2026 International Cancer Neuroscience Symposium

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LIVENeuroscienceHead & NeckMD Anderson Cancer Neuroscience ProgramOncologyCancer BiologyCancer ResearchWiley PublicationsInnovation in Cancer Research

Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 10:00 AM - Friday, February 20, 2026, 6:00 PM, TMC3 Collaborative Building


Non-Accredited (11.00 hours)

2026 International Cancer Neuroscience Symposium Chairs

Moran Amit, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor, Head & Neck Surgery
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Nisha D’Silva, BDS, MSD, PhD
|Professor, Pathology
School of Dentistry
University of Michigan

Monty Montano, PhD
Scientific Director, Boston Pepper Center
Brigham & Women’s Hospital
Editor-in-Chief, Aging Cell

The MD Anderson Cancer Neuroscience Program and Wiley Advanced Portfolio proudly announce the 3rd biennial Cancer Neuroscience Symposium happening in February 2026!  This dynamic, three-day hybrid event will feature key insights and the latest, cutting-edge research from over 30 leading international experts. The goal of this regular event is to bring together world-renowned experts in oncology, neuroscience, cancer biology, neuro-immunology, and mental health to foster innovation in cancer research and patient care through a unique integration of these disciplines.

Hwang et al, 2025, Cancer Cell, Volume 43, Issue 1, 1-5

Building on the success of our previous meeting in 2024 (which attracted over 1,200 participants, see a summary here: https://www.cell.com/cancer-cell/fulltext/S1535-6108(24)00362-3) and fostering ongoing collaboration among our speakers, the 2026 Cancer Neuroscience Symposium will explore how the intersection of oncology and neuroscience shapes tumor development, progression, treatment, survivorship, and health outcomes.  Multiple sessions are planned focused on neurobiology, neurotoxicity, neuroimmunology, neural neoplasms, and neurobehavioral health encompassing the comprehensive spectrum of the ever-growing field of cancer neuroscience. 

This event will also have abstract competitions with awards being given out during the 3-day symposium.  Dr. Nicole Scheff from University of Pittsburgh is serving as the Chair for the Abstract Committee.  See the “Abstracts” section below for details on submission dates, instructions, and more.   

Several keynote speakers are confirmed including Dr. James P. Allison (2018 Nobel Award winner in Physiology and Medicine), Dr. Michelle Monje, Dr. Sébastien Talbot, Dr. Douglas Hanahan, and Dr. Erica Sloan. In addition, various leaders in this field will participate to present on their latest research and insights.  By bringing together scientific experts alongside oncologists, surgeons, neurologists, patients, and advocates, this symposium will spark transformative discussions and accelerate progress in this rapidly evolving field. The full agenda will be available closer to the event date.

We also have several exciting and fun events planned to include a performance by the world-famous “Checkpoints” band featuring top scientists who perform, including Dr. James Allison on the harmonica!

Join us for this premier scientific gathering in the world famous Texas Medical Center and be part of a new era in Cancer Neuroscience!

Click ABSTRACTS to See Instructions
Note:  The abstract submission portal with instructions, etc. will open on August 18, 2025.

ABSTRACTS

1. Summarize interactions between cancer and the nervous system;
2. Discuss neuro-cancer crosstalk (mediators, mechanisms, and outcomes) in the central and peripheral nervous systems;
3. Understand neurotoxicities and nervous system health during cancer therapy; and
4. Describe novel concepts in targeting neuro-immune crosstalk in the central and peripheral nervous systems and their translational impact.

The Cancer Neuroscience Symposium 2026 registration will open on August 18, 2025! The only way to register for this event is online via the registration portal when it goes live.  A confirmation email along you’re your payment receipt will be automatically emailed to the e-mail address you list on the registration form.

The Symposium will begin at 10:00 AM on Wednesday Feb. 18, 2026, and will adjourn at 5:30 PM on Friday, Feb. 21, 2026.  Early registration is encouraged; please see registration information below for applicable fees.

Venue - TMC3 / Helix Park
Sessions will delve into novel findings in fundamental research of the nervous system and cancer biology.  We will highlight our special focus on the interaction of cancer and aging biology, including neurodegeneration. Attendees should gain insights into fundamental research that addresses contributing and causative factors that can hijack or hamper these basic biological processes.

REGISTRATION TO OPEN  ON AUGUST 18, 2025.

Registration Fees: 

The Cancer Neuroscience Symposium is a three-day hybrid event offering both on-site and virtual options brought to you by the MD Anderson Cancer Neuroscience Program. 

Registration for on-site participation is limited to 300 seats, with a subsidized in-person registration fee of $100 for early bird registration (deadline is October 18, 2025) and $150 thereafter.

We recognize everyone's financial situation is unique and we want to ensure cost is not a barrier to participating in this invaluable event. With our “Contribution-Based Payment” option available only for virtual attendees, you can select the category that best aligns with your budget. We deeply appreciate your contribution as it helps support the symposium and allows us to continue providing enriching educational experiences for all attendees.

Please select the registration fee that is appropriate for you.

Contribution-Based Fee Structure (Virtual)

1. Contribution-Based Payment - $0.00 (available until October 18)

2. Contribution-Based Payment- $45.00

3. Contribution-Based Payment - $65.00

4. Contribution-Based Payment - $99.00

5. Contribution-Based Payment - $145.00

6. Contribution-Based Payment - $199.00

On-Site Registration (In Person - Limited Seating) Only 300 seats available

1. In Person Attendance Fee - $100.00 (Before October 18, 2025)

2. In Person Attendance Fee - $150.00 (After October 18, 2025)

Telephone registrations are not accepted.

We accept the following forms of payment:

• Credit Cards (MasterCard, VISA, and American Express)

• Check (Payable to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; U.S. banks only)

Mail checks to:

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) – Unit 1781
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
P.O. Box 301407
Houston, Texas 77230-1407

When registering online a receipt (confirmation email) will be automatically emailed to the e-mail address you list on the registration form.

Refund/Cancellation Policy
The registration fee, minus a $15 administration-handling fee, is refundable only if a written request is received on or before Jan. 19, 2026. No refunds will be granted after this date. The request for a registration refund must include the tax identification number of the company or institution if registration was paid by a company or institution check.

The Department of Continuing Professional Education (CPE), reserves the right to cancel activities prior to the scheduled date, if low enrollment or other circumstances make it necessary. Each registrant will be notified by mail, e-mail, or at the phone number given on the registration form.  In case of activity cancellation, the liability of the CPE is limited to the registration fee. CPE will refund the full registration fee.

CPE also reserves the right to limit the number of participants in an activity and is not responsible for any expenses incurred by an individual whose registration is not confirmed and for whom space is not available.

For additional information or for Special Assistance, contact CPE at:

• Phone: 713-792-2223

• Toll-free at 866-849-5866

• Email: [email protected]

 

Planning Committee

Nicole Scheff, PhD
Abstract Committee Chair
Assistant Professor, Neurobiology
University of Pittsburgh

Yuan Pan, PhD
Social Media & Promotion Committee Chair
Assistant Professor, Symptom Research
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Elizabeth Hileman, PhD
Planning Committee Director
Director, Research Planning & Development
Cancer Neuroscience Program
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Stephanie Jenkins
Planning Committee Manager
Program Manager
Cancer Neuroscience Program
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Frederick F. Lang, MD
Committee Member
Cancer Neuroscience Program Co-Director &
Chair, Neurosurgery
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Vinay Puduvalli, MD
Committee Member
Cancer Neuroscience Program Co-Director &
Chair, Neuro-Oncology
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Jim Ray, PhD
Committee Member
Cancer Neuroscience Program Co-Director &
Executive Director, Belfer Neurodegeneration Consortium
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Jian Hu, PhD
Committee Member
Cancer Neuroscience Program Scientific Director &
Professor, Cancer Biology
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 

Candelaria Gomez-Manzano, MD
Committee Member
Professor, Neuro-Oncology
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Vidya Gopalakrishnan, PhD
Committee Member
Associate Professor, Pediatrics
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Max Wintermark, MD
Committee Member
Chair, Neuroradiology
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 

Peter Grace, PhD
Committee Member
Chair ad interim, Symptom Research
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 

Ashley Aaroe, MD
Committee Member
Assistant Professor, Neuro-Oncology
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 

Jeremy Boringer, PhD
Committee Member
Assistant Professor
Ohio State University 

Shawn Hervey-Jumper, MD
Committee Member
Professor, Neurological Surgery
UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences 

Jorg Dietrich, MD, PhD
Committee Member
Director, Cancer & Neurotoxicity Clinic, Mass General Hospital
Associate Professor, Neurology
Harvard Medical School 

Paola Vermeer, PhD
Committee Member
Associate Professor, Surgery
University of South Dakota 

William Hwang, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor
Harvard Medical School 

Yi Ye, PhD, MBA
Committee Member
Associate Professor, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
New York University College of Dentistry

This symposium is not awarding any CE Credit.

View the accessibility policy for The University of Texas M.D Anderson Cancer Center.

 

Area hotels:
Westin Houston Medical Center
1709 Dryden Road
Houston, TX 77030
Direct: 713.730.2404
Toll Free: 888.236.2427

Hilton Houston Plaza - Medical Center
6633 Travis St.
Houston, TX 77030
Direct for reservations: 413-713-4000
Email: HOUMC-salesadm@hilton

Intercontinental Houston – Medical Center
6750 Main St.
Houston, TX 77030
714-422-2779

Courtyard by Marriott Houston Medical Center
7702 South Main St.
Houston, TX 77030
713-668-4500

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center complies with all requirements of the identified accrediting body  (ACCME, ANCC, ACPE). Disclosure of speakers, faculty members, planning committee members and their commercial relationships will be shared with learners prior to the educational activity.

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

The content of this activity is non-clinical whereas it does not have direct impact on patient care (e.g. leadership, communication skills, or electronic medical records training). Therefore, all individuals in control of the content of this activity have no relevant financial relationships with an ACCME-defined ineligible company.