AACR Annual Meeting 2026: Precision, Partnership, Purpose in Cancer Research

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) will host its 117th Annual Meeting from April 17 to 22, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. Under the unifying theme ‘Precision, Partnership, Purpose: Advancing Cancer Science to Save Lives Globally,’ the meeting will bring together over 22,000 researchers, clinicians, and cancer advocates from around the world.

With more than 7,400 scientific abstracts to be discussed, AACR 2026 promises to be a pivotal event showcasing the latest advances, collaborations, and strategies in the fight against cancer.

Major Scientific Themes
A central focus of the AACR 2026 program is the continued evolution of precision oncology and targeted therapies. Researchers will present breakthroughs in molecularly targeted agents, next-generation immunotherapies, and the expanding application of CAR T-cell therapy, particularly in solid tumors—a frontier long considered challenging in cellular therapy. The meeting will also highlight the development and clinical potential of novel mRNA vaccines for cancer treatment and present the latest studies discussing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and novel format conjugates.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and computational biology will receive extensive attention, reflecting their growing impact on drug discovery, clinical trial optimization, and diagnostic imaging. Sessions will explore how AI is accelerating the identification of new cancer targets, predicting treatment responses, and enhancing imaging accuracy for early diagnosis and monitoring.

Early detection and prevention are gaining momentum, with increasing focus on minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring and blood-based diagnostics. These technologies offer the promise of intercepting cancer at its earliest stages or even before malignant transformation occurs. Additionally, new research on obesity and cancer will be presented, especially the potential of GLP-1 and GLP-2 agonists—medications initially developed for diabetes and obesity—in cancer prevention and therapy.[1]

Clinical and Research Focus
The clinical program will feature key studies in solid tumor immunotherapy, including new approaches to overcoming T-cell exhaustion and the engineering of ‘smart’ or ‘armored’ T-cells with enhanced tumor-fighting capabilities. Importantly, several first-in-human studies for advanced solid tumors will be shared, offering hope for patients with limited options.

RAS inhibitors are another area of intense interest, as researchers move beyond KRAS^G12C to target previously ‘undruggable’ RAS mutations. This progress represents a significant leap forward in attacking some of the most challenging cancer-driving genes.[2]

For the first time, AACR 2026 will include a dedicated Advances Session on survivorship research, reflecting the growing importance of addressing quality of life, long-term health, and the unique needs of cancer survivors.

Key Meeting Features
Attendees can expect a robust scientific program, including six (6) plenary sessions, specialized Clinical Trial Plenary Sessions, and more than 65 Educational Sessions and Methods Workshops. Notably, Educational Sessions and Methods Workshops are included in the standard registration fee, enhancing accessibility for all participants.

“The Plenary Sessions will shed light on remarkable progress across the cancer research continuum, from fundamental insights into cancer biology to new approaches in drug development,” said Paul S. Mischel, MD, FAACR, of Stanford University, who served as this year’s Annual Meeting Program Committee chair alongside Alice T. Shaw, MD, PhD, FAACR, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

“The Plenary Sessions showcase what we believe are some of the most important discoveries with the greatest potential to impact clinical care,” Shaw added.

Embracing a hybrid format, the meeting will offer both in-person and virtual participation. All sessions will be live-streamed, and on-demand recordings will remain available through the end of October 2026—ensuring global access and flexibility for attendees.

Patient advocacy has a prominent place at AACR 2026. The renowned Scientist↔Survivor Program® will bring together over 400 advocates from 20 countries, offering specialized posters and symposia to foster dialogue between scientists and those directly affected by cancer.

A Global Platform for Progress
The AACR Annual Meeting is renowned for showcasing scientific breakthroughs that transform cancer from a terminal diagnosis to a manageable, chronic disease—and for addressing persistent disparities in cancer care. This year’s meeting continues that tradition, with an emphasis on global collaboration and equity in cancer research and treatment.

As the cancer research community convenes in San Diego, the AACR Annual Meeting 2026 will serve not only as a forum for sharing the latest science, but also as a catalyst for new partnerships and purposeful action—advancing the collective mission to save lives and improve outcomes for cancer patients everywhere.

Reference
[1] Valencia-Rincón E, Rai R, Chandra V, Wellberg EA. GLP-1 receptor agonists and cancer: current clinical evidence and translational opportunities for preclinical research. J Clin Invest. 2025 Nov 3;135(21):e194743. doi: 10.1172/JCI194743. PMID: 41178720; PMCID: PMC12578377.
[2] Molina-Arcas M, Samani A, Downward J. Drugging the Undruggable: Advances on RAS Targeting in Cancer. Genes (Basel). 2021 Jun 10;12(6):899. doi: 10.3390/genes12060899. PMID: 34200676; PMCID: PMC8228461.

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