As part of the NSCLC Diagnostics – Algorithm (DIANA) project implemented at the International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science (ICCVS), University of Gdańsk, Prof. Natalia Marek-Trzonkowska participated in the Annual Meeting of the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy (ISCT 2026), held 6-9 May 2026 in Dublin, Ireland.
Prof. Marek-Trzonkowska was invited to speak during the SONY Corporate Session entitled “Enabling Standardization and Scale-up in Treg and other Next Generation Cell Therapies.” The session brought together leading international experts to discuss key challenges and opportunities related to the development of next-generation cell therapies.
The discussion focused on several important aspects of advanced cell therapy development, including the standardization of manufacturing processes, high-purity isolation of rare cell populations such as regulatory T cells (Tregs), scalability and automation of production workflows, and the translation of innovative therapies from research settings into clinical and commercial applications.
Prof. Marek-Trzonkowska joined a panel of distinguished experts representing Moffitt Cancer Center (USA) by Cheryl Cox, PhD, Operations Director of Cell Therapies & Gene Engineering Facility; University Hospital Barcelona (Spain) by Manel Juan MD, PhD, Centro de Díagnóstico Biomédico; RoslinCT (USA) by Barabara Ressler, PhD, Vice President of Manufacturing Process Sciences; and Exmoor Pharma (United Kingdom) by Kate Fynes, PhD, Senior CMC Translation Consultant. The session provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge and perspectives on the future of advanced immune cell-based therapies and the technologies enabling their broader clinical implementation.
ICCVS was also represented at the meeting by Dr. Anna Biernacka. Together with Prof. Marek-Trzonkowska, she participated in two specialist workshops organized by the ISCT Institute of Training and Development:
- Cell Therapy Manufacturing: Operational Strategies for Success
- Clinical CGT Immune Monitoring and Immunobiology
Participation in ISCT 2026 provided a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the latest developments in cell and gene therapy, strengthen international collaborations, and discuss emerging trends that are shaping the future of advanced therapeutic approaches.
The implementation of the NSCLC Diagnostics – Algorithm (DIANA) project is supported by funding from the Medical Research Agency under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
