TGH Cancer Institute and USF Health Host 50th Anniversary Symposium on IL-2 Discovery
Event summary
- TGH Cancer Institute and USF Health Morsani College of Medicine hosted the 'Microbes, Genes & Cancer' Symposium on March 2-3, 2026, in Tampa.
- The symposium marked the 50th anniversary of the discovery of Interleukin-2 (IL-2), a foundational breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy.
- Internationally recognized leaders in oncology, virology, immunology, and related fields gathered to discuss microbial oncology, cancer biology, and immunotherapy strategies.
- The event kicked off International Science Innovation Week, featuring the 2026 Global Virus Network Annual International Scientific Meeting later in the week.
The big picture
The symposium underscores the strategic importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing cancer research. By convening leading experts, TGH Cancer Institute and USF Health aim to drive innovation in immunotherapy and microbial oncology, positioning themselves as key players in the evolving landscape of cancer treatment. The event highlights the ongoing impact of foundational discoveries like IL-2, which continue to shape modern cancer therapies.
What we're watching
- Research Collaboration
- How the symposium will accelerate collaborative efforts in microbial oncology and cancer immunotherapy.
- Clinical Translation
- The pace at which insights from the symposium will translate into clinical strategies and treatment advancements.
- Industry Leadership
- Whether TGH Cancer Institute and USF Health can sustain their growing influence in cancer research and innovation.
Related topics
