Academy Hosts First Immunotherapy Study Day
Velindre Oncology Academy recently hosted its first Immunotherapy Study Day, bringing together healthcare professionals to explore and gain an understanding of immunotherapy and toxicity management. The event provided an opportunity for learning, discussion, and collaboration, with expert speakers sharing insights into the evolving role of immunotherapy in oncology care.
“Our Immunotherapy Study Day was a dynamic celebration of learning, connection, and inspiration. It captured the spirit of progress and collaboration across the multidisciplinary team, all united in the mission to transform patient care. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible speakers – your expertise and passion truly shaped the success of the event.”
– Valerie Harris, Immunotherapy Lead Nurse & Academy Lecturer
With around 70 attendees, both online and in person, the day brought together a diverse group of experts to share knowledge and practical strategies. The programme featured engaging sessions led by specialists including Dr Ricky Frazer and Diana Matthews, who opened the day with an overview of cancer immunotherapy and its mechanisms, and Dr Senjuti Gupta, who explored the principles of recognising and managing immune-related toxicities.
Dr Allie Shipp, played a key role in the afternoon sessions, focusing on managing the complexities of toxicity treatments/immunotherapy. Specialist talks covered system-based toxicities, with contributions from Dr Mark Willis on neurological toxicities, Dr Fizzah Iqbal on endocrinopathies, and Dr Senjuti Gupta on cardiac toxicities. Later sessions addressed respiratory, dermatological, and gastroenterological toxicities, led by experts such as Dr Lydia Guhaniyogi, Dr Rachel Abbott and Dr Dharmaraj Durai, ensuring a comprehensive approach to patient care.
A highlight of the day was the patient perspective session, which offered a deeply personal account of immunotherapy treatment and its side effects/toxicities. This discussion reminded attendees of the human experience behind clinical decisions and reinforced the importance of empathy and communication in cancer care.
The event also showcased the vital role of allied health professionals, with Helen Long presenting on dietetics and prehabilitation strategies to optimise patient outcomes. Interactive case-based breakout sessions encouraged collaboration and problem-solving, along with opportunities for open dialogue with delegates.
Due to its success, the Academy will be hosting another two Immunotherapy Study Days in May 2026 and November 2026.
“I was so incredibly proud of the team today, all of this was put together by the epitome of team work in just a couple of months! With Val and Sally only joining the team recently, they threw themselves into making sure VOA provided an absolutely top notch agenda for our first IO study day. We are so fortunate to have so many ‘specialists’ in our team, both clinically and operationally, to make such events the best they can be, and I really believe this shone through. Yesterday really did feel like something special, like a mini conference.. which has spurred us on to go even bigger and better next time!”
– Jen Pugh, Business Support Manager
A huge well done to the Velindre Oncology Academy team who all pulled together to create an incredibly insightful and valuable day.
