The Cancer Moonshot Immuno-Oncology Translational Network at 5: accelerating cancer immunotherapies

The Immuno-Oncology Translational Network (IOTN) was established in 2018 as part of the Cancer Moonshot. In 2022, President Joe Biden set new goals to reduce the cancer death rate by half within 25 years and improve the lives of people with cancer and cancer survivors. The IOTN is focused on accelerating translation of cancer immunology research, from bench to bedside, and improving immunotherapy outcomes across a wide array of cancers in the adult population. The unique structure and team science approach of the IOTN is designed to accelerate discovery and evaluation of novel immune-based therapeutic and prevention strategies. In this article, we describe IOTN progress to date, including new initiatives and the development of a robust set of resources to advance cancer immunology research. We summarize new insights by IOTN researchers, some of which are ripe for translation for several types of cancers. Looking to the future, we identify barriers to the translation of immuno-oncology concepts into clinical trials and key areas for action and improvements that are suitable for high-yield investments. Based on these experiences, we recommend novel National Institutes of Health funding mechanisms and development of new resources to address these barriers.