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Understanding the Basics and Background of Immuno-Oncology

Understanding the Basics and Background of Immuno-Oncology
Online Course, 5 CPD hours
Fri 11 Sep 2026

Designed for healthcare professionals new to Immuno-Oncology (IO)

This interactive training day built a strong foundation in immuno-oncology, including how treatments work and their impact on patient outcomes. Attendees gained confidence in recognising immune-related toxicities, knowing when to escalate and supporting patients safely through treatment.

Participants left with essential knowledge and practical strategies to manage risk and deliver safe, effective care within their service.

With thanks to our collaborator and supporter: 

Background and basics of IO

This dedicated online course gave attendees the understanding, confidence and practical tools to support patients receiving immunotherapy within their NHS service. Participants:

  • Applied the principles of immuno-oncology
  • Identified different types of immunotherapies used in the NHS
  • Explored where and when IO was used in treatment
  • Recognised the benefits of immunotherapy for patients
  • Identified common immune-related toxicities
  • Understood why toxicities occurred and what to look for
  • Used tools for early recognition and risk assessment
  • Strengthened confidence in escalation and reporting pathways
  • Understood the role of immunosuppressants in managing side effects
  • Applied supportive management strategies to reduce risk

Build your clinical confidence

With a strong emphasis on reflection, discussion and shared learning, this interactive online course equipped attendees to strengthen immunotherapy practice within their service through:

  • Expert-led insight: deepen your understanding of immuno-oncology, including how treatments work, where they are used and the benefits for patients 
  • Interactive discussion and applied reflection: explore current challenges in using immunotherapy, recognising toxicities and making timely decisions in practice 
  • Case-based learning: build confidence in identifying adverse effects, using escalation pathways and applying risk assessment tools 
  • Shared practice learning: learn how peers are managing toxicities, using immunosuppressants and supporting patients to improve outcomes

With thanks to our partner

This conference was created in collaboration with and through support from IOCN.


Learning & development

Oncology National Networking Forums are pleased to be featured on the ACCEND Greater Manchester ePortfolio

The ePortfolio platform is available via the Greater Manchester Cancer Academy and supports professional development in cancer care.

This forum and all of our events are mapped to the ACCEND Framework and can be recorded in the Greater Mancester ePortfolio to help you evidence your learning, reflections and competencies.

To find out more, click on the ACCEND tab.

9:30
Registration, instructions and networking
10:00
Course leader welcome and introductions
Dr Anna Olsson-Brown, Consultant in Medical Oncology and Clinical Director for Clinical Cancer Care, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Understanding the principles of IO
10:10
Exploring the basic principles, application and benefits of immunotherapies
  • Navigating the different types of immunotherapies available on the NHS
  • Exploring where and when IO is used in treatment
  • Understanding the benefits of immunotherapies for patients
10:40
Questions and answers with your speakers
10:50
Interactive discussion: Improving patient outcomes through effective use of IO
  • Discuss your experience of immunotherapies to date
  • What benefits or advantages have you seen or would you expect to see for your patients?
  • Share your current IO challenges and how you are working to overcome them
11:20
Screen break
Recognising and managing adverse effects
11:30
Identifying and treating IO toxicities: what you need to know
  • Understanding why toxicities occur and which ones to look for in your patients
  • Utilising a toxicity tool for risk assessment and early recognition
  • Ensuring effective reporting and escalation pathways for toxicity to ensure timely management
12:00
Questions and answers with your speakers
12:10
Interactive discussion: Building confidence in identifying IO toxicities and when to escalate
  • In groups you will work through real-world examples to hone your tools and ensure you have the best possible practice in place to recognise and signpost adverse effects.
12:40
Lunch break
Supportive management for patients on IO
1:10
Understanding the role of immuno-suppressants: ensuring supportive management
  • Exploring when and how immune-suppressants are used to control adverse effects
  • Understanding the role of supportive management for patients on immunosuppressants
  • Case studies explored: minimising risks and improving outcomes
1:40
Questions and answers with your speaker
1:50
Interactive discussion: Developing your knowledge on immunosuppressants - in groups work through case-based examples and answer the following questions:
  • Identify when and how immunosuppressants should be introduced
  • Discuss supportive management strategies in order to reduce risk
  • Consider how to communicate risks and benefits
2:20
Screen break
Further development
2:30
Continuing your teams’ competencies and education
  • Guidance for maintaining your education and how to ensure sustained competency
  • Regular updates for your clinical practice: building your own CPD portfolio
  • Supporting your team with additional training requirements: signposting appropriate guidance
3:00
Questions and answers with your speaker
3:30
Interactive group discussion: reflection and action points explored
  • What will you take away from today that you can implement in your role and wider team?
  • How will you make the steps towards improving the assessment of IO toxicities in your service?
3:40
Closing remarks and close of course

Led by the expert in IO

Dr Anna Olsson-Brown

Consultant in Medical Oncology and Clinical Director for Clinical Cancer Care
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Biography

Supported by IOCN

With thanks to our conference supporter IOCN. 

The Immuno-Oncology Clinical Network was established in 2022 by Dr Anna Olsson-Brown and a team of trustees with a passion for improving the care of cancer patients receiving immunotherapy treatment. Dr Olsson-Brown recognised the need to build a multi-disciplinary and multi-specialty community to support healthcare professionals to manage the complexities of Immuno-Oncology treatments including the autoimmune side effects. The Immuno-Oncology Clinical Network applied for charitable status in Spring 2023.

Who came?

This course was designed for healthcare professionals who are new to immuno-oncology (IO) and support patients receiving cancer treatment within NHS services. We were joined by: 

  • SACT Nurses 
  • Clinical Fellows 
  • Pharmacists 
  • Healthcare Support Workers

Past attendee feedback

Course leader, Dr Anna Olsson-Brown, is a Consultant in Medical Oncology and Clinical Director for Clinical Cancer Care at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. She has extensive experience supporting NHS professionals to build practical, evidence-based confidence in immuno-oncology and the safe management of treatment-related toxicities. Take a look at what past attendees have taken away from her training: 

“Really knowledgeable study day, I have learnt some valuable information that I can share with my wider team”
- Spire Healthcare, Achieving Successful Assessments of Patients on Immuno-Oncology
“Very informative and learnt lots”
- South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust, Achieving Successful Assessments of Patients on Immuno-Oncology
“Very informative and tips provided on how to improve practice and own CPD”
- Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Achieving Successful Assessments of Patients on Immuno-Oncology
“Good – the breakout rooms ensured you stayed focused and encouraged good discussion”
- Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Achieving Successful Assessments of Patients on Immuno-Oncology
“I thoroughly enjoyed the course… discussion was informative and generated ideas for service development”
- Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Achieving Successful Assessments of Patients on Immuno-Oncology
“Really useful networking event with some clear take home messages”
- University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, Achieving Successful Assessments of Patients on Immuno-Oncology
“Extremely efficient study day… excellent speakers”
- Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, Achieving Successful Assessments of Patients on Immuno-Oncology
“Very well led day with good combination of breakout rooms and taught sessions”
- North Cumbria Integrated Care, Achieving Successful Assessments of Patients on Immuno-Oncology
“A great workshop!”
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Achieving Successful Assessments of Patients on Immuno-Oncology
“I have loved this opportunity… this has been perfect”
- Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, An Introduction to Immuno-Oncology in Practice

About the ACCEND Framework

The ACCEND Framework is designed to enhance cancer care by providing a structured approach to education and professional development for healthcare professionals.

  • It defines the essential Cancer Capabilities in Practice (CiPs) and offers a tailored educational structure to support progression at every stage of a cancer care career.
  • Launched in January 2023, the framework aims to transform career pathways and improve training and development opportunities across the cancer workforce.
  • It provides access to the education and training needed to meet role-specific competencies and includes dedicated resources for nurses, allied health professionals and those in cancer-related support roles.
  • The ACCEND Framework delivers a nationally agreed career and education structure underpinned by clearly defined capabilities in practice.

Map your learning

All Oncology National Networking Forum courses listed on the ACCEND Greater Manchester ePortfolio are fully aligned with the ACCEND Framework.

You can easily log your attendance and map your learning to the Cancer Capabilities in Practice (CiPs) through the ACCEND Greater Manchester ePortfolio.

To do this:

  • Register and log in to the Greater Manchester ePortfolio
  • Click ‘Add Entry’
  • Select 'Choose an item from the library'
  • Change the provider to Oncology National Networking Forums
  • Choose the relevant event you have attended (or plan to attend)

This tool offers a central space to track your professional development, reflections and achievements - supporting your ongoing career in cancer care.

Click here to access the Greater Manchester ePortfolio


Sponsorship engagement

Our role at SBK Healthcare is to bring industry together with healthcare professionals so that you can educate and inform your audience. These trail-blazing oncology delivery forums offer dedicated presentations, Q&A, networking and discussion time, each sponsor will be fully immersed into the event and able to effectively engage with your NHS audience.

Your event, managed by us

SBK Healthcare also provides in-house forums. Working closely with you as the client we can research, produce, market and deliver the conference or online forum that best suits the audience and meets your goals.

Reach out today

If you would like more information on our sponsorship options an in-house forum or if you wish to discuss your needs and what solutions may be appropriate for your business, please contact:

Vanessa Jarman
Contact: 01732 897788
Email: Vanessa.Jarman@sbk-healthcare.co.uk