Annual Meeting Program Committee Chairs Paul S. Mischel, MD, FAACR, of Stanford University, and Alice T. Shaw, MD, PhD, FAACR, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the session will take place tomorrow, April 22 from 12:10 to 1:30 p.m. PT.
“The thing about the AACR Annual Meeting is that the breadth of science is truly breathtaking,” said Mischel. “There have been incredible advances emerging across diverse areas of research at this meeting, and this final Plenary Session will examine some of the most important take-home messages.”
“During the session, leading experts from basic/translational research, population sciences, and clinical research will provide a high-level overview of the state of the science as well as the key advances reported at the AACR Annual Meeting in each of these areas,” added Shaw. “This session will be valuable for all attendees, especially trainees, to hear perspectives from leaders who have the expertise and experience to place these newly reported findings into the context of the broader research and clinical landscapes.”
Katerina A. Politi, PhD, of Yale Cancer Center, will highlight the key takeaways in basic cancer science and translational research.
Christopher I. Li, MD, PhD, of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, will discuss significant findings in prevention, early detection, population sciences, and disparities research.
AACR Annual Meeting 2026 Clinical Trials Committee Co-chair Ecaterina E. Dumbrava, MD, of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, will summarize the potentially practice-changing clinical trial results and pivotal clinical research reported at the meeting.
The session will also feature remarks from both Mischel and Shaw, as well as from AACR Immediate Past President Lillian L. Siu, MD, FAACR.
“This closing session is an important moment for reflection,” said Mischel. “It will allow attendees to learn about the innovative science coming out of the meeting and consider how new advances will have long-lasting impacts on areas of research across the cancer research spectrum.”
For the most up-to-date program information, visit the AACR Annual Meeting App or Online Itinerary Planner.
More from the AACR Annual Meeting 2026 »
View a photo gallery of scenes from San Diego, join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #AACR26, and read more coverage in AACR Annual Meeting News and on Cancer Research Catalyst, the official blog of the AACR.
