The Center for Immuno-Oncology (CIO) investigates how our immune system reacts to cancer and what we can do to improve tumour immunity. We combine deep fundmental understanding of immunology with preclinical studies to translate new knowledge into clinical trials with the aim of developing new life-saving treatments for a spectrum of cancers.
Oxford’s long history of excellence in immunology is now focused on cancer, and CIO is the hub of the University-wide Oxford Cancer Immuno-Oncology Network (OCION) which links immuno-oncology researchers from multiple disciplines from across the University of Oxford, its affiliated hospitals and industrial partners.
CIO News
Advancing cancer care: Dr Ignacio Melero awarded ESMO prize for immunotherapy innovation
10 December 2025
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has awarded the ESMO Immuno-Oncology Prize to Dr Ignacio Melero, Kidani Professor of Immuno-Therapeutics at the University of Oxford, in recognition of his major contributions to immuno-oncology over recent decades.
Shared Learning in Cancer Research: Brazilian Health Leaders Visit Oxford
10 December 2025
Professor Tim Elliott and colleagues from Oxford Cancer and the Centre for Immuno-Oncology welcomed the Brazilian Minister of Health and senior officials for an official visit organised by the British Embassy in Brazil. The delegation met to exchange insights on cancer research, regulation, and public health, with discussions focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, and innovative treatments such as mRNA vaccines and immunotherapy.
Dr Ignacio Melero recognised for global contribution to advances in cancer immunotherapy
10 November 2025
The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) has honoured Dr Ignacio (Nacho) Melero, Professor of Immunotherapy at NDM's Centre for Immuno-Oncology at Oxford, for his pioneering research transforming cancer treatment through immunotherapy.
CIO and Dunn School Join Forces to Pioneer Vaccines Against Childhood Cancers
9 October 2025
A new partnership between Alice’s Arc, the Centre for Immuno-Oncology in the Nuffield Department of Medicine and the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology will pioneer the development of a bespoke mRNA vaccine to improve treatment outcomes for children with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of soft tissue cancer.
What's new for Oxford Cancer
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Experts gather for the second annual Oxford Oesophagogastric Cancer Centre of Excellence Symposium
13 March 2026
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New research reveals why some oesophageal cancers are so hard to treat
11 March 2026
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Paresh Vyas receives CRUK Discovery Programme Award
11 March 2026
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Professor Ester Hammond Awarded Brain Research UK Funding to Tackle Paediatric High-Grade Glioma
10 March 2026
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Oxford Researchers Join Global Cancer Grand Challenges Teams
4 March 2026
Oxford Talks
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Friday, 20 March 2026, 9.15am to 10.15am
Speakers: Shawn Sun, Maksim Chan, Martin Little
Venue: MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Headington OX3 9DS
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Friday, 20 March 2026, 9.45am to 5pm
Speakers: Professor Martin Booth, Professor Sonia Antoranz Contera, Associate Professor Giuliana Di Martino, Dr Thanuja Galhena, Professor Patrick Grant, Professor Nicole Grobert, Professor Michael Johnston, Associate Professor Rebecca Nicholls, Professor Christopher Proctor, Professor Dominic Vella, Professor Kylie Vincent, Professor Robert Weatherup, Professor Mark Wilson
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Friday, 20 March 2026, 10.30am to 11.30am
Speakers: Dr Andrew Marshall
Venue: FMRIB Centre, Headington OX3 9DU
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Friday, 20 March 2026, 12.30pm to 2pm
Speakers: Romain Bertrand
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Friday, 20 March 2026, 1pm to 2pm