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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI)

@parkerici.bsky.social
154 followers 43 following 59 posts

Our mission is to accelerate the development of breakthrough immune therapies to turn all cancers into curable diseases.

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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
Can immune signals in blood predict ICI response in early-stage HR+ breast cancer? A new study with contributions from Elizabeth Mittendorf and Eliezer Van Allen links CD8 T cell turnover, IFN activity in B cells & monocyte shifts to outcomes: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
nature.com
Dynamic single-cell systemic immune responses in immunotherapy-treated early-stage HR+ breast cancer patients - npj Breast Cancer
npj Breast Cancer - Dynamic single-cell systemic immune responses in immunotherapy-treated early-stage HR+ breast cancer patients
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Immune recovery after transplant may rely less on the thymus & more on choosing the right stem cells. A PICI-supported @nature.com study identifies a unique group of blood-forming stem cells that improve immune rebuilding after transplant: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
nature.com
Kitlo hematopoietic stem cells exhibit distinct lymphoid-primed chromatin landscapes that enhance thymic reconstitution - Nature Communications
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) differentiate into multiple lineages, with such capacity impacted by aging. Here the authors identify Kitlo HSCs as a functionally distinct population that exhibits dis...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
What if one cell therapy could seed another? A Phase I @nature.com ‬study by @dgsomucla.bsky.social shows HSCs can be engineered to make tumor-targeting T cells—unlocking durable, self-renewing immunity. www.nature.com/articles/s41... #CancerImmunotherapy #CellTherapy #TCRT
nature.com
Human cancer-targeted immunity via transgenic hematopoietic stem cell progeny - Nature Communications
Therapeutic T cells engineered to recognize tumour antigens are frequently short-lived and acquire unfavourable phenotypes in tumours. Here authors show that a tandem approach using autologous T cells...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
What if tumors helped the immune system destroy them? A new PICI-supported study by @ucsanfrancisco.bsky.social & @washumedicine.bsky.social shows ATG9A-deficient tumors are vulnerable to macrophages. Add Trastuzumab + CSF1Ri? Full regression—no T cells: nature.com/articles/s41...
nature.com
Exploitable mechanisms of antibody and CAR mediated macrophage cytotoxicity - Nature Communications
The mechanism of macrophage cytotoxicity against cancer cells requires further illustration. By employing CRISPR screening in CAR-macrophage and cancer cell co-culture system, the authors identify dep...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
This form of diabetes affects up to 2% of patients on checkpoint inhibitors — and most require ICU care. The findings point to a path forward. (2/2) → www.uclahealth.org/news/release... → doi.org/10.1172/jci....
uclahealth.org
Common autoimmune drug may help reverse immunotherapy-induced diabetes, UCLA study finds
A team of researchers at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center has identified a potential new strategy to prevent, and even reverse, immune checkpoint inhibitor–induced type 1 diabetes, ...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Can a common autoimmune drug help reverse a serious side effect of cancer immunotherapy? A new PICI-supported @uclahealth.org study says maybe yes. JAK inhibitors may prevent or even reverse type 1 diabetes caused by checkpoint inhibitors. (1/2)
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
Congratulations to @pelkalab.bsky.social (@gladstoneinst.bsky.social) on receiving the 2025 @aaas.org Martin and Rose Wachtel Cancer Research Award. Her paradigm-shifting work in colorectal cancer is shaping the way we understand and potentially treat solid tumors. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
At #FOCIS2025, PICI President of Research Ira Mellman, PhD, delivered a keynote on how decades of discovery are rapidly becoming durable treatments — from checkpoint inhibitors and dendritic cells to cancer vaccines and engineered T cells.
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
KRAS mutations are among the most common—and hardest—targets in solid tumors. A new study from @pennmedicine.bsky.social introduces NeoCARs: T cells engineered to target mutant KRAS (G12V) via pMHC. IL-12 armoring + TCR knockout boost potency and safety: doi.org/10.1016/j.cc...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
Thrilled to celebrate our CEO, @‪drkarenknudsen.bsky.social‬ as a 2025 CNBC Changemaker! From NIH research to the American Cancer Society to leading PICI, her mission: get innovation to those who need it most. Learn more: www.cnbc.com/2025/06/18/c... #Changemaker #CancerResearch
cnbc.com
CEO of Sean Parker's breakthrough cancer drug institute on leading new race for cure
Karen Knudsen is leading Sean Parker's cancer immunotherapy incubator where philanthropy and venture capital meet.
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
120+ minds. 3 days. 1 mission. At the PICI Spring Scientific Retreat, we aligned on what’s next in cancer immunotherapy. From AI to predictive biomarkers & smarter cell therapies, we’re moving breakthroughs from bench to bedside with urgency & purpose. Full recap: www.parkerici.org/the-latest/d...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
PICI Investigator @judithagudo.bsky.social, PhD, was recognized with the 2025 CRI Lloyd J. Old STAR Award, one of immuno-oncology’s highest honors from the Cancer Research Institute (CRI). Congratulations, Dr. Agudo! www.cancerresearch.org/media-room/2...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
“Why stop now, when we haven’t yet realized immunotherapy’s full potential?” In @natrevdrugdiscov.nature.com, Ira Mellman, PhD, President of Research at PICI, shares what’s next in Immunotherapy — from curative cell therapies to smarter T cells. 🔗 nature.com/articles/d41... #Immunotherapy #Cancer
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
Congratulations to Anusha Kalbasi, MD, PICI Investigator at @stanfordmedicine.bsky.social, on receiving the 2025 CRI Lloyd J. Old STAR Award. By advancing cell therapies for tough cancers, he is translating science into hope for patients who need it most. www.cancerresearch.org/media-room/2...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
At #ASCO25, PICI CEO @drkarenknudsen.bsky.social spoke with @endpts.com ‬about how PICI is accelerating trials, investing in AI & protecting progress as funding comes under threat. → Full conversation: events.endpts.com/asco25/on-de...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
Celebrating Dr. Elizabeth Mittendorf, Co-Director of the PICI Center at Dana-Farber, on her election as @ASCO President for 2026–27! Her work is advancing cancer care. 🎧 Hear more: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f... 🔗 Read more: www.onclive.com/view/dr-mitt... #ASCO #Immunotherapy #PICIProud
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
THIS MORNING: PICI CEO @drkarenknudsen.bsky.social joins @endpts.com at #ASCO2025 to discuss PICI’s evolving model and the imperative to align research, policy and investment with the realities facing patients today. Register and watch live at 10:35 am CDT: events.endpts.com/asco25
events.endpts.com
Endpoints at #ASCO25
The annual ASCO meeting sets the agenda for the year’s conversations around cancer treatment. We’ll review new data readouts, scrutinize pipelines, and take stock of the pathways ahead for oncology re...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
Read this Endpoints article for insights on multiple glioblastoma study findings presented at #ASCO2025 with key contributions from Marcela Maus, MD, PhD (Massachusetts General Hospital), as well as Carl June, MD and Donald O’Rourke, MD (‪@pennmedicine.bsky.social)
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Reposted by Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI)
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute @danafarber.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
David Barbie, MD, presents insights from the phase 3 ADRIATIC trial, examining clinical and molecular traits of early progressors and long-term survivors using durvalumab vs placebo after chemoradiotherapy in limited-stage small-cell lung cancer. #ASCO25
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 31/05/2025
Dr. Knudsen's contributions include over 300 peer-reviewed publications and paradigm-shifting discoveries in prostate cancer research. Congratulations, @drkarenknudsen.bsky.social, and thank you for your unwavering commitment to ending cancer's devastating impact. #PICIatASCO #ASCO2025 (3/3)
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 31/05/2025
Dr. Knudsen bridges academia, industry & philanthropy, driving innovations from lab to clinic. With leadership roles at Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, @americancancersoc.bsky.social & PICI, @drkarenknudsen.bsky.social al exemplifies how bold science & visionary leadership can accelerate cures. (2/3)
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 31/05/2025
Today at #ASCO2025, @drkarenknudsen.bsky.social, CEO of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, receives the Allen S. Lichter Visionary Leader Award—recognizing a career dedicated to turning bold research into real patient impact. 9:45 AM–12:00 PM CDT | Hall B1 parkerici.org/asco2025 (1/3)
parkerici.org
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 31/05/2025
With 300+ publications and a commitment to accelerating therapies, @drkarenknudsen.bsky.social has built bridges across academia, industry and philanthropy. Thank you for your dedication to ending cancer’s devastating impact. 🕘 Sat, 9:45 AM CT | Hall B1 🔗 www.parkerici.org/the-latest/a...
parkerici.org
ASCO 2025: In a Defining Era for Oncology, PICI Drives Patient Impact Forward - Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy
PICI’s contributions at ASCO 2025 span more than 50 presentations, including 16 oral sessions, 30+ poster sessions, 10 e-papers and a featured clinical science symposium. This volume reflects not only...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 31/05/2025
Tomorrow at #ASCO2025, @drkarenknudsen.bsky.social, CEO of PICI, will receive the Allen S. Lichter Visionary Leader Award—one of oncology’s highest recognitions. From leading the American Cancer Society to advancing @parkerici.bsky.social, her work exemplifies bold science and strategic leadership.
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
Targets EGFRvIII & deploys TEAM antibodies at wild‑type EGFR—early traction against GBM heterogeneity. Explore more PICI Network highlights: www.parkerici.org/the-latest/a... #PICIatASCO #CancerImmunotherapy (2/2)
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
PICI Network Highlights: Today at #ASCO2025, Oral Abstract 2008 presents CARv3‑TEAM‑E for recurrent GBM. Time 5:09–5:21 PM CDT | Room S406, McCormick Place. PICI investigator Marcela Maus, MD, PhD (Mass General) and colleagues are re‑arming T cells to outwit GBM heterogeneity. (1/2)
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
The @ascocancer.bsky.social Annual Meeting starts Friday in Chicago. PICI highlights include: → Top ASCO honor for @drkarenknudsen.bsky.social → Promising glioblastoma advances → 50+ oral sessions, posters, e-papers & a clinical science symposium See more: www.parkerici.org/the-latest/a...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
Prozac‑class SSRIs just boosted tumor‑fighting T cells. Cell data: blocking SERT with fluoxetine or citalopram halves tumor size in 5 models and deepens PD‑1 response, clearing some melanomas and colon tumors. High SERT predicts poorer survival—now a druggable checkpoint. Study 👉 bit.ly/4jaJ59H
bit.ly
Serotonin transporter inhibits antitumor immunity through regulating the intratumoral serotonin axis
Serotonin transporter (SERT) inhibits CD8 T cell antitumor immunity by depleting intratumoral serotonin. SERT-blocking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants enhance CD8 T cell ...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
At #STATBreakthroughWest, PICI CEO @drkarenknudsen.bsky.social joined ASCO, MGB & @statnews.com to discuss how AI must move from hype to impact. From RADIOHEAD to Xaira Tx, the PICI Network is using AI + biology to speed trials and move bold science toward cures. www.statnews.com/2025/05/16/c...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
We’re building a model to move science faster to patient impact. That’s why we’re proud to be featured at the 7th Annual Emerging Frontiers in Oncology on May 22, which explores how science, capital & clinical urgency are reshaping oncology. Sign up and learn more: emergingfrontiersoncology.com
emergingfrontiersoncology.com
7TH ANNUAL EMERGING FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
May 22, 2025 | 1:00PM - 8:00 PM ET MassBio Hub | 700 Tech Square 5th floor, Cambridge, MA Reception | Catalyst Restaurant
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Study from PICI investigator Nina Bhardwaj, MD, PhD shows promise for combining personalized neoantigen vaccines w/ immunotherapy in bladder cancer. In Phase 1 trial, all treated patients had T-cell responses & most remained recurrence-free or had measurable response. www.nature.com/articles/s43...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
Steroid use predicted worse outcomes. Prior treatment history, including chemo and recent zoster vaccination, was linked to irAE risk. Published in JITC. First of many. 📄 jitc.bmj.com/content/13/5... #CancerImmunotherapy #PICI #RADIOHEAD
jitc.bmj.com
Associations between immune checkpoint inhibitor response, immune-related adverse events, and steroid use in RADIOHEAD: a prospective pan-tumor cohort study
Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have led to enduring responses in subsets of patients with cancer. However, these responses carry the risk of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), whic...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
Can a side effect reveal who benefits from immunotherapy? The first paper from PICI’s RADIOHEAD cohort—following 1,070 real-world, immunotherapy-naïve patients—confirms that irAEs are strongly associated with longer survival. #RealWorldEvidence
jitc.bmj.com
Associations between immune checkpoint inhibitor response, immune-related adverse events, and steroid use in RADIOHEAD: a prospective pan-tumor cohort study
Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have led to enduring responses in subsets of patients with cancer. However, these responses carry the risk of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), whic...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
PICI and Friends of Cancer Research co-led a DC workshop with @fda.gov, academic, industry & advocacy leaders to accelerate access to cell therapies. → Speed matters—at every step → Collaboration must come early → Innovation will stall without new models Watch: www.youtube.com/live/hkQfiGW...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
The new issue of The Immuno-Oncology Digest is live—featuring national honors and presentations for PICI leaders, and a first-in-human melanoma vaccine trial with 94% one-year survival. Plus: new targets, immune profiling & translational progress. us15.campaign-archive.com?u=9859ebd3ae...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
Congrats to @ejohnwherry.bsky.social, PhD—pioneer of T cell exhaustion and checkpoint biology—on his election to the National Academy of Sciences. A well-earned honor for work that continues to drive immunotherapy forward. www.nasonline.org/news/2025-na... #NAS2025
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
PICI CEO @drkarenknudsen.bsky.social spoke to @washingtonpost.com about how immunotherapy could improve quality of life for patients with mismatch repair-deficient GI cancers. Study by @mskcancercenter.bsky.social in @nejm.org: www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
washingtonpost.com
Experimental cancer drugs found to help some patients avoid surgery
Patients with some gastrointestinal tumors were able to be treated with immunotherapy drugs alone and avoid surgery, chemotherapy or radiation, the study found.
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
Few cancers rob children & young adults of time like Ewing sarcoma. New research in Scientific Reports, led by PICI Investigator Beatriz Carreno, PhD (UPenn), with Gerald Linette, MD, PhD, and Carl June, MD, identifies LOXHD1 as a tumor-specific immunotherapy target. www.nature.com/articles/s41...
nature.com
LOXHD1 is an oncofusion-regulated antigen of ewing sarcoma - Scientific Reports
Scientific Reports - LOXHD1 is an oncofusion-regulated antigen of ewing sarcoma
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
A first-in-human study demonstrates personalized neoantigen vaccines can be reliably manufactured, safely delivered & successfully induce immune responses in high-risk melanoma. Led by F. Stephen Hodi, MD, Co-Director for the PICI Center at @danafarber.bsky.social: aacrjournals.org/cancerimmuno...
aacrjournals.org
First-in-Human Clinical Trial of Vaccination with WDVAX, a Dendritic Cell Activating Scaffold Incorporating Autologous Tumor Cell Lysate, in Metastatic Melanoma Patients
Abstract. The optimal means to prime for effective anti-tumor immunity in a cancer patient remains elusive in the current era of checkpoint blockade. Crafting a strategy to amplify CD8+ T cells while ...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
@theaacr.bsky.social is almost here, and the PICI Network is turning up the volume with 80+ presentations, posters and more. Bold science, fresh ideas and radical collaboration are driving the future of cancer immunotherapy. Download PICI's AACR 2025 meeting guide: www.parkerici.org/the-latest/p...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
🎧 Listen now: → Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f... → Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/04ax...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
NEW PODCAST: Kole Roybal, PhD, Director of the PICI Center at UCSF, is engineering T cells that do more than fight—they respond, adapt and evolve. In the latest From Bench to Fireside, he and PICI’s John Connolly, PhD, discuss the science behind smart cell therapies.
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
PICI proudly celebrates Crystal Mackall, MD, Director of the PICI Center at @stanfordmedicine.bsky.social, who has earned three prestigious recognitions: the @AACR Lloyd J. Old Award, inclusion in the @statnews.com STATUS List of healthcare innovators, and the IO360° Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Welcome, Ira Mellman, PhD, as PICI's President of Research! An immunotherapy visionary, he helped drive breakthrough therapies at Genentech. Now his scientific expertise will help support PICI's network, strengthen collaborations & accelerate paradigm-shifting discoveries. bit.ly/4jwGK9H
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
The Immuno-Oncology Digest opens with PICI’s new CEO, @drkarenknudsen.bsky.social, alongside advances in personalized vaccines, CAR T & more. Together, these developments reflect PICI’s growing momentum at a critical moment for cancer immunotherapy. us15.campaign-archive.com?u=9859ebd3ae...
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
Read more in @forbes.com, where Dr. Knudsen shares her vision for PICI’s future and Sean Parker, PICI Founder and Chairman, explains why now is the moment to scale bold science that could reshape the trajectory of cancer: www.forbes.com/sites/alexkn... (2/2)
forbes.com
As Trump Cuts Cancer Research Funding, Billionaire Sean Parker Wants To Scale It Up
With a new key hire, the Napster cofounder’s cancer fighting non-profit is ready to back the science both governments and markets leave behind.
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
At a time when public research funding is under pressure, PICI is doubling down on our founding vision by championing bold science and accelerating breakthrough immunotherapies. We’re proud to welcome @drkarenknudsen.bsky.social as CEO to help lead the charge. (1/2)
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
From advancing precision oncology to building coalitions for progress, Dr. Knudsen unites scientific excellence and strategic leadership to drive patient impact. We're proud to welcome her to PICI. www.parkerici.org/the-latest/k... (3/3)
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
As CEO of American Cancer Society and @acscan.bsky.social, Dr. Knudsen expanded research, advocacy & patient support initiatives. At Jefferson Health & Kimmel Cancer Center, she grew a multi-state oncology network and advanced research expanding early access to cutting-edge cancer care. (2/3)
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Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) @parkerici.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
Join us in welcoming @DrKarenKnudsen.bsky.social as PICI's Chief Executive Officer! A visionary in oncology, healthcare delivery & nonprofit strategy, Dr. Knudsen embodies the values that define PICI: scientific rigor, bold thinking & a commitment to transformative patient impact. (1/3)
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