The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2026 is the world’s premier gathering for cancer research and clinical oncology, covering the entire spectrum of cancer science. Below is a detailed event overview incorporating themes, format, intended audience, and key session features parallel to the structure provided for AMWC Monaco.

Event Snapshot

• Dates: April 17–22, 2026
• Venue: San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California, USA
• Chairs: Dr. Paul S. Mischel (Stanford University) & Dr. Alice T. Shaw (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute)
• Expected Audience: Tens of thousands of researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals, industry leaders, advocates, and patients from over 100 countries
• Exhibitors: Hundreds of companies, publishers, and organizations showcasing the latest in cancer research tools, technology, and therapies
• Format: Hybrid (in-person and virtual participation)

Main Themes and Topics

AACR 2026 will feature a multidisciplinary, research-driven curriculum spanning the cancer research continuum:

• Cancer Biology & Genetics: Advances in tumor biology, cancer genomics, epigenetics, and noncoding RNAs; mechanisms driving oncogenesis and tumor progression.
• Experimental Therapeutics: Discovery and development of targeted therapies, small molecules, biologics, immunotherapies, and cellular therapies.
• Immunology & Immunotherapy: Tumor microenvironment, immune surveillance, immune evasion, vaccine development, checkpoint inhibitors, and engineered cell therapeutics.
• Translational and Clinical Research: Biomarker discovery, molecular diagnostics, precision oncology, clinical trials, and real-world applications of new therapies.
• Population Science & Prevention: Epidemiology, screening, risk assessment, health disparities, environmental factors, and strategies for prevention.
• Emerging Technologies: AI and machine learning for cancer prediction and diagnosis, 3D imaging, digital health, and big data analytics.
• Survivorship & Advocacy: Long-term patient outcomes, survivorship care, patient-reported outcomes, and policy and patient advocacy forums.
• Ethics & Policy: Ethical considerations in research, global regulatory standards, open data, and cross-border research collaboration.
• Special Programs: “New Drugs on the Horizon” special sessions highlight first disclosures of drugs entering clinical investigation, multidisciplinary workshops, and satellite educational symposia.

Intended Audience

AACR brings together a uniquely broad community:

• Cancer biologists, translational and clinical researchers
• Medical oncologists, hematologists, radiation oncologists
• Pathologists, immunologists, surgeons, geneticists
• Epidemiologists, statisticians, data scientists, pharmacologists
• Patient advocates, survivors, industry partners, policymakers, and trainees at every career stage
• Laboratory scientists and clinical investigators specializing in all aspects of cancer research.

Program Structure & Highlights

• Opening Plenary Session: Showcases transformational themes in cancer science—recent topics included innovations in cancer biology, novel therapeutics, and immuno-oncology breakthroughs.
• Parallel Symposia & Workshops: Over 250 scientific sessions; simultaneous multi-track forums for education, debate, and clinical-practice translation.
• Live Demonstrations & Forums: Technology- and technique-focused sessions from leading laboratories and clinical centers.
• Poster Sessions: Thousands of posters on basic, translational, and clinical research discoveries.
• Panel Discussions & Q&A: Expert panels, interactive debates, and real-time audience engagement.
• Exhibitor Hall: Hundreds of booths—diagnostics, pharma, tech, patient advocacy groups—networking, product launches, one-on-one meetings.
• Networking Events: Welcome reception, mentoring sessions, meet-the-expert roundtables, mixers, and formal award ceremonies.
• Hybrid Access: All sessions live streamed and available for on-demand replay for both onsite and registered virtual attendees. Mobile conference app supports schedule-building, Q&A, and virtual networking.
• Continuing Education: Accredited CME sessions for clinicians.

Speakers & Abstract Submission

• Faculty: 500+ leading experts and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) in academia, clinical research, and industry; plenary and invited lecturers are drawn from global leaders.
• Abstracts: Call for abstracts opens each autumn. For 2026, the regular deadline is November 18, 2025—late-breaking clinical trials deadline January 7, 2026. Accepted presenters form the core of scientific, oral, and poster sessions.
• Special Abstract Programs: “New Drugs on the Horizon” spotlight, clinical trial updates, and innovative methodology sessions.

Exhibitor & Sponsorship Information

• Exhibition Hall: April 19–22, 2026, features booth displays and product launches from hundreds of leading biotech, pharma, and technology companies.
• Sponsorship: A range of branding and sponsorship opportunities available, including sponsored symposia, digital platform visibility, and event partnerships.

Session Statistics (Based on Recent Annual Meetings)

• 250+ scientific and educational sessions
• 500+ invited speakers
• 6,000+ abstract and poster presentations
• 100+ exhibitors in the on-site and virtual exhibitor halls

How to Participate

• Registration: Opens autumn 2025; early and advance rates available. Virtual and in-person options.
• Abstract Submission: Open through November 18, 2025 (regular); January 7, 2026 (late-breaking).
• Detailed Program: Finalized and released in early March 2026; available via the official conference portal and mobile app.
• Virtual Platform: Allows live and on-demand session access, digital posters, and remote networking.

Join AACR in San Diego—onsite or online—for six days of innovation, education, and collaboration at the heart of the international cancer research community. This is where the future of cancer treatment, prevention, and science is shaped by the world’s best minds.