Redefining Immunotherapy (Ep. 1): Beyond the Tumour: Rethinking Cancer in the Immunotherapy Era

In this opening episode of our special vodcast series “Redefining Immunotherapy: Lessons from Melanoma”, our world-leading Medical Oncologists set the stage for a compelling five-part series exploring how immunotherapy is reshaping cancer care.

Led by Prof Georgina Long AO, this engaging discussion unpacks how tumours evade the immune system, how checkpoint inhibitors work and why responses can be so durable. They also discuss how immunotherapy differs from chemotherapy and targeted therapy—shifting treatment from directly attacking cancer to activating the body’s own immune response.

Drawing on both clinical experience and emerging research, this episode sets the foundation for the series ahead—challenging traditional paradigms and offering a practical, clinician-focused lens on how immunotherapy is reshaping cancer care across tumour types.

This vodcast is suitable for Medical Oncologists, Oncology Nurses and other health professionals.

SPEAKERS

• Prof Georgina Long AO - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of Sydney

• Prof Alexander Menzies - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of Sydney
• A/Prof Ines Silva - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia
• A/Prof Matteo Carlino - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of Sydney

Please note that this presentation was accurate at the time of recording (April 2026) but may not reflect the rapidly evolving treatment landscape and approvals in Australia.

This special vodcast is an initiative of Melanoma Institute Australia and was possible by an unrestricted educational grant from Bristol Myers Squibb.

For more practice-changing education, visit MIA's Melanoma Education Portal.