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ASPIRE–IOTOX Symposium Draws Global Audience to Advance Immunotherapy Safety
On April 24–25, leaders in cancer care and research convened for the joint ASPIRE–IOTOX Symposium, hosted by the Internal Medicine division, the Cancer Medicine division, and ASPIRE. The hybrid event welcomed more than 250 participants, both in person at the Zayed Ballroom and online.
This year marked the first time the annual ASPIRE Conference was aligned with UT MD Anderson’s IOTOX Scientific Symposium, an important milestone that created a unified forum focused on immune-related adverse events (irAEs).
The combined meeting drew participation from more than 20 academic centers and practices worldwide, reflecting growing global interest in addressing the challenges of immunotherapy-related toxicities.
“This was the first combined conference between the National irAE Consortium (ASPIRE) and the institutional IOTOX Symposium, and it drew the highest attendance in recent years,” said Yinghong (Mimi) Wang, M.D., Ph.D., professor of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and chair of the ASPIRE organizing committee. “A defining strength of the meeting was the inclusion of patient perspectives, which helped guide priorities and ensure the needs of those affected by irAEs remain central.”
Centered on the theme, “Delivering What Matters: Patient-Centered Outcomes Through IOTOX Translational Science,” the program brought together experts from academia, industry, clinical practice, and patient advocacy to address the challenges of diagnosing, treating, and preventing toxicities associated with immuno-oncology (IO) therapies.
A distinguishing feature of the symposium was the inclusion of patients who have experienced these toxicities firsthand. Their perspectives provided powerful context and reinforced the importance of developing better diagnostic tools, treatment strategies, and supportive care models.
The program also stood out for its highly interactive format.
“It was exciting to see the level of engagement from the audience,” said Kristen Pauken, Ph.D., assistant professor of Immunology and co-chair of the IOTOX organizing committee. “It really felt like everyone was there to advance the mission of improving the lives of patients receiving immunotherapy, particularly by mitigating the burden of these immune-related adverse events.”
Pauken noted that audience participation often extended beyond Q&A sessions, evolving into broader discussions in which attendees shared their clinical experiences.
Beyond the educational sessions, the symposium fostered meaningful collaboration across institutions.
“Connecting with irAE specialists from around the country and globe led to making new collaborations to push the field forward,” said Ajay Sheshadri, M.D., associate professor of Pulmonary Medicine and co-chair of the IOTOX organizing committee.
He also highlighted the keynote presentation by Alexandra-Chloé Villani, Ph.D., as a source of inspiration for advancing multidisciplinary research and breaking down barriers between fields.
Keynote speakers included:
- Kerry Reynolds, M.D., Associate Professor, Massachusetts General Hospital (ASPIRE Annual Conference)
- Alexandra-Chloé Villani, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Massachusetts General Hospital (IOTOX Day 1)
- Douglas Johnson, M.D., Professor, Vanderbilt University (IOTOX Day 2)
Symposium sees strong attendee feedback
Early evaluation results reflected an overwhelmingly positive response:
- 80% of attendees rated the symposium “excellent” and 20% “good.”
- Participants valued the practical, real-world focus on immune-related adverse events and the opportunity for cross-disciplinary dialogue through interactive sessions.
- Attendees expressed strong interest in expanding future programming to include complex clinical case discussions, ICD-10 guidance, oncology referral pathways, and survivorship-focused content.
This feedback further positions ASPIRE–IOTOX as a leading platform for advancing patient-centered approaches to immunotherapy safety.
IOTOX Algorithm app now available in the Apple app store
The Internal Medicine division has launched the?IOTOX?Algorithm?App, a new clinical tool designed to support oncology and internal medicine providers who manage immune checkpoint inhibitor–related toxicities.
Built on UT MD Anderson’s extensive experience with immune?related adverse events, the?app?delivers evidence?based, organ?specific algorithms that offer clear, step?by?step guidance at the point of care.??
The project represents a collaborative effort across the institution, translating years of clinical expertise into a mobile platform that strengthens real?time decision?making for faculty and trainees alike.
By centralizing best practices and simplifying access to trusted guidance, the?app?aims to improve confidence, consistency, and safety in managing ICI toxicities.?
This rollout will broaden access across the department and further advance efforts to enhance patient care through innovation in education and clinical practice.
The iOS version is?; the Android version will be released in the near future.
2025 Research Retreat resounding success
On May 15–16, 2025, the Division of Internal Medicine hosted its annual Research Retreat, bringing together a record 249 participants in person and virtually to showcase innovative research and collaboration.
The retreat opened with a poster session featuring work from students, trainees, and fellows across basic science, clinical research, and quality improvement.
Attendees engaged in lively discussion while judges evaluated posters for originality, rigor, clarity, and impact, recognizing outstanding contributions in each category.
The second day featured a keynote address by Michael Irwin, MD, of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, titled “Insomnia and Inflammation Conspire to Heighten Depression Risk: Implications for Treatment and Prevention of Depression in Cancer Survivorship.”
The program concluded with presentations from Cyrus Scholar Award finalists, with awards presented in Basic Science and Clinical Research.
2025 Cyrus Scholar Award Winners
- Basic Science: Anand Singh, Ph.D., Symptom Research
“Understanding Pediatric Chemotherapy Treatment–Induced Long?Term Neurological Deficits”
- Clinical Research: Sarah Hamidi, M.D., Endocrine Neoplasia
“Real?World Experience with Lenvatinib Plus Pembrolizumab in Metastatic BRAF Wild?Type Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma”
2024 IOTOX Symposium merges clinical education and research
On November 6–7, 2024 the Divisions of Internal Medicine and Cancer Medicine hosted the IOTOX Symposium at the new TMC3 Collaborative Building, welcoming more than 200 participants both in person and online.
The symposium combined the IOTOX Clinical Education Symposium and the IOTOX Research Retreat into one event, creating space for clinicians and researchers to learn from each other and share ideas.
With 26 internal and external speakers, the program highlighted new research and practical updates on the care and management of immunotherapy?related toxicities.
The first day focused on colitis, with experts from clinical, translational, and basic science backgrounds leading presentations and lively discussion.
On day two, speakers explored both preclinical and clinical research approaches, comparing what works, what doesn’t, and where collaboration can move the field forward.Keynote speakers included:
- Padmanee Sharma, MD, PhD, of MD Anderson,
- Pauline Funchain, MD, of Stanford University School of Medicine,
Bringing the research and clinical programs together helped spark meaningful conversation across disciplines and increased engagement throughout the symposium.
The format allowed participants to connect cutting?edge research with real?world patient care.Organizers hope to continue growing the event by welcoming even more clinicians, advanced practice providers, and nurses in the future.
Through collaboration and shared learning, the IOTOX Symposium aims to turn research insights into better care and outcomes for patients.