The goal of the meeting is to bring together experts to discuss concepts and to exchange data in the field of vaccination against cancer. The focus will be on rational design of vaccines aimed to induce immunity against molecularly defined antigens where immune outcome and efficacy can be measured. Topics will include the nature of antigenic targets, the design and delivery of vaccines, and objective methods to measure responses in patients. Pre-clinical models will be included to address immunological principles relevant to overcoming tolerance and to activating selected immune effector pathways. Therapeutic vaccination against persistent infections will be discussed in parallel, presenting clear opportunities for virologists and immunologists to exchange data and experience. Clinical trials are the key and data from vaccination of normal adults and patients with cancer will be presented. In addition to expert speakers, time for detailed discussion will be included. Knowledge of the immune response together with gene-based vaccine designs can now be used to direct the powerful immune effectors against target molecules. Sharing of information on this rapidly developing area relevant to human cancer is the object of this conference. Prof Freda Stevenson, University of Southampton (Meeting Chair)

Additional confirmed speakers include:
Dr John Haanen (Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam)